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Our Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As theship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. The expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From Polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting Polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (Thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is unique Arctic wildlife, a Polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.
The time to say goodbye has come. Our Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
* 8 nights on the ship
* Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
*Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
* Lunch:* Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
*Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice
of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and
coffee.
* 8 nights on the ship
* Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
*Travelling Conditions*
The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of
circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and
particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed
and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts,
on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world.
The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet / mud room in which
to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.
On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the
potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed
appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of
landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped
to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land
(wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no
paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep
snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna
and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.
*Optional activities*
*Sea kayaking option:*
Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring
ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we
visit.
Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we
guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides
will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.
Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking
experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
*Paddling Excursion: *
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak.
No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you
to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking
landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you
want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter
excursion is for you.
Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time
experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for
1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All
equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
*Polar Itineraries*
All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only - it is possible
that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and
ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing
regulations or the expert opinion of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments
to the route published.
*Booking Conditions*
Please note that the booking conditions for this trip differ from our
standard conditions.
As with all Polar holidays and voyages, the required deposit is 20% per
person of your selected travel arrangements (minimum £1000 per person or
equivalent) and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be
paid at least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is
non-refundable, and at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation
penalties are 100% of the holiday cost.
Polar Adventure Ship
The *Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of
Svalbard* voyage is offered on the *Ocean Adventurer *and the*
Ultramarine* which are Polar Adventure Ships. One night in a standard hotel
in Oslo is included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a
twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.
Please visit the Polar Fleet page [1] for Ship Information and Deck Plans.
*Polar Adventure Ships*
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate
adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff,
so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to
keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking,
kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about
accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the
technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure
Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the
Poles.
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The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed,
intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to
facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction
with our partners Quark Expeditions and Exodus participants will join an
international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus.
Occasionally some of these may be younger than 18 years old, the Exodus'
stated minimum age for this trip.
We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts, bringing a
diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology
and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew is Russian and have many
years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and
memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the housekeeping
crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff.
There is also a resident medical officer.
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
*Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
* Lunch:* Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
*Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice
of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and
coffee.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
*Travelling land only: 10 days starting and ending in Oslo*
Your trip starts at the airport hotel in Oslo in the afternoon of Day 1 of
the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are given in the Final
Joining Instructions.
Transfers are included for all clients arriving the day of or the day prior
to embarkation, provided you have provided your flight information to Exodus
in advance.
Spitsbergen has a short season from mid June to mid August; and there is 24
hour daylight in all three months. There may be more sea ice in the earlier
months and some more flowers, but in reality with the capricious nature of
the weather and wildlife there is not much to choose between different dates.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.
Parkas – We recommend one with a wind and waterproof shell - a
complimentary Quark Expeditions parka will be provided.
Trousers – Waterproof trousers or salopeltes are essential for Zodiac
travel as well as activities on shore.
Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of two pairs of
gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be worn underneath warm outer
gloves.
Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat or cap that covers your ears, as
well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs of socks to
wear inside the rubber boots.
Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or fleece jumpers and tops, plus several
turtlenecks for layering.
Underclothing – Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you
warm without adding bulk.
Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting photograph,
bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.
Shoes – Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera, extra batteries, film or memory cards
Protective sunscreen
Electric converter with adapter plug set
Small medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter
medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches
and seasickness
Snow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. You may require some
Norwegian Kroner before or after the trip while passing through Norway and
for use in Longyearbyen
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This
will include any drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for
which you have signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card
(Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars Traveller’s Cheques.
Please note: on the last evening, once your ship account has been settled,
credit card payments are no longer accepted. It is therefore advisable to
bring at least some US$ cash if you wish to purchase drinks from the bar or
any items from the on board shop at this time.
*Shore expenses*
In addition to funds for on-board expenses, it is possible to purchase
souvenirs in a few locations – mainly Longyearbyen – in the form of
books, t-shirts, stamps, post cards, good knitwear as well as any essential
polar clothing you may have forgotten. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
On a couple of shore excursions, which include visits to scientific stations
or small settlements, there may be the opportunity to buy and send postcards.
Cash in US dollars or Norwegian Kroner is fine for these small expenses.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated)
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Mandatory transfer package (including charter flights from Oslo to
Longyearbyen return) which is from £700 per person (or equivalent in
booking currency) paid upon booking
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.