Join the crew of the Rembrandt van Rijn and cruise along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen for a great chance of spotting Polar Bears. Sail into beautiful fjords found on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a fantastic destination with spectacular glaciers and home to Ringed and Bearded Seals. The shorelines and cliffs support thriving seabird colonies that in turn provide fertilizer that supports a surprisingly rich array of vegetation.
Highlights
Sail through Forlandsundet watching for walruses and harbor seals
Explore Raudfjord, a fjord with great glaciers and home to the bearded seal
Land on the northern-side of Reindyrsflya, the largest tundra in Spitsbergen
Tour Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanently inhabited village in the world
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After arriving in Longyearbyen, the ‘capital’ (actually the administrative center) of Spitsbergen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry, and polar exploration. In the afternoon sail to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Russian Pomor station.
Leave Trygghamna early in the morning, setting course for Alkhornet, a seabird cliff with a large colony of kittiwakes. Below the cliffs is a den with arctic foxes which scavenge off fallen eggs and chicks. Continue and sail through Forlandsundet, the sea passage that divides the island of Prins Karls Forland from the mainland, and hope to see walruses and harbor seals.
Today sail into Fuglefjorden with views on Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, and where there are breeding places for great skuas and good chances to see bears. In Birgerbukta find the blubber ovens of the Basques. Try to visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island which was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers. Follow their tracks to the summit of the island, passing excellent bird cliffs on the way. On shore the remains of 17th-century blubber ovens can be found, while arctic skua and common eider breed among the graves of 200 Dutch whalers.
Raudfjord on the north coast of Spitsbergen is a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is also a favorite fjord of ringed and bearded seal, has good seabird colonies, and offers good chances for spotting polar bear and beluga whales. Jermaktangen, at the fjord’s eastern entrance, is a geography lesson in the erosion of the land by the sea.
If sea-ice conditions allow, land on the northern-side of Reindyrsflya, the largest tundra area of Spitsbergen. The vast undulating plain is a good grazing area for reindeer and several species of waders also breed here. The area’s lakes offer good chances of spotting red-throated diver and king eider.
In the morning, land at Fuglesangen, where you can sit near the little auks. Sailing southwards, visit Magdalenafjorden, one of the most beautiful places on Spitsbergen, with many impressive glacier faces. During a shore visit view the remains of 17th-century English whaling activities. Also visit some big seabird colonies - particularly noteworthy are the colony of little auks.
Today visit Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanently inhabited village in the world, a center for polar research and a former starting point for many North Pole expeditions (Amundsen and Nobile for example). Barnacle goose, pink-footed goose, common eider, arctic tern and several species of wader can be seen at close quarters. The reindeer here are smaller than their mainland relatives and do not form large herds.
In the morning sail from Ny Ålesund to the 14th of July Glacier where you cruise in zodiacs. Not far from the glacier, see a breeding site for Brünnich’s guillemot, auk and puffin. The guano of these bird colonies, combined with the southward exposure and the sheltered situation, give rise to relatively rich vegetation with many species of flowering plants.
Heading south, your ship attempts a landing on the coast of the Forlandsundet at Engelsbukta or Sarstangen, where walruses are often hauled out. The tundra offers some great walking in a beautiful setting.
Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the Rembrant van Rijn and depart by scheduled flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,450
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Triple Private Porthole
Main deck, upper and lower berths, private bath facilities and porthole.
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Twin Private Inside
Lower deck, upper and lower berths, inside cabins with private bath facilities.
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Twin Private Porthole
Lower deck, upper and lower berths or two lower berths, private bath facilities and porthole.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Children between the ages of 3-15 receive a 40% discount in triple cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Rembrandt Van Rijn - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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