E-mail a friendShip: Professor Molchanov
Itinerary: Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland
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Polar bear enjoying the warm sun
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Embark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Raudfjord Fjord |
| Days 3-4 : | At Sea |
| Day 5 : | Franz Joseph Fjordo or Sofia Sund |
| Day 6 : | Blomster Bugt |
| Day 7 : | Antarcticahavn |
| Day 8 : | Scoresby Sund |
| Day 9 : | Cape Hofmann Halvø |
| Day 10 : | Scoresby Land - Jameson Land |
| Day 11 : | Kap Stewart / Illoqqortoormiut |
| Day 12 : | At Sea |
| Day 11 : | Icebergs and Thule Houses at Sydkap |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared | Twin Shared | Twin Private | Superior | Suite | ||
| 13 | Sep 5, 2009 | $5,540 | $6,390 | $7,700 | $8,610 | $9,620 |
| Sep 5, 2009 - Bilingual (English & German) | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard Activities : Ancient Ruins, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Embark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrive in Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen (also called Svalbard), the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to visit this former mining village. The Parish Church and the Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the country around the village more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2 : Raudfjord Fjord
We sail into Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is home to Ringed and Bearded Seals, seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation. We have good chances to see Polar Bears, for instance near Hamilton Glacier, or more to the head of the fjord. From there we continue to Moffen island on which Walrus haul out. If we have not seen bears on this day we may spend an other day in Liefdefjord near the Monaco glacier, where we also often see bears.
Days 3-4 : At Sea
At sea, on our way to Greenland, along the impressive East Greenland Ice. Keep watch for Fin Whales, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales, and also for migrating seabirds, especially the Brünnich’s Guillemots, which swim with their small young from Spitsbergen, along the sea ice to South Greenland.
Day 5 : Franz Joseph Fjordo or Sofia Sund
Approaching Greenland we will attempt to sail through the sea ice into Foster Bugt, making our first landing at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (in the first half of last century Norwegian trappers hunted here for Polar Bears and Arctic Foxes) there is an extensive tundra populated by Musk Oxen and Arctic Hares. The small lakes are home to geese. We sail through Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, a magnificent fjord with towering mountains on both sides, its inner reaches choked with huge icebergs and an excellent place to encounter Narwhal. An alternative is Sofia Sund, which is much narrower, and where we can see Muskoxen from the ship.
Day 6 : Blomster Bugt
We will land at Blomster Bugt to view the beautiful geological formations. Arctic Hares are usually seen here, and there is a lake with Great Northern Divers with young. In the afternoon we sail along Teufelschloss and Ella Ö and may land at a beautiful spot in the early evening.
Day 7 : Antarcticahavn
The first half of the day we spend in Antarcticahavn, a wide and extensive valley where we also could see groups of Musk Oxen. At this time of year the autumnal colours of the sparse vegetation make the landscapes even more beautiful.
Day 8 : Scoresby Sund
Today we reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Coast, a good place for seeing Narwhal. Here we may organise a zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts of this coast, and have our first landing near a glacier. Later we land on Danmarks Ø where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are excellently preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites. In the evening we continue our sailing through the beautiful fjords to the west, choked with ice-bergs.
Day 9 : Cape Hofmann Halvø
We go ashore at Cape Hofmann Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. We may also spot Rock Ptarmigans, and Great Northern Divers at sea. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when the Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch change colour. Arctic Blueberry and Crowberry add their own colourful touch - the berries are tasty too ! Later, during a Zodiac cruise along the 3km wide face of the Eielson Glacier, we will come close to huge icebergs and may also see Ringed Seals, as well as distant views of Musk Oxen on shore. In the evening we sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, hoping to see Narwhal again and enjoying the contrast between the warm autumnal colours of the vegetation on shore, backed by huge dark mountains, and the cold blue of the icebergs.
Day 10 : Scoresby Land - Jameson Land
In Northwest fjord in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100m high and more than a kilometre in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating, but the climate is harsh - sometimes snow lies throughout the summer - but some animals - Musk Oxen and Collared Lemmings - survive on the meagre vegetation.
Day 11 : Kap Stewart / Illoqqortoormiut
In the morning we land at a lagoon near Kap Stewart and walk from there to Kap Stewart, following the banks of a winding river through an autumnal tundra. In the afternoon we land at Illoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs and the drying skins of Seal, Musk Ox and Polar Bear. After dinner we will sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.
Day 12 : At Sea
We are the whole day at sea and will have splendid opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, in the night, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Day 11 : Icebergs and Thule Houses at Sydkap
On our way to Sydkap in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100m high and more than a kilometre in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating, but the climate is harsh - sometimes snow lies throughout the summer - but some animals - Musk Oxen and Collared Lemmings - survive on the meagre vegetation.
DISCLAIMER!
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
- Additional fuel surcharge of $20/night on ship, per person, for Antarctica departures
- Arctic Fuel Surcharge: $25/night for the 2009 season. If, 2 months before departure, the cost per barrel exceeds $130, we reserve the right to levy an additional fuel surcharge of $25/night.
- Sea Kayaking Option: US$700 per person
- 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 1.8 times the shared price. Superior cabins and suites available for single occupancy at 2 times the shared price.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Professor Molchanov
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Professor Multanovskiy safely traveling through ice-filled water
Small, ice-strengthened vessel offering an experience more like a private expedition than a conventional cruise during your polar travels.
The 72 metre, 1753 ton Professor Molchanov was built in Finland in 1983 for polar and oceanographic research. Continuously refurbished since its conversion for passenger use, the vessel is ideally suited for expedition cruising, carrying a maximum of just 49 passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins, all outside and each with a desk and ample storage space.
Public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary (there is a doctor on board) and a sauna. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where we are almost always welcome. The European chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine.
The ship is staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognized as the world experts in polar operations.
The atmosphere aboard the Professor Molchanov is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise. To explore such a region with just a small number of fellow passengers is a real luxury, and will help make your polar travel of discovery and adventure a truly unforgettable experience.
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Triple Shared 2 Triple cabins on deck 3 with two lower and one upper berth, a desk, a small washbasin, storage and hanging space and portholes. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same deck. |
Twin Shared9 Twin non private cabins with two lower berths, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same deck. |
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Twin Private 12 Cabins with a private bathroom with shower,washbasin and toilet,upper and lower berths (2 cabins have lower berths),a desk,ample storage space and windows. |
Superior 2 Superior cabins with a double bed and a single sofa-bed. A private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. A sitting area with a desk, video player and TV, coffee and tea facilities, refrigerator, and windows. |
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Suite The large Suite has a double bed and a single sofa-bed. A private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. A large lounge area with a desk, video player and TV, coffee and tea facilities, refrigerator and large forward and side facing windows. |
