Starting the voyage
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Spitsbergen Encounter
« All Akademik Sergey Vavilov cruise options
- Day 1 Embarkation Day - Longyearbyen
- Day 2 Krossfjorden and Ny Alesund
- Day 3 Raudfjorden
- Day 4 Hinlopenstretet and Alkefjelletapp Lee
- Day 5 Phippsoya – northernmost point
- Day 6 Liefdefjorden and Monacobreen
- Day 7 Fuglesangen and Smeergenburg
- Day 8 Poole Pynten, Prins Karls Forland
- Day 9 Disembark in Longyearbyen
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Triple Share | Twin Semi-Private | Twin Private | Superior | Shakleton Suite | One Ocean Suite | |
- Single Supplement: 1.5 for twin cabins and 2 for suites. Single supplement is not avaiable in the Triple cabin category.
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Embarkation Day - Longyearbyen
Embark the expedition cruise vessel, Akademik Sergey Vavilov, in Longyearbyen and sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. On board, meet for an introductory briefing and then adjourn to the dining room for your first meal aboard.
Day 2 Krossfjorden and Ny Alesund
The shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and species. Anchor off one small harbour and cruise the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier. As you cruise these waters keep alert for bearded and ringed seals, known to frequent this fjord. During the afternoon cross Kongsfjord from Krossfjorden to the town site of Ny Alesund, a former mining village and currently the world’s most northern community. Founded by the Kings Bay Kull Company A/S in 1916, Ny Alesund operated as a coal mine sporadically until coal mining was ended in 1962. Since then, the community has become the site of numerous international polar science institutes. Ny Alesund earned its place in aviation pioneering history as a jumping off place for North Pole aviation exploration. Notable pioneer aviators such as Zeppelin, Amundsen, Ellsworth, Byrd and Nobile all used Ny Alesund and the airship anchor pylon for Amundsen and Nobile is still in place today.
Day 3 Raudfjorden
Tucked into the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen, Ruadfjord offers an excellent place to hike, zodiac cruise and kayak. Whilst here search for reindeer ashore and ringed and bearded seals adrift. For those interested in tundra vegetation and especially wildflowers, there are select spots along the shoreline of this fjord offering excellent hiking and interpretation.
Day 4 Hinlopenstretet and Alkefjelletapp Lee
Dividing the eastern side of the Svalbard archipelago from the western side, Hinlopen Strait is full of wildlife. The water that flushes through this strait each day is rich in phyto- and zooplankton, nourishing the thick-billed murre colony at Aklefjellet on the western shore of Hinlopen Strait. More than 120,000 pairs of murres nest on these cliffs each summer. The water moving through Hinlopen Strait each day also brings the sea ice and our access into the area is dictated by the ice conditions of the day. Exploring the sea ice generally brings much closer contact with polar bears and your captain will work with our expedition team to maximise the viewing potential.
Day 5 Phippsoya – northernmost point
At 81 degrees north latitude, Phippsoya is only 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. Because of its proximity to the pack ice, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar bear viewing. Be sure to get up to the bridge and take a picture of the GPS showing your latitude or, better yet, take your own handheld GPS with you and mark in the waypoint.
Day 6 Liefdefjorden and Monacobreen
No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete without a visit to Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier). A wide glacier face at the head of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking and zodiac cruising. The coastal plain near the mouth of Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and is often a great place to spot polar bears.
Day 7 Fuglesangen and Smeergenburg
As your zodiac approaches the shore of Fuglesangenoya, it becomes apparent that there are thousands of birds nesting on this island. Home to a large dovekie colony, the formation of the island allows for excellent viewing without impacting upon the perimeter of the colony.
Just a few miles from Fuglesangen is the former whaling station of Smeerenburg, literally translated as Blubber Town. Hike the shoreline of this former whaling station, learning about the importance of whaling in the discovery and exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. A harsh industry in an equally harsh environment and as a testament to this whaling site all that is left is the blubber ovens.
Day 8 Poole Pynten, Prins Karls Forland
There is something about the sight and sound of a walrus haul out that spells Arctic like no other site can. Visit this well-known haul out on Prince Charles Island and hope to see the walrus ashore. Approaching from downwind can often confirm that the walrus are ashore as the odour of a haul out is without equal.
Day 9 Disembark in Longyearbyen
Come alongside in the morning and prepare to disembark following breakfast onboard your vessel.
Itinerary Notes
An important note regarding itinerary changes:Safety comes first and that means weather, ice, wildlife, political or other conditions may require the itinerary to be modified en route - half the intrigue of Polar exploring. In every expedition, each undertaking is a little different. It may mean certain shore excursions may be cancelled if conditions are not suitable but other fun things to do are always found. Polar exploring is not predictable which is one of the many reasons it is so special.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1700 for Antarctic Voyages, $2100 for Arctic Voyages, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more | Deposit |
| 89 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 110
The Akademik Sergey Vavilov (ON) is widely recognized as the best expedition-style cruise vessel operating in Polar waters. She's a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying up to 118 passengers, although normally carrying no more than 110 for extra comfort.
In terms of stability and speed, she is 'state of the art' and, while not luxurious, she's very comfortable and kept in top condition.
As a working scientific research vessel, the ship is the ideal platform from Antarctica travel and Arctic cruises. All the equipment needed for exploring, from zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear is provided on board. Your expedition ship even carries snowshoes.
The ship's facilities include a bar, gift shop, gymnasium, infirmary, library, lounge, presentation room, sauna and swimming pool. Also included onboard is an elevator for easy access between all decks.
For communications, the ship carries an Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. She has fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment. You will be in good hands aboard with your crew.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Share Bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared and there is a washbasin in the cabin, writing desk, porthole. |
 | Twin Semi-Private 1 lower berth, 1 sofa bed and semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Twin Private 1 sofa bed, 1 lower berth and private facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Superior 2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Shakleton Suite 1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows. |
 | One Ocean Suite 1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows. |
