polar bears






















Explore the Arctic on the all-inclusive luxurious expedition ship Silver Explorer


SPITSBERGEN, SVALBARD NEAR THE NORTH POLE
Explore Svalbard's Arctic landscapes under the midnight sun on board the luxurious expedition ship Silver Explorer. Spitsbergen is part of the archipelago in the Arctic Ocean woven between the North Pole and Norway.
In Spitsbergen massive glaciers cover 60 percent of the land, and fjords are lined with steep cliffs and rugged mountains. Polar bears, wild reindeer, Arctic foxes, walrus, whales, seals and many species of migratory birds are encountered in this wonderland. For 2012 sailings, click here.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS PLUS SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
June 4-16, 2013: 12-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Bergen, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Jun 04 2013 Tue Bergen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jun 05 2013 Wed Geiranger, Norway 12:00 PM 8:00 PM
Jun 06 2013 Thu Alesund, Norway 7:00 AM 12:30 PM
Jun 06 2013 Thu Island Of Runde, Heroy 3:00 PM 7:00 PM
Jun 07 2013 Fri Trondheim, Norway 12:00 PM 7:00 PM
Jun 08 2013 Sat Day at Sea
Jun 09 2013 Sun Leknes, Lofoten, Norway 6:30 AM 12:30 PM
Jun 10 2013 Mon Tromso, Norway 9:00 AM 2:00 PM
Jun 11 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Bear Island 4:30 PM 8:30 PM
Jun 12 2013 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard 12:30 PM
Jun 13 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 14 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 15 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 16 2013 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 6:30 AM

Fares from US$7,580 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
June 16-26, 2013: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
Jun 16 2013 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jun 17 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 18 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 19 2013 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 20 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 21 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 22 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 23 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 24 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Bear Island 8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Jun 25 2013 Tue Tromso, Norway 2:30 PM
Jun 26 2013 Wed Tromso, Norway

Fares from US$7,100 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
June 26 - July 6, 2013: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Jun 26 2013 Wed Tromso, Norway 6:30 PM
Jun 27 2013 Thu Day at Sea
Jun 28 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Bear Island 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Jun 29 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard 6:30 AM
Jun 30 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 01 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 02 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 03 2013 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 04 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 05 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 06 2013 Sat Longyearbyen, Norway 6:30 AM

Fares from US$7,100 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
July 6-16, 2013: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
Jul 06 2013 Sat Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jul 07 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 08 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 09 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 10 2013 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 11 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 12 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 13 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 14 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Bear Island 8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Jul 15 2013 Mon Tromso, Norway 2:30 PM
Jul 16 2013 Tue Tromso, Norway

Fares from US$7,100 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
July 16-26, 2013: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Jul 16 2013 Tue Tromso, Norway 6:30 PM
Jul 17 2013 Wed Day at Sea
Jul 18 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Bear Island 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Jul 19 2013 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 20 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 21 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 22 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 23 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 24 2013 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 25 2013 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 26 2013 Fri Longyearbyen, Norway 7:00 AM

Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of glaciers and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, and bearded seal
- Watch for whales including Minke and beluga
- Trek along the tundra
- Observe birds such as eiders, terns, skuas, sandpipers, auks and puffins
- Enjoy Zodiac cruises among remote bird cliffs
- Discover ruins of long-defunct whaling operations

Fares from US$7,100 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

WHAT YOU WILL SEE IN SVALBARD
Svalbard is the archipelago located between the North Pole and Norway. Svalbard is one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. The goal is to explore the islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, as well as the northwestern sections of Svalbard plus the dramatic Spitsbergen. Svalbard is home to approximately 5,000 polar bears and we plan to encounter a good number of them during the trip.

We will travel along the same routes as famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Nordenskiold, Amundsen and Nobile. We will trek along beaches blanketed with walruses, get to know the indigenous reindeer, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be our constant companions as we admire their playfulness and grace. We might even encounter a few whales. A variety of known species frequent the area, in particular the Minke and Beluga.

The flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favourable ice and weather conditions. We will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs. Each day our Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. In the true spirit of adventure cruising, the Expedition Leader will provide daily updates. Here is a list of places we may visit:

• Edgeøya – Enter the realm of the polar bear on the third largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Conditions permitting, we will go ashore at the hard to get to Diskobukta, where we will discover interesting fauna and flora and take a walk amongst thousands of Kittiwakes and Arctic foxes. The coastal waters often provide fantastic opportunities to see walrus and polar bear on the ice flow.

• Barentsøya – Just north of Edgeøya lies the fourth largest island in Svalbard. Here we are immersed in a wide tundra and distinctive landscape, perfect for long hikes and short walks. We may encounter polar bears and discover the ruins of 15th-century Russian Pomors.

• Hornsund – The southernmost fjord on the rugged west coast of Spitsbergen Island. Jagged mountain peaks tower above glacier-filled bays. Listen for the crash of white thunder as huge chunks of ice fall into the fjord. Amidst floating icebergs jewels, watch for bearded seals, the rare Beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sightings are fairly common as the polar bear’s favourite food, the Ringed seal, breeds in the fjord. The surrounding bird cliffs are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little auks. We may visit the Polish research station or the remains of whaling stations and trappers’ huts.

• Liefdefjorden – Basement rocks south and west of Liefdefjorden feature scenery with high, jagged mountains and strong glaciations, which culminate in the large calving front of the Monacobreen (Glacier of Monaco).

• Ice Cruising – With the strengthened hull of the Prince Albert II, we have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as we devote at least one day to exploring the pack ice around Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, our Expedition Leader may choose to take us out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.

• Kongfjord or Kings Bay – Cutting into the west coast of Spitsbergen and reaching inland about 15 miles (24 kilometres) and spanning up to 6 miles (10 kilometres) wide, Kongfjord is a splendid place to behold. Together with our onboard geologist, we will explore its complicated geological formations and visit the 14th of July glacier. We also hope to land at Blomstrand, a name not referring to a flower-covered Svalbard beach, but rather in memory of a Swedish chemist.

• Magdalenafjord – This majestic fjord is normally accessible year-round because of the influence of the West Spitsbergen Current or Gulf Stream. Landing via Zodiac, we discover the alluring fjord and search for wildlife.

• Prins Karls Forland – Off the West coast of Spitsbergen, we encounter the island home of Forland National Park with cragged mountains, massive glaciers and remarkable wildlife. The entire island and the surrounding seas make up Forland National Park. Members of our Expedition Team take us a shore at Poolypnten, a well-known walrus haul out, where our marine biologist explains the habits and habitat of these amazing creatures.

SVALBARD & ICELAND
July 26 - August 7, 2013: 12-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Reykjavik, Iceland

Jul 26 2013 Fri Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jul 27 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 28 2013 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 29 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 30 2013 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 31 2013 Wed Day at Sea
Aug 01 2013 Thu Day at Sea
Aug 02 2013 Fri Scoresby Sund 6:30 AM
Aug 03 2013 Sat Scoresby Sund
Aug 04 2013 Sun Scoresby Sund 7:00 PM
Aug 05 2013 Mon Day at Sea
Aug 06 2013 Tue Grundarfjordur, Iceland 8:00 AM 6:30 PM
Aug 07 2013 Wed Reykjavik, Iceland 6:30 AM

Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords and lava caves
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, seals and birds such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, fulmars, and snow buntings
- Watch for whales: minke, beluga, humpback, blue, fin, and sei
- Visit historic whaling sites and remote Jan Mayan Island
- Learn of Viking lore and legends
- See geothermal landscapes of sulphur pits, boiling mud pools, and lava formations

Fares from US$7,580 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan. Call us at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)

ICELAND, GREENLAND, ARCTIC CANADA
August 7-25, 2013: 18-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Reykjavik, Iceland to Churchill, Canada

Aug 07 2013 Wed Reykjavik, Iceland 5:00 PM
Aug 08 2013 Thu Day at Sea
Aug 09 2013 Fri Skoldungen, Greenland 1:30 PM 4:00 PM
Aug 10 2013 Sat Cruising the Prince Christian Sund 9:00 AM 8:30 PM
Aug 11 2013 Sun Nanortalik 6:30 AM 11:30 AM
Aug 11 2013 Sun Unartoq Island 3:30 PM 11:00 PM
Aug 12 2013 Mon Hvalsey, Greenland 4:30 PM 7:00 PM
Aug 13 2013 Tue Brattahlid 6:00 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 13 2013 Tue Itilleq 2:30 PM 8:00 PM
Aug 14 2013 Wed Day at Sea
Aug 15 2013 Thu Day at Sea
Aug 16 2013 Fri Iqaliut, Canada 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
Aug 17 2013 Sat Cruise & Explore Lower Savage Islands, Canada 8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 17 2013 Sat Nanook Harbour 3:30 PM 8:30 PM
Aug 18 2013 Sun Akpatok Isaland-North 6:00 AM 11:00 AM
Aug 18 2013 Sun Akpatok Island-West 2:30 PM 7:30 PM
Aug 19 2013 Mon Diana Island 6:30 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 19 2013 Mon Opingivik 2:00 PM 7:00 PM
Aug 20 2013 Tue Douglas Harbour 6:30 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 21 2013 Wed Cape Dorset 6:30 AM 2:00 PM
Aug 22 2013 Thu Bencas Island 6:30 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 22 2013 Thu Walrus Island 3:30 PM 8:30 PM
Aug 23 2013 Fri Day at Sea
Aug 24 2013 Sat Churchill 7:30 AM
Aug 25 2013 Sun Churchill

Fares from US$11,599 per person (Wait-listed). Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

ARCTIC CANADA & GREENLAND
August 25 - September 8, 2013: 14-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Churchill, Canada to Halifax, Canada
Aug 25 2013 Sun Churchill
Aug 26 2013 Mon Churchill 12:30 PM
Aug 27 2013 Tue Day at Sea
Aug 28 2013 Wed Walrus Island 6:30 AM 1:00 PM
Aug 29 2013 Thu Ivujivik 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Aug 29 2013 Thu Cape Wolstenholme 2:30 PM 6:00 PM
Aug 30 2013 Fri Cape Dorset 7:30 AM 5:00 PM
Aug 31 2013 Sat Douglas Harbour 9:30 AM 2:30 PM
Sep 01 2013 Sun Akpatok Isaland-North 6:00 AM 11:00 AM
Sep 01 2013 Sun Akpatok Island-West 2:30 PM 8:00 PM
Sep 02 2013 Mon Cruise & Explore Lower Savage Islands, Canada 7:30 AM 11:30 AM
Sep 02 2013 Mon Hauntsch Island 3:30 PM 8:00 PM
Sep 03 2013 Tue Day at Sea
Sep 04 2013 Wed Sunshine Fjord, Baffin Island 6:00 AM 11:00 PM
Sep 05 2013 Thu Nuuk 1:00 PM 8:00 PM
Sep 06 2013 Fri Maniitsoq 8:30 AM 2:00 PM
Sep 07 2013 Sat Sissimiut 6:30 AM 12:00 PM
Sep 08 2013 Sun Kangerlussuaq 5:30 AM

Fares from US$9,119 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

GREENLAND & ARCTIC CANADA
September 8-25, 2013: 17-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Churchill, Canada to
Sep 08 2013 Sun Kangerlussuaq 5:00 PM
Sep 09 2013 Mon Sissimiut 8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Sep 10 2013 Tue Saqqaq 12:30 PM 8:00 PM
Sep 11 2013 Wed Illulisat 6:30 AM 7:00 PM
Sep 12 2013 Thu Day at Sea
Sep 13 2013 Fri Nuuk 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Sep 14 2013 Sat Day at Sea
Sep 15 2013 Sun Brattahlid 7:00 AM 12:30 PM
Sep 15 2013 Sun Itilleq 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
Sep 16 2013 Mon Qaqortoq, Greenland 7:00 AM 3:00 PM
Sep 17 2013 Tue Day at Sea
Sep 18 2013 Wed Day at Sea
Sep 19 2013 Thu St. Anthony, Canada 7:00 AM 10:00 AM
Sep 19 2013 Thu L'anse Aux Meadow, Canada 2:30 PM 4:00 PM
Sep 20 2013 Fri Gros Morne National Park, Canada 8:30 AM 2:00 PM
Sep 21 2013 Sat Havere St. Pierre, Canada 9:30 AM 7:00 PM
Sep 22 2013 Sun Bonaventure Island, Canada 8:30 AM 5:00 PM
Sep 23 2013 Mon Iles De La Madeleine, Quebec 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sep 24 2013 Tue Louisburg 7:30 AM 2:00 PM
Sep 25 2013 Wed Halifax, Canada 8:00 AM

Fares from US$8,999 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan.Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

For 2012 sailings, click here.



svalbard shipThe Silver Explorer in Svalbard (photo courtesy Siu)

ABOUT SILVER EXPLORER
Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Silver Explorer, a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions, the 6,072-ton vessel boasts a strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger ships. With eight Zodiac boats, her 132 privileged guests can visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations. Experience the thrill of a true expedition aboard Silver Explorer. Venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.

Onboard Luxury
Savour a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Café, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna, live evening entertainment and two top-deck whirlpools. The Silver Explorer even features The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs - a diversion offered by no other expedition ship.

SILVER EXPLORER DISTINCTIONS
- Superior accommodations in a large suite
- Superlative service and genuine hospitality
- Crew to guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1
- Expert naturalists and special guest lecturers
- Complimentary, hosted adventures ashore
- Complimentary parka and backpack
- Fares include all onboard gratuities
- Complimentary fine wines, champagnes and spirits served throughout the ship
- In-room beverage cabinet stocked with your complimentary selections
- Private butler service
- Casual/informal attire – no formal nights
- Open-seating dining
- Gourmet menus by Relais and Chateaux
- Complimentary 24-hour room service. Private butler.
- Spa, fitness centre, two top-deck whirlpools, live evening entertainment
- Ship-wide Internet access and cellular phone service (fee applies)

 

Information and photos of suites and public spaces on the Silver Explorer

Silver Explorer deck plan (pdf file)

Silver Explorer suite descriptions (pdf file)

Silver Explorer expedition video

Other Spitsbergen programs

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