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NOTE
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.
Day 1 Embarkation: Longyearbyen
This small community of 1,000 souls is the largest
community in the Svalbard islands. Please arrive in the morning
as embarkation is in the early afternoon.
Day 2 Around Svalbard
This expedition’s goal is to explore the largest island
in the archipelago, Spitsbergen, but we may visit some lesser
islands if conditions permit. We’ll be sailing in a
clockwise direction, hoisting our Zodiacs over the side for
cruising or shore explorations from time to time.
Days 3-4 14th of July Glacier
Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice
cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising
in the waters at its base. We’ll also visit Ny Alesund
an international Arctic research station with a population
of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have
their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic
Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle
Geese and Snow Buntings.
Days 5-6 Smeerenburg
On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once
known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community
in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other
remains of the whaling industry are still visible.
Days 7-8 Moffen Island
The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N,
965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a
walrus sanctuary that we plan to visit on this expedition.
On previous visits we have spotted polar bear and Sabine's
Gulls, in addition to walrus!
Days 9-10 Bourbonhamna
There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are
known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As we explore,
you can expect to hike through geological formations five
hundred million to a billion years old. Our Expedition Team
will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. We’ll
be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The “white
whales” are the only whales able to nod and turn their
heads sideways.
Day 11 Longyearbyen
Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.
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