The walk to Bamsebu For me, learning the seven continents was easy. Learning the countries that reside within their borders was more difficult. Learning the landmasses which are neither continent nor country, however, was often downright impossible. So was the case with Svalbard – an Arctic archipelago halfway between Norway and the North Pole. If you’re anything like myself, you’ll have needed to pull out a world atlas or searched “Svalbard” on Googlemaps before gaining any sense of comprehension of its place in the world. Even then, merely knowing where it is located pales in comparison to knowing the dramatic landscapes and sense of wonder that one can find there.
I’ll admit that as a child, teenager, and even young adult, the world Arctic meant little more than icy, barren wasteland in my mind. I imagined that the Arctic, and everything it encompasses, was a giant sheet of ice. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Svalbard was a dream from which I never wanted to wake. Far from the lifeless, frozen expanse I had spent my lifetime picturing, Svalbard dazzled me with its jagged mountains, vivid green tundra, advancing glaciers (yes, you read that correctly), and icebergs so blue they might have been sculpted with kool-aid rather than water. Giddy each morning and full of anticipation every night, I constantly had to stop and remind myself that Svalbard was real – that I hadn’t fallen through Alice’s looking-glass and into my own Wonderland – which ironically would have looked exactly the same.
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.
Lynda Wallach
1 week ago
It is so easy to book trips, the staff is very friendly and helpful and they respond to any and all questions
Lorretta
1 week ago
Mary was super helpful and patient. Answered every question and with candor (answers of “Everything’s equally great” aren’t helpful! 😎).
TMort
1 week ago
The trip planner I worked with, Jane, was excellent. She had travelled to Antarctica twice and was the voice of experience as she explained travel options to me. I've travelled internationally for many years for many years for business and pleasure including a number of adventure trips. It is a delight to work with such an experienced planner. I've used Adventure Life for three trips, Costa Rica, Galapagos and upcoming, Antarctica. I highly recommend them.
Chuck Snavely
2 weeks ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.