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Arctic village

Expedition Spitsbergen

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Silver Explorer
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Svalbard showcases the earth’s northern limits at their most impressive. Traversing this archipelago is a treat for any intrepid traveler, and this Arctic cruise brings forth its most spellbinding facets. This region teems with vast ice fields, towering icebergs, massive glaciers and a variety of wildlife including the mighty polar bear.
Silver Explorer zodiac expedition.Walking through vast arctic landscapes. Silver ExplorerPhotograph the blue waters reflecting off the glacial formationsArctic village
Highlights
  • Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of glaciers and icebergs
  • Search for Polar Bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic Fox, and Bearded Seal
  • Watch for whales including Minke and Beluga
  • Observe birds such as eiders, terns, skuas, sandpipers, auks and puffins
  • Enjoy Zodiac cruises among remote bird cliffs
  • Discover ruins of long-defunct whaling operations
  • Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Departing from Oslo, fly to Longyearbyen and embark the Silver Explorer for your exciting 8-day expedition – Expedition Spitsbergen. You will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a Zodiac briefing as well as an Arctic regulations refresher course that outlines the environmental policies all must adhere to in order to enjoy the privilege of visiting this pristine region at the top of the world. Tonight you are invited to familiarize yourself with the elegant Silver Explorer, meet some of your fellow travelers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Day 2-7: Cruise & Explore Svalbard

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Embark on a journey along an expansive archipelago of the Arctic Ocean woven between the North Pole and Norway. Svalbard is one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. The goal on this voyage is to explore the western sections of Svalbard’s breathtaking and the dramatic Spitsbergen. Once there, locate wildlife and spend the maximum amount of time possible hiking on the tundra. Spitsbergen is home to approximately 5,000 polar bears and you can hope to encounter a good number of them during your trip. Travel along the same routes as famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Nordenskiöld, Amundsen and Nobile. Get to know the indigenous reindeer, trek along beaches where groups of walrus are hauled out along the shoreline, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be your constant companions as you admire their playfulness and grace. You might encounter a few whales. A variety of known species frequent the area, in particular the Minke and Beluga. A flexible itinerary allows you to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions. Search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring you up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs. Each day your Expedition Leader and Captain will determine the best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. In the true spirit of adventure cruising, your Expedition Leader will provide daily updates. Here is a list of places you may visit: Hornsund – This is the southernmost fjord on the rugged west coast of Spitsbergen Island. Jagged mountain peaks tower above glacier-filled bays. Listen for the crash of white thunder as huge chunks of ice fall into the fjord. Amidst floating icebergs jewels, watch for bearded seals, the rare Beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sightings are fairly common as the polar bear’s favorite food, the Ringed seal, breeds in the fjord. The surrounding bird cliffs are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little auks. You may visit the Polish research station or the remains of whaling stations and trappers’ huts. Danskøya Island – Rove across a small island off the northwest corner of Spitsbergen that is scattered with remnants of an ill-fated attempt by three Swedes to fly a balloon to the North Pole. The balloon went down because of icing, just 240 miles (386 km) north of the island. Smeerenburg – This island’s name literally means “Blubber Town” in Dutch. Ruins of some of the island’s earliest settlers, Dutch whalers, are preserved at Norway’s North-West Spitsbergen National Park. Prins Karls Forland – Off the west coast of Spitsbergen, encounter the island home of Forland National Park with craggy mountains, massive glaciers and remarkable wildlife. The entire island and the surrounding seas make up Forland National Park. Members of the Expedition Team takes you ashore at Poolypnten, a well-known walrus haul out, where your marine biologist explains the habits and habitat of these amazing creatures. Kongfjord or Kings Bay – Cutting into the west coast of Spitsbergen and reaching inland about 15 miles (24 kilometers) and spanning up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide, Kongfjord is a splendid place to behold. Together with your on board geologist, explore its complicated geological formations and visit the 14th of July glacier. Hope to land at Blomstrand, a name not referring to a flower-covered beach, but rather in memory of a Swedish chemist. Magdalenafjord – This majestic fjord is normally accessible year-round because of the influence of the West Spitsbergen Current or Gulf Stream. Landing via Zodiac, discover the alluring fjord and search for wildlife. Ice Cruising – With the strengthened hull of the Silver Explorer, you have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as your team devotes at least one day to exploring the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, your Expedition Leader may choose to take you out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.

Day 8: Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive at Longyearbyen in the early morning. Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer and transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo. Overnight in Oslo on your own before your return flight home.

Ship/Hotel

Silver Explorer

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,750
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Adventurer Class
6 cabins on Deck 3, 180 sq. feet, Twin or Queen beds, 2 portholes.
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Explorer Class
4 cabins on Deck 4, Twin or Queen beds, 180 sq. feet with view window.
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View Suite
12 suites on Deck 3, 230 sq. feet with view window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Vista Suite
16 suites on Deck 4, 194 - 230 sq. feet with large window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Veranda Suite
8 suites on Deck 5, 215 sq. feet with French balcony, Twin or Queen beds.
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Medallion Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 358 sq. feet with private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Silver Suite
6 suites on Deck 5, 430 sq. feet with 2 French balconies, Twin or Queen beds.
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Grand Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 650 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Owner
2 suites on Deck 7, 540 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.

Notes

Please note: Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are in US dollars, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy.

- The supplement for single occupancy in a Vista, Veranda or Midship Veranda Suite ranges from 25% – 100% above the double occupancy fare, depending upon the sailing and suite selected. Single supplement for a Silver or Medallion Suite (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper), Owner’s, Grand or Royal Suites are 100% above of the double occupancy fare. Suites for single and third guests are capacity controlled.
Included
  • 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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