14
112 568
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.
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our circumnavigation by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favourable, we will also attempt a circumnavigation of the whole Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colourful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to puffins, Purple sandpipers, Common eiders, Barnacle geese and Arctic terns, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (Thick-billed murres).Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic Polar bear is a constant activity for the Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are two of the bears’ preferred places for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
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.
12 nights on the shipExpedition cruising in comfortable conditions
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe 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.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
12 nights on the shipExpedition cruising in comfortable conditions
Travelling ConditionsThe 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.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 hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.Optional activitiesSea 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 ItinerariesAll 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
ConditionsPlease note that, as with all Polar holidays and voyages, the
booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard conditions. The
required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel arrangements
(minimum £1000 per person or equivalent in booking currency) 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. COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that as a condition of
travel on any of our Polar voyages, clients must be fully vaccinated against
COVID-19. Clients must provide proof of their vaccination status to Quark
staff before boarding the ship. For full terms and conditions please refer
to our Quark Book and Travel with Confidence Policy, found here:
https://www.exodus.co.uk/quark-book-and-travel-confidence If you have any
questions, please contact our specialist Polar sales team on 020 8003 9957 or
at polar@exodus.co.uk for further details.
OCEAN ADVENTURERThe Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Island, Big Adventure is offered on the Ocean
Adventurer which is a Polar Adventure Ship. 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. Polar
Adventure ShipsThese 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 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.
OCEAN ADVENTURER[[{"fid":"153716","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"height":"340","width":"959","class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]The Ocean Adventurer is a comfortable
vessel with spacious cabins, which all have private bathroom facilities and
exterior views. Designed to carry travellers in comfort to the most remote
corners of the world, Ocean Adventurer was built in 1976, and underwent
extensive upgrades in 2017. This multi-million dollar investment included
renovations to the interior of the ship, significant technical upgrades, and
the addition of a new cabin category, the Owner’s Suites. The refurbishment
gave the ship new bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Lounge,
Dining Room, gym, and suites. Technical enhancements – including two new
engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers –
resulted in increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon
footprint. [caption caption="Lower Deck Twin - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Deluxe Cabin - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Dining Room - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption][caption caption="Main Lounge - Ocean
Adventurer"][/caption]Cabin Class:TRIPLE: From 145 sq. ft. (13.5 sq. m), a
Triple Cabin is equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located
on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior
views.LOWER DECK TWIN: From 115 sq. ft. (11 sq. m), a Lower Deck Twin Cabin
is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private
facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.MAIN DECK TWIN PORTHOLE: From
115 sq. ft. (11 sq. m), a Main Deck Twin Porthole Cabin is equipped with two
lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a
porthole with exterior views.MAIN DECK TWIN WINDOW: From 115 sq. ft. (11 sq.
m), a Main Deck Twin Window Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located
on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a window with exterior
views.SUPERIOR: From 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m), a Superior Cabin is equipped
with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has
private facilities, and windows with exterior views.DELUXE: From 144 sq. ft.
(13 sq. m), a Deluxe Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the
Captain’s Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior
views.SUITE: From 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Suite is equipped with one
double bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it
has windows with exterior views and private facilities.OWNER’S SUITE: From
208 sq. ft. (19 sq. m), an Owner’s Suite Cabin is equipped with one double
bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private
facilities, and windows with exterior views. Cabin 403 has a bathtub and
shower; other Owner’s Suites have showers.DECKPLAN:
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement (max of approx. 100),
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
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 MealsThe 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.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
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: 14 days starting and ending in OsloYour trip starts at
the airport hotel in Oslo in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary listed
below. Details of how to reach the start point are given in the Final Joining
Instructions.
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 them.
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 them.
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
photographs, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.Shoes
– Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
SwimsuitSunglassesBinocularsCamera, extra batteries, film or memory
cardsProtective sunscreenElectric converter with adapter plug setSmall
medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter medication
for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches and
seasicknessSnow 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.Shore expensesIn 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 insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsMandatory transfer package (including charter flights from Oslo
to Longyearbyen (2022) or Helsinki to Longyearbyen (2023) return) which is
from £900 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.