Ship: Akademik Shokalskiy
Itinerary: Spitsbergen Explorer: 11 days in the Arctic
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Stunning arctic views
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Embarkation Day - Longyearbyen |
|---|---|
| Days 2-4 : | Western Spitsbergen |
| Days 5-8 : | Northbound |
| Days 9-10 : | Bourbonhamna |
| Day 11 : | Longyearbyen |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared Bath | Twin Private Bath | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 11 | Jun 27, 2010 Jul 7, 2010 |
$5,290 | $6,290 | $7,190 | $8,390 | $9,590 |
| Destinations : Arctic, Norway Activities : Expedition Cruising, Nature Viewing, Paddling, Photography, Whale Watching |
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- All of the Akademik Shokalskiy's departures include optional sea kayaking. Sea Kayaking Supplement is $495 per person for Arctic voyages, $795 per person for Antarctic voyages.
- Guaranteed No Fuel Surcharge on cruise dates before April 2010.
-Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
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. 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 : Embarkation Day - Longyearbyen
The islands of Svalbard, including the largest, Spitsbergen, are glacier-topped mountains that rise from Arctic waters sprinkled with ice floes. Your first view will be from the air as you fly into Longyearbyen to embark.
Days 2-4 : Western Spitsbergen
On the west coast of Spitsbergen, cruise in Zodiacs, near a magnificent ice cliff, the 14th of July Glacier. Visit Ny Alesund, an international Arctic research station. Birders should add to their life list, as this is a known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.
Days 5-8 : Northbound
SMEERENBURG
At Smeerenburg, visit relics of the whaling industry, blubber ovens and whalebones. While you visit the former whaling station, the Expedition Team recounts the Dutch and Basque influences on the local community, which relied on the harvesting of bowhead whales for survival.
PHIPPSOYA
The temperature drops as you continue northward, crossing 80° N, 965 km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Polar bear and walrus are known to inhabit the waters around this small archipelago, the most northerly in Svalbard!
THOUSAND ISLANDS
Norway's Arctic Islands of Svalbard are so numerous that certain areas within the archipelago have names that reflect the profusion, Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) for example. Go ashore on Aekongen to seek Red-throated Divers and a whale skeleton.
Days 9-10 : Bourbonhamna
The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is a favored route of beluga whales. Search for the white whales. Ashore, learn about hunting and whaling, as you stand amidst thousands of whale skulls left by whalers.
Day 11 : Longyearbyen
We’ll transfer you from the ship to the airport for your flight home. Those who wish to extend their stay will be dropped at the Radisson Hotel on the way.
Ship Description: Akademik Shokalskiy
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Cruising around icebergs in the Arctic
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 2 cabins with 2 lower and 1 upper berth, shared facilities, sink in the cabin and porthole window |
Twin Shared Bath 8 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 |
Twin Private Bath12 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 |
Superior1 cabin (171 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 3 opening windows |
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Amundsen Suite 1 cabin (250 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 5 opening windows |
