Svalbard Expedition: M/S Origo

Svalbard

Join this exclusive small ship charter navigating through the Svalbard wilderness and icy waters of the High Arctic. We focus on photographic opportunities but just as suited for anyone interested in wildlife experiences. The guides aboard the small vessel MS Origo are Norwegian and Swedish, with years of experience hiking and exploring the Norwegian landscape and Svalbard nature. We focus on seeing all the different wildlife around Svalbard at this time of the year, among them of course are polar bears, blue whales, walruses and seals. Landscapes and scenery is also outstanding

Exploration of the Svalbard Archipelago
Expert Svalbard guides
Arctic wildlife such as walrus and polar bears
Impressive seabird cliffs
Spectacular glaciers and towering mountains
Zodiac cruising, hiking and photography opportunities

In mid summer a lot of the snow has melted, but still areas covered by drift ice is left around Svalbard. By early autumn we start to have sunsets and sunrises. A lot of the snow and ice has melted, but still areas covered by drift ice is left around Svalbard. Polar bears, walruses, whales, seals and diverse birdlife are on the move making for great opportunities to see Svalbard wildlife during this time of year. The guides and travel leaders know how to handle the constantly changing weather, drifting ice conditions and wildlife on the move, 24 hours a day. Every day is different, every year is different, and the High Arctic nature is in constant change.

Stewart's Take

An unique, micro-ship adventure to Svalbard in the company of wildlife and photo experts

Overview

Join this exclusive small ship charter navigating through the Svalbard wilderness and icy waters of the High Arctic. We focus on photographic opportunities but just as suited for anyone interested in wildlife experiences. The guides aboard the small vessel MS Origo are Norwegian and Swedish, with years of experience hiking and exploring the Norwegian landscape and Svalbard nature. We focus on seeing all the different wildlife around Svalbard at this time of the year, among them of course are polar bears, blue whales, walruses and seals. Landscapes and scenery is also outstanding.

Svalbard is situated at about 80 degrees north, so we schedule the expedition in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. The map on this page shows the estimated route for this expedition. Even if it normally will be some changes in the planned itinerary this route cover the main areas we will visit. In August the drift ice edge can be situated further north and usually we spend time there searching for mainly Polar Bears. Day 0 - arrive Longyearbyen We always recommend to arrive Longyearbyen at least one day and night in advance. Day 1 - embark vessel in Longyearbyen Departure from Longyearbyen throughout Isfjorden. Heading north to the drifting ice. Days 2-9 (or 10) - exploring Svalbard Archipelago Looking for wildlife around Sjuøyane and up in the drifting ice. Visiting Storøya, or even Kvitøya far east, if the weather is good. Depending on the ice conditions and weather we will choose the route for this Svalbard photo expedition. It will be varying from year to year and the ice conditions is the most important consideration we do before deciding where to go. Day 10 (or 11) - disembark Longyearbyen Leaving the ship after breakfast and prepare the travel home. Notes Some departures are 10 days and a day longer. The route illustrated in the map on this page is just a estimate for where we will sail. It probably will be changed depending on the ice conditions. Maybe we have to sail much further to the north to reach the ice.

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Expedition Vessel: M/S Origo

The M/S Origo, built in 1955 in Stockholm, Sweden, has sailed in Svalbard every summer since 1991. She is an ice-strengthened ship in accordance with Lloyd’s highest class. She is the ideal vessel for a small group that wants to experience the Arctic first-hand. Low and large decks, experienced crew and staff, 2 Zodiacs, and much more - all ensure that nature comes first and is never far away. All meals, coffee and tea, regular housekeeping, comfortable cabins, informal but professional approach, and much more - all ensure that life on board is pleasant and personal.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Voyage aboard as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage
Programmed lectures and leadership by experienced staff
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the voyage
Pre-departure material.

Excluded

Any airfares, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre and post land arrangements
Transfers to/from the vessel, passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar beverage charges and telecommunication charges
Customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payments Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less the deposit. If cancellation occurs less than 90 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. 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 Arctic Wildlife Tours 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.

Tour Dossier

Svalbard Expedition: M/S Origo

A boutique wildlife and photography Svalbard expedition on board an ice-strengthened micro ship, with just 12 passenger to maximise your wildlife expe

File Creation date: 2023-06-07 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/svalbard-expedition-ms-origo_96