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During this 14-day active adventure from
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, to Reykjavik,
Iceland, we intend to explore the islands of
Spitsbergen, Moffen, Greenland and Westmann.
Optional kayaking adds adrenalin to an
Adventure Ship expedition that includes Zodiac
cruising and shore landings. Day 1: Embarkation:
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the seat of government for the
archipelago of Svalbard, Norway’s Arctic
islands. Located on the picturesque island of
Spitsbergen, the community has a population of
about a thousand. Boarding of the Adventure
Ship Akademik Sergey Vavilov occurs in
the late afternoon, so we suggest that you
arrive early to explore the quaint village.
Days 2-4:
Exploring Spitsbergen and the Islands of
Svalbard
The Expedition Team plans all your activities
to take advantage of local weather and ice
conditions. Anticipate visits to the 14th of
July Glacier, the settlement of Ny Alesund, a
base station of international Arctic research,
and Monaco Glacier. Be on the alert as we
explore for wildlife. Sightings of Arctic
Terns, Arctic Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks,
Kittiwakes, Glaucous Gulls and reindeer are
possible. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary,
if the conditions are right, we may see walrus
hauled out on shore or swimming in the
protected waters. Polar bear sightings are
another possibility.
The optional kayaking will occur at the
same time as a shore landing or a Zodiac
cruise. The exact location and time will be
determined by the kayak master in consultation
with the Expedition Leader.
Days 5-6:
Greenland Sea
While at sea, the Expedition Team delivers
illustrated presentations about the wildlife
and cultures they anticipate you will
encounter in Greenland. The naturalists assist
with seabird identification from the deck of
the ship. You may participate in as many, or
as few, shipboard activities as you choose.
Days 7-10: Eastern
Greenland
The coast of eastern Greenland is wild, rugged
and often ice-bound. This area is an excellent
habitat for wildlife that require ice floes to
thrive, such as polar bear. We’ll sail the ice
edge, lowering Zodiacs from time to time to
cruise at ocean level or to go ashore.
If conditions permit, we’ll compare
cultures as we visit the remains of ancient
Thule settlements and a remote modern day
settlement. At all times, we’ll be on the
alert for musk oxen, because 40% of the
world’s population lives on the eastern coast.
Before we leave Greenland we plan to sail
into Scoresbysund, the largest fjord in the
world.
Days 11-12: Denmark
Strait
While crossing Denmark Strait en route to
Iceland, we’ll watch for whales, and learn
about the extraordinary geology and history of
Iceland and its surrounding islands.
Day 13:
Westman Islands (Vestmannaey Jar)
The history of the Westman Islands is as
shrouded by the mists of time as a Norse Saga.
The name refers to a term used by the Norse to
refer to Irishmen, or west men.
In the 1600’s a fleet from the Ottoman
Empire that included Barbary Pirates raided
the islands, capturing 400 inhabitants. They
were sold into slavery in Algiers.
Like the rest of Iceland, the Westman
Islands are volcanically active. As recently
as 1963, a new island, Surtsey, was created as
a result of a volcanic eruption.
Day 14: Reykjavik
This expedition disembarks in the capital of
Iceland, Reykjavik.
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Room |
August 25-September 7
Akademik Shokalskiy |
August 18-31
Akademik Sergey Vavilov |
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Triple Shared |
5350 |
4700 |
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Twin Shared |
6350 |
6700 |
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Twin Semi-Private |
N/A |
6990 |
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Twin Private |
7350 |
N/A |
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Superior |
8550 |
7400 |
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Superior Plus |
N/A |
7900 |
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Suite |
N/A |
8300 |
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Amundsen Suite |
9750 |
N/A |
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Cook Suite |
N/A |
8900 |
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