E-mail a friendShip: Akademik Shokalskiy
Itinerary: Spitsbergen Total Solar Eclipse
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Massive ice formationsPhoto by: Claudio Suter
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Embarkation: Longyearbyen |
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| Day 2 : | Around Svalbard |
| Day 3 : | 14th of July Glacier |
| Day 4 : | Smeerenburg |
| Days 5-6 : | Svalbard |
| Days 7-8 : | Total Solar Eclipse |
| Days 9-10 : | Bourbonhamna |
| Day 11 : | Longyearbyen |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Arctic, Svalbard Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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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 explore the coastline of the largest island in the group, Spitsbergen, while positioning the ship to view a total solar eclipse. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to explore 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 : Embarkation: Longyearbyen
This small community of 1,000 souls is the largest community in the Svalbard islands. Please arrive in the morning as embarkation is in the early afternoon.
Day 2 : Around Svalbard
This expedition’s goal is to explore the largest island in the archipelago, Spitsbergen, but we may visit some lesser islands if conditions permit. We’ll be sailing in a clockwise direction, hoisting our Zodiacs over the side for cruising or shore explorations from time to time.
Day 3 : 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.
Day 4 : 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.
Days 5-6 : Svalbard
As the focus of this expedition is to view the total solar eclipse where you will land or cruise in Zodiacs will depend on local conditions.
Days 7-8 : Total Solar Eclipse
The solar eclipse will occur August 1, 2008. This portion of the expedition may change as the Expedition Leader cooperates with the Captain to position the ship for the best possible viewing. We are planning to position the ship north of Kvitoya Island as close as possible to the umbra of the solar eclipse.
Days 9-10 : Bourbonhamna
There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As we explore, you can expect to hike through geological formations five hundred million to a billion years old. Our Expedition Team will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. We’ll be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The “white whales” are the only whales able to nod and turn their heads sideways.
Day 11 : Longyearbyen
Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.
-Additional fuel surcharge of $22/night on ship, per person, for Arctic departures between Jun - Sep 2008.
- Additional fuel surcharge of $58/night on ship, per person, for Antarctic departures between Oct 2008 - Mar 2009.
- Sea Kayaking Option: US$695 per person (2008-2009 season) and US$795 per person (2009-2010 season)
- Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option for 2008-2009 season. $195 per person for 2009-2010. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabinmate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate for all cabins except suites.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Akademik Shokalskiy
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Walking the Arctic Ice to the Ship
Akademik Shokalskiy is a terrific expedition ship, sister ship to the Polar Pioneer. Built in Finland in 1983, she is ice-strengthened and has stabilizers for more comfortable travel. In 1998 she was refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation for 46 passengers, an ideal number for expedition cruising. On board are a combined bar/lounge and a dedicated lecture room/library (stocked with a good collection of reference books and videos). All cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space. The spacious bridge (always open to us) and the decks are ideal for viewing during your Antarctica travel.
The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced navigators in the world and their enthusiasm for exploration is legendary. Akademik Shokalskiy is not a luxury vessel. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the meals, prepared by European chefs and served by Russian stewardesses, are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Naiads with outboard motors enables us to make landings and explore magnificent places where few others have ever been.
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Triple Shared Bath Cabins with 2 lower and 1 upper berth, shared facilities, sink in the cabin and porthole window |
Twin Shared10 cabins with shared baths (106-124 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths (except for 315 which has 2 lower, 1 upper), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
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Twin Private 12 cabins with private bath with shower (100-125 sq. ft.) Cabins have one lower and one upper berth (Some cabins have 2 lower berths), sofa, drawers, refrigerator, writing desk,bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Superior Cabins (171 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 3 opening windows |
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Suite Cabins (250 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 5 opening windows |
