E-mail a friendShip: Professor Multanovskiy
Itinerary: North Spitsbergen
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared Bath | Twin Private Bath | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 8 | Jun 20, 2009 | $3,450 | $4,020 | $4,800 | $5,340 | $5,990 |
| Optional activity: Scuba Diving for $780. | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Svalbard Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Embark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the surrounds of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2 : Birdwatching at Krossfjorden and visit to Ny Alesund, the World's Most Northerly Settlement
Heading north along the west coast, we arrive by morning in Krossfjorden, where we take to the Zodiacs for an exhilarating cruise along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the surprisingly fertile slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brunnich's Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting opportunistic Arctic Foxes, patrolling the base of the cliffs in case a hapless chick falls from its nest, and Bearded Seals, who cruise this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Alesund, the world's most northerly settlement. Once a mining village - served by the world's most northerly railway, which can still be seen - Ny Alesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will want to walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928 before their flights to the North Pole.
Day 3 : Whaling Station at Smeerenburg and Walruses of Moffen Island
At Smeerenburg on Amsterdamoya, we visit the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station, the blubber pots now surrounded by hundreds of tree trunks washed ashore after drifting over from Siberia. The principal quarry of the whalers was the Greenland or Bowhead Whale, which was hunted to the brink of extinction. Often called the Right Whale, it was the right one to pursue, being a slow-moving animal which could be approached closely. In the afternoon we visit the Little Auk colony of Fuglesangen, then sail past the 80th parallel to Moffen Island on which Walrus haul out.
Day 4 : Andoya Tundra and Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andoya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here, and the rarer King Eider may also be seen. We hope to sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes and on previous voyages Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Day 5 : Hinlopen Strait
Before turning south into Hinlopen Strait (if the pack-ice allows us) we will have reached our most northerly position. On and around the ice at the entrance to the strait, which divides West Spitsbergen from ice-clad Nordaustlandet, there is a good chance of seeing Bearded and Ringed Seals, Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. On the eastern side of Lomfjordshalvoya we take a Zodiac cruise through the ice floes to the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thousands of Brunnich's Guillemots nest in a spectacular setting. The basalt pillars, rising hundreds of meters, and the overhanging ice cap with its waterfall are an awe-inspiring sight. Finally, on the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait we intend to make an evening landing in Augustabukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major Spitsbergen islands. Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the sparse vegetation of this largely ice-covered island, where Pink-footed Geese, Walrus and a rare Ivory Gull colony are also found.
Day 6 : Birdwatching at Raudfjord and Ytre Norskoya Island
Retracing our route westwards, we visit Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. On the offshore island of Ytre Norskoya, we visit a 17th century Dutch whaling site, whose large graveyard is a poignant reminder of the hardships and dangers of life here at the time. The island's bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brunnich's Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas accessible to visitors.
Day 7 : Reindeer of Alkhornet
We sail south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Foxes search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. The reindeer may seem unbothered by human presence, but this is not really the case. The animals must survive the harsh winter, when temperatures plummet and food is hard to find, so they preserve what energy they can, fleeing only when it is absolutely necessary. In the afternoon we cruise through beautiful Borebukta, following a glacier front before continuing to Longyearbyen.
Day 8 : Disembark in Longyearbyen
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home.
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 Antarctic departures between Oct 2008 - Mar 2009. If cost per barrel exceeds $130, we reserve the right to levy an additional fuel surcharge of $20/night.
- Additional fuel surcharge of $25/night on ship, per person, for Arctic departures between Jun - Sept 2009. If, 2 months before departure, the cost per barrel exceeds $130, we reserve the right to levy an additional fuel surcharge of $25/night.
- 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 share price and 2 times the share price for Superior cabins and suites.
- Sea Kayaking Option: US$695 per person
- Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge.
-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: Professor Multanovskiy
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Ship crusing the Arctic waters
Small, ice-strengthened vessel offering an experience more like a private expedition than a conventional cruise.
The Professor Multanovskiy was built in Finland for polar and oceanographic research. The ship has been continuously refurbished since its conversion for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising.
The Professor Multanovskiy carries a maximum of 49 travelers in comfortable triple, twin and superior cabins, and suites. All cabins are outside, with a desk, ample storage space and windows.
Cabins on Decks 4 and 5 have private facilities with upper and lower berths. There are a few exceptions on Deck 4 where some of the cabins with private facilities have two lower berths. The cabins on Deck 3 have two lower berths and convenient shared facilities.
Public areas on the vessel include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary, sauna and dining room(s). Views are excellent from the large, open deck and navigation bridge (where we are almost always welcome).
The atmosphere aboard is relaxed, more akin to that of a private expedition than a conventional cruise ship.
Dining
European chefs prepare excellent varied international cuisine, using high-quality provisions from around the world. The comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine, champagne and spirits. Dining room service is provided by a combination of Russian and Western staff.
Expedition Staff, Officers and Crew
The ships are staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar operations.
All our voyages are led by dedicated and enthusiastic expedition staff, many of whom travel with us to the Arctic or Antarctic each season. They are chosen not only for their knowledge and experience but also their great love of the polar regions.
Technical Gear
With ice-strengthened hulls, we navigate scenic waterways with ease, venturing into areas closed to larger vessels. Designed to explore remote corners of the world, the ship is equipped with passive stabilizers for smooth sailing and meet all international environmental and safety standards. The vessel is equipped with sophisticated satellite navigation equipment.
Triple Shared Bath2 cabins (312-313) with shared baths (111-120 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth(312 has 2 upper berths), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Twin Shared Bath9 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 (411 & 421 have 2 lower berths), sofa, drawers, refrigerator, writing desk,bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Superior2 cabins with private bath with shower (510, 517). 190-226 sq. ft. Cabins have one double bed, a convertible sofa bed, refrigerator, large writing desk, drawers bookshelf, table + chairs, wardrobes, and 2 square windows |
Amundsen Suite1 cabin with private bath with shower (513). 270 sq. ft. Cabin has one double bed, a convertible sofa bed, TV + VCR, refrigerator, writing desk, bookshelf, table + chairs, 3 wardrobes, bedside cabinet with drawers, and 5 square windows. |
