E-mail a friendShip: Professor Molchanov
Itinerary: Faroes - Jan Mayen - Bear Island - South Spitsbergen
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Walrus enjoying the warm sunlightPhoto by: Goran Ehlme
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Oban - Embark |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | North Rona & Sula Sgeir |
| Day 3 : | Faroes |
| Days 4-5 : | At Sea |
| Day 6 : | Jan Mayen |
| Days 7-8 : | At Sea |
| Day 9 : | Bear Island |
| Day 10 : | Spitsbergen |
| Day 11 : | Around Spitsbergen |
| Day 12 : | Longyearbyen/Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared | Twin Shared | Twin Private | Superior | Suite | ||
| 12 | Jun 5, 2009 | $3,450 | $4,050 | $4,880 | $5,540 | $6,200 |
| WAITLIST ONLY | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Faroes, Jan Mayen, Svalbard Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Oban - Embark
We embark at Oban, a small and cosy harbour town in west Scotland. From Glasgow we took the train, a marvellous journey through one of the most scenic parts of Scotland. The channels between the Scottish islands offer excellent possibilities to spot Minke Whales (a small baleen whale), White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. Several other cetaceans, including Orcas (Killer Whales), are also native to these waters.
Day 2 : North Rona & Sula Sgeir
Out in the Atlantic to the north-west of Scotland lie the tiny islands of North Rona and Sula Sgeir. We shall land on North Rona to see the seabird colonies and the Grey Seals. The island was inhabited in the 18th century and some remains are still visible: Leach´s Petrels can be heard calling from their nesting burrows in the ruined walls of a small church in the 'village.' Sula Sgeir is the last island in Britain on which Gannets are harvested annually. There will be spectacular views of its cliffs as we sail around. In 2006 we saw a Black-browed Albatros at this island.
Day 3 : Faroes
Today we arrive at Thorshavn, the capital and cultural centre of the Faroes. Here we are free to shop, to visit the museum or just wander at will. In the harbour the small Faroese boats are a reminder of the Viking origins of the islanders. The walkers among us can make an exciting two hours walk across the hills to Kirkjubøer where they will find a medieval cathedral. In the early evening we will try to land at Saksun, tucked away at the head of a fjord which was once a superb natural harbour. Today the bay is full of sand and we can only enter by zodiac at high tide. At Saksun is a Natural Heritage Museum. Continuing along the north side of Streymoy we pass huge seabird colonies.
Days 4-5 : At Sea
We sail north to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, situated 300 nautical miles north-east of Iceland. During our two days at sea there will be plenty of time to watch for the blow of a Minke, Fin or Blue Whale, which could herald a rewarding encounter with these gentle giants. Perhaps we might run into a pod of Orcas, who can often be quite curious about boats such as ours.
Day 6 : Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island of breathtaking beauty and mystique, dominated by Mt Beerenberg. From the slopes of the 2300m volcano, impressive glaciers spill into the sea. Until recently, the island was off-limits as it is a military base, and was rarely visited by tourists, but with permission from the Norwegian authorities we hope to visit the weather station. We will also walk across the island to Kvalrossbukta to look at the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station and a substantial colony of Fulmars. We also plan to sail by Koksletta where thousands of Little Auks and Brünnich´s Guillemots breed close to a glacier, watched over by piratical Glaucous Gulls.
Days 7-8 : At Sea
We spend two days at sea, looking out for whales, dolphins and seals and a variety of seabirds.
Day 9 : Bear Island
At Bear Island we visit the remains of a whaling station active from 1905-1908 in Kvalrossbukta. Arctic Skuas and Great Skuas can be seen during a walk across the desolate hills and tundra. The weather will decide whether we then sail along the west coast, where we can observe one of the largest seabird colonies in the North Atlantic teeming with Little Auks, Brünnich's Guillemots, Common Guillemots and Kittiwakes. Alternatively we will sail along the east coast to visit Tunheim, an abandoned mining settlement. When we approach the sea-ice at the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we may also encounter moulting Harp Seals.
Day 10 : Spitsbergen
Depending on the position of the sea-ice, we cruise the maze of fjords in the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, which is ringed by towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ - pointed mountains - to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area but as well as spectacular scenery, the area is renowned for its abundant and varied arctic wildlife. We have very good chances of seeing seals and with a little luck, the very symbol of the Arctic - Polar Bears. We may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give us an insight into their research projects. Behind the station, the mountains are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little Auks. Bearded Seals often cruise the inner fjords, whose cliffs are lined with colonies of Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes. On the tundra we will have good opportunities to observe foraging Barnacle Geese.
Day 11 : Around Spitsbergen
Today we land at Kapp Toscana on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjord, where piles of Beluga skeletons are a reminder of the 20th century exploitation of these small white whales. Numbers are now recovering and there is a good chance of spotting small groups in the area. We then move to Recherchefjord, where a walk on the fragile tundra which backs the fjord may yield sightings of reindeer and where we visit the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station at Lagerneset. Alternatively we may land at Midterhuken to explore the remains of 17th century English whaling sites. The weather will determine which good options will be chosen in this area.
Day 12 : Longyearbyen/Disembark
We disembark at Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, for flights south to Norway and onward to home. Alternatively we may stay on the ship and continue our voyage to North Spitsbergen.
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. |
