   
SPITSBERGEN CRUISE
SHIP: MV Polar Bear CRUISE LINE:
Remote, mysterious and extreme, the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen is
the European doorway into the high Arctic. Part of the Svalbard
archipelago, it is a land forged by ice and wind, ocean and snow, and by
the endless days and endless nights of the polar seasons. Barely
populated and virtually bereft of roads, the only way to experience the
mysterious Spitsbergen is from the sea.
The dramatic and remote regions of Spitsbergen are the setting for
a fabulous cruise itinerary offered by Norwegian Coastal Voyages.
Featured on ITV1 on Christmas day the MV Polar Bear took Chris Tarrant
in search of Polar Bears. The cruise takes place throughout the
summer months when the sun doesn't set and during 2004 and 2005 there
where Polar Bear sightings on every voyage. Even when these
fascinating creatures are not in view the scenery is spectacular with
glaciers, fjords and other wildlife.
The beautiful Svalbard archipelago is host to over 170 species of
plant, 110 types of migratory birds, and a mammal population that
includes reindeer, walrus, seal, arctic fox, whale and the majestic
polar bear. Informative talks and lectures in the ship’s panoramic
lounge will allow us to learn about the natural environment, geology,
wildlife and exciting polar heritage as we sail. The further north and
east that we sail, the more ice we will meet, and this ice will
gradually build up into large ice floes with seals resting on them.
Deep within the Arctic Circle, we see lonely Nordaustlandet – the
second-largest island in the archipelago – before heading down Hinlopen
Strait, lined by fjords and tundra. We may also visit Vibebukta and the
125 miles wide ice sheet of the Austfonna Glacier. Our aim is to sail to
the remote polar regions in order to experience the Arctic wilderness,
drift ice, flora and fauna. This is very much the kingdom of the polar
bear, and there is a very good chance to see large males as well as
mothers and their cubs. With the dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords,
enchanting drift ice and rugged backdrop of the snow-capped landscape
this trip is a voyage to the extremes of the earth.
The MV Polar Bear is one of the most comfortable ice breaking
ships available to explore this polar region and gets to places many
ships cannot get to due to her ice breaking capabilities.
If you have a taste for adventure or are inspired by Chris
Tarrant's journey then call today on
SAILING DATES:
Between 15 June and 10 August 2006
FROM £3,480pp
ITINERARY:
| Day 1 |
Fly to Longyearbyen |
| Day 2 |
Icefjord Barentsburg |
| Day 3 |
Ny–Ålesund Magdalenefjord
Smeerenburgfjord |
| Day 4 - 7 |
Round the top of
Spitsbergen, crossing
the 80th parallel,
before exploring fjords,
glaciers and icebergs.
From here our itinerary
is based on local sea
and ice conditions at
the time, with regular
landings and Zodiac
excursions. We will
explore remote
locations, seek out
Arctic wildlife –
including polar bears –
and have the chance to
learn more about the
heritage of this
fascinating region. If
conditions allow, we may
circumnavigate the
island of Spitsbergen,
visit Nordaustlandet,
Wahlenburgfjord,
Murchisonfjord, and
possibly voyage as far
as Edgeøya and Sørkapp
(Southern Cape). |
| Day 8 |
Icefjord |
| Day 9 |
Fly from Longyearbyen |
To Book Call 0870 429 8585
or email
HERE
Prices per person sharing a standard inside cabin and is
subject to availability. - when it's gone it's gone.
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