Ship: Polar Star
Itinerary: Magic of Islands and Fjords
click to enlarge
Amazing iceberg
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Embark in Dundee, Scotland |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Orkneys |
| Day 3 : | Shetlands |
| Day 4 : | Bergen, Norway |
| Day 5 : | Runde Island and Alesund |
| Day 6 : | Monk Island |
| Day 7 : | Crossing the Arctic Circle |
| Day 8 : | Holandfjorden |
| Day 9 : | Lofotens |
| Day 10 : | Tromso |
| Day 11 : | North Cape |
| Day 12 : | Bear Island |
| Days 13-14 : | Svalbard |
| Day 15 : | Disembark in the charming Arctic town of Longyearbyen. |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 15 | May 28, 2010 May 17, 2011 |
$4,995 | $6,095 | $7,160 | $7,515 | $6,455 | $8,220 | $8,645 | $9,425 |
Book 15 or more months prior to departure to receive 5% discount.
Destinations : Arctic, Europe, Norway, Scotland, Svalbard |
|||||||||
-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 cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the shared price.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$50,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
-All onboard gratuities are included through the 2011 season.
15+ months prior to departure - SAVE 5%
Experience significant variety during this expedition cruise as the ship follows spring northward. From the warm spring days off the coast of Scotland and fjords of Norway to the midnight sun of Svalbard – the light will astound. This time of year there is significant bird activity, both migrating and nesting. Reaching farther north, it is possible to see reindeer, the majestic Polar bear and other Arctic wildlife. This program is also a human story with archaeological sites and charming coastal northern communities.
Day 1 : Embark in Dundee, Scotland
Embark in Dundee where Scott’s ship, Discovery, was built and is now a museum.
Day 2 : Orkneys
The ancient mysteries are not fully explained which perhaps makes the Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes and Skara Brae even more intriguing.
Day 3 : Shetlands
An early morning visit to Mousa Broch provides heightened bird activity and interesting light. Then from Lerwick set off to explore the archaeological sites of Jarlshoff and Scatness. Before returning to the ship in Lerwick, visit Sumburgh Head to see seabirds and the Stevenson Lighthouse.
Day 4 : Bergen, Norway
The ship’s first landfall in Norway is the culturally rich city of Bergen. Of particular
note are the Hanseatic Houses and the home of composer, Edvard Grieg.
Day 5 : Runde Island and Alesund
Join the early morning Zodiac cruise to experience the din of half a million birds around Runde Island. Then it is on to Ålesund to learn about the local sea life at the aquarium and wander amongst the Art Nouveau architecture of the town.
Day 6 : Monk Island
From Trondheim, take a very short ferry ride to Monk Island for an early morning visit. Exploration of the city includes the Folk Museum (collection of traditional Norwegian buildings), 11th Century Nidaros Cathedral, and also some free time to wander the city.
Day 7 : Crossing the Arctic Circle
Hear the legend of the “hole in the mountain” and enjoy the countryside with a leisurely stroll or make a more active hike through the “hole” of Torghatten Mountain. In the evening, celebrate
crossing the Arctic Polar Circle at the island of Vikingen where the Polar globe serves as a marker for the Arctic Polar Circle position.
Day 8 : Holandfjorden
The ship cruises into Holandfjorden. From the shore it is a short walk through a birch and willow woodland to the edge of a lake from where the Svatissen Glacier can be seen. For the more
energetic a four mile walk reaches the base of the glacier for a closer view.
Day 9 : Lofotens
The Lofotens are unbelievably picturesque with dramatic mountain peaks,charming sheltered coastal communities and tranquil sheep pastures. An evening cruise in Trollfjord is a dramatic end to a lovely day.
Day 10 : Tromso
Tromsø is considered the “Gateway to the Arctic” and is home to interesting Polar Museums and the Arctic Cathedral. A ride up in the cable car to the tundra high above provides an excellent view
and a chance to walk the tundra.
Day 11 : North Cape
Zodiac cruising around Gjeasværstappen is a fantastic way to see kittiwakes and guillemots overhead or puffins in rafts on the water or nesting on the shore. Later the ship rounds Nordkapp (North Cape) at 70°N, considered the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
Day 12 : Bear Island
En route in the Norwegian and Barents Seas the ship reaches Bear Island. Weather permitting there will be a Zodiac cruise along the bird filled cliffs and caves and a visit to meteorological station if conditions allow.
Days 13-14 : Svalbard
The last two full days of the cruise are spent
exploring Spitsbergen in the fantastic Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. It is early spring here and time to keep a constant watch for wildlife – walrus, whale, seal, reindeer, Arctic fox, Little auk, kittiwake, Ivory gulls and of
course, the mighty Polar Bear.
Day 15 : Disembark in the charming Arctic town of Longyearbyen.
Ship Description: Polar Star
click to enlarge
Polar Star
The Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.
The M/V Polar Star is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.
The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.
Polar Star has some of the "industry bests" on board including a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard cabins (our K3) and a superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31 doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities), plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities.
Our Cabins
All cabins are outside cabins. K1 categories have shared facilities with the next cabin. Our K3s, K4s, K6s and K7s all have private facilities with sink, shower and toilet. Each cabin is equipped with a wardrobe for each person and a writing desk. (The figure in brackets below indicates the number of cabins in each category available for passengers.)
|
K1-Triple Two lower and one upper berths sold as triple. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
K1-Double Two lower and one upper berths sold as double. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
|
K2 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows. K2 cabins on deck 3 have a partially obstructed view and one window opens. K2 cabins on deck 4 have non-opening windows. |
K3 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows, one opens. |
|
K4-Triple Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
K4-Double Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
|
K6 Double bed in alcove, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 180 sq. feet / 18 sq. meters. Large windows. |
K7 Sleeping area in separate room (double bed in 501 and 2-singles in 401), couch in living room can be made up as bed. Approx. 250 sq. feet / 25 sq. meters. Forward and side facing windows. |
