Polar Encounters - a Spitsbergen Arctic Voyage
This 4-night voyage of Spitsbergen and the Svalbard Archipelago navigates northbound from Longyearbyen to remote Moffen Island, taking in fjords, glaciers and Arctic settlements from the comfort of MS Fram
Known as the ‘land of the cold coasts’, Svalbard is rich in wildlife and dramatic scenery. Watch in awe as we sail through the bays and channels of this starkly beautiful outreach of Northern Europe. Arctic fox, reindeer, seal and walrus abound, and there is an excellent chance of spotting whales, as well as the solitary overlord of these Arctic regions, the polar bear.
Our journey begins in Spitsbergen’s capital, Longyearbyen, once a coal mining settlement, but now a major centre for polar research. We will find out about the history of the area and life on the island today before embarking MS Fram. After sailing to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, we reach the north-west corner of Spitsbergen. Passing magnificent glaciers, including the stunning Monaco Glacier and the ‘seven icebergs’, we travel beyond 80 degrees north and enter a world of ice sculptures and towering granite mountains.
As fierce as the wastes and weather, the polar bear is the sole king of this realm who shares this distant, beautiful wilderness with any number of kittiwakes, seals, Arctic foxes, whales and walruses. There are estimated to be some 3,000 polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago. Magnificent and solitary, these animals grow to a staggering 700kg and there is every chance that we will come across one of these awe-inspiring beasts as we cruise through the ice floes. There are also estimated to be more than 110 types of migratory birds here and our on board team of experts will ensure that we get the best out of our wildlife viewing.
After visiting Moffen Island, where we enter the realm of the walrus, we sail on to Kongsfjorden. We will also explore the glacier walls, and see the towering ramparts of blues and turquoise that constantly roar as they calve into the frozen waters below. Finally we travel to Ny-Ålesund, the most northerly, permanently-inhabited settlement on earth, with a rich history in polar exploration and the world’s most northerly post office.
More information about MS Fram
N421: Cruise Departure Dates 2011
Jul 28, 31; Aug 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
N421: Polar Encounters - a Spitsbergen Arctic Voyage 2011£ price per person
The cruise price includes
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board
- Current fuel surcharge and transfers
- Suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board.
- Return flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Wind and waterproof jacket
The cruise price does not include
- International flights (see price panel)
