Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge Best of Svalbard

Arctic

Participate in polar bear photo-safari cruise in continuous Arctic daylight. Discover seals and whales amongst the Arctic pack ice as we explore far above the Arctic Circle – only 600 miles from the North Pole. The mountains of Svalbard provide a continuous, spectacular backdrop and the expedition reaches all the way to seldom-visited, glacier capped White Island. All this in exclusive comfort on board the luxurious M/V Sea Spirit

Spectacular coasts, fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen
Reach the Polar pack ice of the North and Northeast coast
Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus and seals
Huge concentrations of birdlife
The luxury expedition vessel Sea Spirit

Översikt

Participate in polar bear photo-safari cruise in continuous Arctic daylight. Discover seals and whales amongst the Arctic pack ice as we explore far above the Arctic Circle – only 600 miles from the North Pole. The mountains of Svalbard provide a continuous, spectacular backdrop and the expedition reaches all the way to seldom-visited, glacier capped White Island. All this in exclusive comfort on board the luxurious M/V Sea Spirit

Day 1. Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of our expedition. After arriving via scheduled commercial flight service, you are free to explore this fascinating Arctic settlement. Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in the town center. Your hotel for the night has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. Day 2. Embarkation in Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Arctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail into a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through Isfjorden on our first evening is spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters. Days 3-9, 10 or 11: Exploration of West Spitsbergen This is a real expedition in a true High Arctic wilderness. As such, our route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic. Polar bears and other quintessential Arctic wildlife can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, to discover incredible scenery, and to walk in the footsteps of the historic polar expeditions that came before us. We anticipate exploring the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands in the northwestern part of Svalbard. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. On ice floes and on fast ice several species of seals watch vigilantly for polar bears. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales. The whole area is alive with migratory birds, including numerous rare species, taking advantage of summer’s fecundity in 24-hour daylight. Over it all presides the polar bear, monarch of the North. This wild corner of Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat: the pack ice. We take the ship as close as safely possible to the jumbled and broken edge of the polar ice cap, where polar bears stalk the frozen sea in search of seals. To complete the Arctic experience we also explore places rich with history. Our area of exploration contains the historical remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for historic attempts to discover the North Pole, and even an abandoned polar research station. Human habitation in this area can be found only at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements, complete with museum, gift shop, and post office. The days are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough stunning scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Day 10, 11 or 12. Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard After breakfast we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, where we started. We provide a transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Svalbard, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice! Note: Some departures are different durations. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary.

Inkluderad

1 pre-voyage hotel night;
Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation;
Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
Shipboard accommodation;
All scheduled landings/excursions (other than optional);
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
All meals on board throughout the voyage;
Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
A pair of rubber boots on loan for shore landings;
Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
All port fees;
Pre-departure materials;
Digital Voyage Log;
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US 100,000 per person (for those 85 years of age and younger).

Exkluderad

Airfare;
Visa and passport fees (if applicable);
Luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
Staff gratuities.
Special conditions: In case fuel price increases significantly fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings.

New Flexible Reservation Policy and Risk-Free Travel It’s a great time to plan your next polar adventure, and our new flexible booking policy makes it easy and risk-free. Valid for all Sea Spirit reservations made by March 31, 2021 for any Arctic or Antarctic voyage as outlined below.*

A reduced deposit of just 10% is required by the end of the seven-day option period to confirm the reservation.
Any time up to 30 days before the departure, you can transfer your booking to any future Sea Spirit cruise.**
From 29 to one day before the departure, you can transfer your booking to any future Poseidon cruise for a valid COVID-related reason. Proof of the COVID-related reason is required.**

* This Flexible Reservation Policy is valid for any Sea Spirit reservation for any 2021 Arctic or Oct. 2021-Feb. 22 Antarctic departure. Please note that cancellation & refund policies for “Flexible Reservations” are slightly different from the normal Terms & Conditions in that any new reservation canceled from 119 to 91 days prior to departure is subject to just 10% cancellation fee rather than the usual 20%.

“Flexible Reservation” transfers are reserved for those bookings

where final payment has been made 90 days before departure in case transfer is made less than 90 days prior to the departure. NB: When transferring the booking according to our Flexible Reservation Policy, the rate of the new cruise is to be applied. Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Reservations cancelled more than 120 days prior to departure are subject to a USD 750 per person cancellation fee (or equivalent currency). Reservations cancelled from 119 to 91 days prior to departure are subject to 20% per person cancellation fee. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Poseidon Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.