trip specifics

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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. 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.

The huge bird cliffs along the Spitsbergen coasts are a major attraction. Spitsbergen is a breeding ground for large numbers of guillemots such as the Brunnich's and the Black Guillemot. Other bird species such as Atlantic Puffin, Little Auk, Northern Fulmar and kittiwake can also be found on or around the cliffs, while the Arctic Tern, Ringed Plover, Purple Sandpiper and four species of skua prefer the tundra.

Day 1 - Embarkation: Longyearbyen
The islands of Svalbard, including the largest, Spitsbergen, are glacier-topped mountains that rise from Arctic waters sprinkled with ice floes. Your first view will be from the air as you fly into Longyearbyen to embark.

Accommodations: Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Day 2-4 - Western Spitsbergen
This expedition’s goal is to explore the largest island in the archipelago, Spitsbergen, but we may visit some lesser islands if conditions permit. We’ll be sailing in a clockwise direction, hoisting our Zodiacs over the side for cruising or shore explorations from time to time.On the west coast of Spitbergen, we'll cruise in Zodiacs, near a magnificent ice cliff, the 14th of July Glacier. We'll also visit Ny Alesund, an international Arctic research station. Birders should add to their life list, as this is a known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.

Accommodations: Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Day 5-8 - Smeerenburg
At Smeerenburg, we'll visit relics of the whaling industry, blubber ovens and whalebones. A tour of the former whaling station recounts the Dutch and Basque influences on the local community, which relied on the harvesting of bowhead whales for survival.

Phippsoya-
The temperature drops as we continue northward, crossing 80° N, 965 km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Polar bear and walrus are known to inhabit the waters around this small archipelago, the most northerly in Svalbard!

Thousand Islands-
Norway's Arctic Islands of Svalbard are so numerous that certain areas within the archipelago have names that reflect the profusion, Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) for example. We'll go ashore on Aekongen to seek Red-throated Divers and a whale skeleton.

Accommodations: Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Day 9-10 - Bourbonhamna
There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As we explore, you can expect to hike through geological formations five hundred million to a billion years old. Our Expedition Team will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. We’ll be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The “white whales” are the only whales able to nod and turn their heads sideways.The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is also a favored route of beluga whales. We'll search for the white whales before going ashore, where we'll learn about hunting and whaling.

Accommodations: Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Day 11 - Longyearbyen - Disembarkation
We'll transfer you from the ship to the airport for your flight home. Those who wish to extend their stay will be dropped at the Radisson Hotel on the way.

Accommodations: Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only. As this is an expedition to a remote part of the world, our exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates: Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to adjust our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if full payment has been previously received.

Single Travelers: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will not be penalized. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate on the Shokalskiy, Ioffe, Vavilov, and 1.8 times the twin rate on the Maryshev, Molchanov, Multanovskiy, Antarctic Dream and Mikheev.

Minimum Age for Children: 12 years

Land Cost Includes: Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced Expedition Leaders and staff, including shore landings; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit; A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings (only on: Shokalskiy, Ioffe, Vavilov; An expedition parka that is yours to keep (ONLY on the Shokalskiy); Hair dryer in every cabin; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; Fuel surcharge of $15 per person per night on: Maryshev, Molchanov, Multanovskiy, Micheev, and Antarctic Dream; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; Rubber boots on all other vessels not specifically listed above; baggage, Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Arrival and Departure: When considering flights for your Spitsbergen Explorer cruise plan to arrive Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR) at any time on day 1. Plan flights to depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. Get a free flight quote.

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $1,000 or 10% of the total per person is required to confirm a reservation on an Arctic Adventure Ship voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment due 120 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
150 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person.
Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited.
Between 89-60 days, per person all deposits and tariffs are forfeited.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Vessel Descriptions: Click vessel links above for individual vessel descriptions.
Vessels accommodate between 46 - 110 passengers and have ice-strengthened hulls designed specifically for polar travel.

Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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