Ship: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Itinerary: Spitsbergen Explorer 2009
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Polar Bear found during a remote expedition cruise of the icy Arctic
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Longyearbyen |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Around Svalbard |
| Days 3-4 : | 14th of July Glacier |
| Days 5-6 : | Smeerenburg |
| Days 7-8 : | Moffen Island |
| Days 9-10 : | Bourbonhamna (Ahlstrandhalvoya)/ Barentsburgh |
| Day 11 : | Disembark / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
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- GUARANTEED NO FUEL SURCHARGE FOR CRUISES FROM APR 2009- MAR 2010
-Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.
- All of the Akademik Vavilov's departures include optional sea kayaking. Sea Kayaking Supplement is $795 per person for Antarctic voyages and $495 per person for Arctic voyages
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
-Sea Kayaking Supplement is $495 per person
This 11-day active adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. The aim of this expedition is to circumnavigate the coastline of the largest island in the group, Spitsbergen. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to sail magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.
Day 1 : Longyearbyen
You fly into Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island, the main settlement of Svalbard. Dependant on your airline schedule, you may have some time to visit the museums and investigate the shops of this town of a little over a thousand inhabitants. On Day 1 you will be met at Longyearbyen Airport or the Peregrine meeting point (Radisson Hotel) and transferred to the pier, in time to board your ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov at about 3:30pm. Once on board, we'll get together for introductions to the expedition team, learn a bit about the ship and its layout, talk about our itinerary, and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill.
We'll set sail from Longyearbyen around 6pm, heading north from Adventfjorden - the first of our fjords - into Isfjorden. During the night the Akademik Sergey Vavilov will pass the long island of Prins Karls Forland and then turn east into Kongsfjorden in the early hours. (D)
Day 2 : Around Svalbard
These days are spent exploring the coast and generally moving in a clockwise direction. Distances covered by the ship are not great, so much of the time will be available for shore excursions, sitting on the beach and just taking it all in, or being energetic and hiking, enjoying the wonderful wildlife, zodiac cruising and more. As mentioned, our itinerary will be very much determined by the location and movement of sea ice. (B,L,D)
Days 3-4 : 14th of July Glacier
Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the waters at its base. We’ll also visit Ny Alesund an international Arctic research station with a population of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings. (2B, 2L, 2D)
Days 5-6 : Smeerenburg
On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other remains of the whaling industry are still visible. (2B, 2L, 2D)
Days 7-8 : Moffen Island
The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that we plan to visit on this expedition. On previous visits we have spotted polar bear and Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus! (2B, 2L, 2D)
Days 9-10 : Bourbonhamna (Ahlstrandhalvoya)/ Barentsburgh
Beluga whales often transit the narrow Sound near Bourbonhamna. The adults are pure white and the younger animals a mottled grey colour. They are the only whales that can articulate their heads to nod and turn sideways. It’s estimated that there are approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard population. The beluga has no dorsal fin, which is a diagnostic feature of other whale species that live in the high Arctic, like the narwhal and bowhead. Since a dorsal fin could be damaged when the animal surfaces in areas with ice, it has been postulated that the lack of dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently covered by ice.
We’ll search for the belugas, and then hope to go ashore to Bourbonhamna. A hunter’s cabin, grinding wheel and two overturned boats are points of interest a short walk away at Ingebrigstenbukta. However, it’s the massive piles of beluga whalebones that catch everybody’s attention. The bones and all the artefacts are protected by the Svalbard Government and can’t be removed. While wandering amongst these bone relics, we may also expect to glimpse dozens of reindeer in the area. (2B, 2L, 2D)
Day 11 : Disembark / Return Home
We arrive back into Longbearbyen early this morning and, on disembarking the ship after breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for flights home. (B)
Ship Description: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
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Widely regarded as the finest expedition ship operating in Polar waters, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov offers a high level of comfort - in her appointment, stability and strength.
As a working scientific research vessel, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov forms the ideal platform from which to explore during your Polar travels. Including all the equipments needed for exploring, from Zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear, even snowshoes.
The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying up to 110 passengers. In terms of stability and speed, she is 'state of the art' and, while not luxurious, she's very comfortable and kept in top condition.
All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) or private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna and plunge pool - a great place to relax after your shore excursions. In addition, there is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include an exercise room, gift shop and laundry.
Main Deck TripleBunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared and there are 2 Portholes. There are 2 cabins in this category. |
Main Deck TwinBunk beds and shared facilities. Portholes. There are 11 cabins in this category. |
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Upper Deck Twin One lower berth and one sofa bed and semi-private facilities (one bathroom between two cabins). Porthole Windows. There are 12 cabins in this category. |
Twin Private A typical superior twin cabin arrangement. One lower berth, one sofa bed, and private facilities. Windows. There are 18 cabins in this category. |
Superior2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Windows. There are 5 cabins in this category |
Peregrine SuiteThe Peregrine Suite is one of our fine premium cabins. 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, and private facilities. Windows. There are 5 cabins in this category. |
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Cook Suite The Cook Suite is our finest premium cabin. 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, and private facilities. Windows. There is 1 cabin in this category. |
