Spizbergen Explorer

11 Days from $5,890

This 11-day active adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. The aim of this expedition is to circumnavigate the coastline of the largest island in the group, Spitsbergen. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to sail magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.

There is a photography focus on the July 24, 2010, departure aboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov. Award winning wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein will be the special guest.

Itinerary: Day 1 Embarkation: Longyearbyen Days 2 - 4 Western Spitsbergen Days 5 - 8 Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Thousand Islands Days 9 - 10 Bournbonhamna Day 11 Disembarkation: Longyearbyen

Shipboard Accommodation: The Akademik Ioffe was Scandinavian built for the Russian Academy of Science and designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. The ship is exceptionally stable, yet maneuverable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Ioffe has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov was Scandinavian built for the Russian Academy of Science, this ship was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. The ship is exceptionally stable, yet manoeuvrable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Sergey Vavilov has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.

Arctic 1020 Polar Adventure Ship Expeditions to Spitsbergen only include:

• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
• All shore landings per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Album on DVD, documenting the voyage.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• A Quark Expeditions parka – yours to keep.
• Coffee, tea ,cocoa available around the clock.
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All luggage handling aboard ship.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
• For all voyages embarking in Svalbard – If arrival is after noon the day prior to embarkation, group transfer to a hotel, then on the day of embarkation from hotel to the ship.
• If arrival is on the day of embarkation, group transfer to the town of Longyearbyen for independent exploration, then at 16:00 (4 PM) local time, a group transfer from a pre-arranged location to the ship.(Luggage will be delivered to the ship directly from the airport.)
• On the day of disembarkation, group transfer from the ship to the airport.