Our journey to the pristine Arctic wilderness of Svalbard began with excitement in our hearts and a twinkle of adventure in the eyes of my 8-year-old son, Remy. We boarded the small expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, ready for nine days of unforgettable experiences.
But before diving into the icy unknown, we embarked on a pre-night stay in Oslo. The city's vibrant culture and history set the stage for our Arctic adventure. From the Munch Museum to exploring the charming streets, Oslo was the perfect prelude to our journey.
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As winter blankets Norway in a snowy embrace, there's no better time to embark on a magical cruise along its rugged coast. Norway in winter offers a unique and breathtaking experience that draws travelers from around the world. To make the most of your winter voyage through this stunning land of fjords, the Northern Lights, and charming coastal towns, it's crucial to pack wisely. In this guide, we'll unveil the 10 essentials you must bring on your Norway cruise this winter and explain why leaving any of them behind could mean missing out on unforgettable moments.
1. Warm and Insulated OuterwearNorwegian winters can be unforgivingly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Make sure to pack a high-quality, insulated winter coat, waterproof pants, and warm, waterproof boots. Layering is key to staying warm, so don't forget thermal underwear, fleece sweaters, and moisture-wicking base layers.
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If you've ever dreamt of venturing into a land where stunning landscapes blend effortlessly with the realms of fantasy, look no further than Norway. This Scandinavian gem offers a breathtaking array of experiences that cater to every traveler's desires.
In this article, we'll help you get ready to plan an ultimate vacation in Norway. Whether you're an adventure seeker craving the thrill of hiking through rugged terrains or a culture enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in a tapestry of Viking heritage, Norway has something extraordinary to offer.
Norway Geography & ClimateNorway is renowned for its striking natural landscapes, a pristine tapestry of fjords, mountains, and coastal areas. Fjords, in particular, are deep, glacial valleys that showcase awe-inspiring beauty, carved by ancient glaciers. These majestic formations are often surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, making them a photographer's paradise.
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Embarking on a voyage aboard the World Navigator with Atlas Ocean Voyages is a privilege for discerning travelers seeking a journey beyond the ordinary. This is not a traditional "cruise", but rather a voyage for less than 200 guests on a yacht-like ship. Departing from the enchanting city of Rome and the port Civitavecchia on June 10th, this well-curated itinerary unfolded through captivating destinations such as Porto Vecchio, Porto Cervo, Capri, Amalfi, and Naples. From the exceptional onboard experiences to the unforgettable excursions, every aspect of this voyage showcased Atlas Ocean Voyages' unwavering commitment to providing a luxurious and all-inclusive exploration.
Setting Sail from Rome:Our extraordinary adventure commenced in the mesmerizing city of Rome, where we embarked on the World Navigator - a magnificently appointed vessel designed to cater to the discerning needs of the well-traveled audience. As we embarked on our journey, the awe-inspiring vistas of the Italian coastline gradually unfolded, signaling the commencement of a remarkable voyage.
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Nature is full of extraordinary phenomena that leave us in awe, and one such captivating wonder is the midnight sun. Imagine a world where the sun never sets, casting its warm, golden glow across the horizon, painting the sky with breathtaking colors. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating realm of the midnight sun, exploring what it is, when and where it occurs, how wildlife adapts to the lack of darkness, and why it's an experience worth considering for your next European adventure.
What is the Midnight Sun?The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in regions near the Earth's poles, where the sun remains visible at midnight or even throughout the entire night during the summer solstice. This phenomenon is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, as the Arctic Circle experiences continuous daylight during certain months of the year.
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Embarking on a voyage with Atlas Ocean Voyages is a journey of a lifetime. With captivating destinations, magnificent ships, and an array of enticing inclusions, this cruise line stands out as a remarkable choice for travelers seeking an extraordinary experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the allure of Atlas Ocean Voyages, exploring their destinations, ships, selling points, inclusions, and showcasing some of the glowing reviews from satisfied customers.
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an impressive selection of destinations, spanning across all seven continents. From the mesmerizing glaciers of Antarctica to the stunning fjords of Norway, and from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the idyllic islands of the Caribbean, there is a voyage to suit every traveler's wanderlust. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, cultural immersions, or simply a relaxing escape, Atlas Ocean Voyages has a destination waiting to be discovered.
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For seasoned travelers, the idea of a cruise might not immediately sound appealing. Crowded decks, long lines, and impersonal experiences can be turn-offs. However, there's a different type of cruise that is becoming increasingly popular amongst seasoned travelers - small ship expedition style cruises.
Here are some of the reasons why a seasoned traveler would love a small ship expedition style cruise:
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Get ready to experience the milder side of Arctic weather! Here's everything you need to know about the weather in Svalbard during June, July, and August.
June:In June, the weather in Svalbard begins to warm up, and the snow starts melting. The average temperature during the day is around 5°C (41°F), and during the night, the temperature drops to around 1°C (33.8°F). However, due to the 24-hour daylight, the temperature doesn't vary much between day and night. It is important to note that the weather in Svalbard can change quickly and unexpectedly, so it is recommended to dress in layers and have warm clothing handy. The average rainfall during this month is around 20mm, and the wind speed is around 8 mph.
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Starting January 26th Norway is dropping the quarantine requirement for entry to the country. Please see below for changes to entry requirements as of January 26th 2022. Note that restrictions can quickly change so please always check the following link for the most up to date information https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/koronavirus-covid-19/travel-to-norway/id2791503/#tocNode_2
What are the entry requirements?Scenario 1: Fully vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19, without verifiable COVID-19 certificate (the US CDC vaccine card is not recognized in Norway so vaccinated Americans fall in this category)
Rules for people over the
age of 18 who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19
during the past 6 months, but CANNOT document this using a verifiable
COVID-19 certificate:
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Contact our team today for more information.
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Norway is well known for its beautiful and unspoiled nature. Look closer and you will also find cozy villages clinging to the steep hillsides and lively modern cities. Join us for spectacular sailings that go deep into the magnificent Norwegian fjords, the most spectacular fjords in the world. Experience the Midnight Sun in the summer or the Northern Lights in the winter.
Fjord Norway has its name from the many beautiful fjords. But what exactly is a fjord? And how were they created?
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Also known as the Northern Lights, this natural phenomenon is visible in the Arctic parts of Norway from October through March.
The “lights” vary in color and intensity and are quite unpredictable and unique. The Northern Lights in Norway are solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole, forming arches, waves and curls of light moving across the sky that can be visible with the naked eye.
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
SPRING (APRIL/MAY)
April
Great for dog sledding and snowmobiling. You can find some ski options in Spitsbergen and East Greenland. Great time for Arctic fox sightings!
May
Temperatures range around from -7°C to -2°C. Driest month in the Arctic – purple saxifrage can be seen starting to bloom. There are migratory birds returning to nest, including Puffins, Brünichs and Common Guillemots. And even chances to see humpback whales, polar bears and icebergs.
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
Sir Francis Drake in 1578, may or may not have dared to cross the passage now named for him at the bottom of the world, some say opting instead to take the Strait of Magellan in his southern voyages. If you are travelling to Antarctica however, you will most likely make the crossing via Ushuaia, Argentina. Infamous for its volatility and mythology, the Drake Passage has become one of the most talked about sailing routes in the world.
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
When cruising as a true vacation holiday began, a variety of “entertainment” options on board your vessel were generally available. Theater/nightclub type shows, casinos, trivia night/bingo, art auctions, and more were typical, and more elaborate ballroom dancing, Captain’s cocktail hours, holiday or festival-themed performances also evolved over the years.
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
Of the 17 worldwide species of penguins, Antarctica can claim only four.
By far the most common is the chinstrap penguin, which owes its name to the narrow black band under its head. The second-most populated is the Adélie penguin, numbering approximately 2.3 million pairs in Antarctica. Other penguin species on the continent include the emperor penguin and the Gentoo penguin. There are three other species that live and nest on the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands: the macaroni penguin, the rockhopper penguin, and the king.
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
If traveling to Antarctica by ship, you will likely be sailing between October and March, which is considered spring through summer months around the Continent. Although most travelers assume the weather will be quite cold, temperatures range from approximately 15 degrees to around 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) during this time (-9 to +10 Celsius).
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Illustrations by Denise Shaw
Packing for your Antarctica or Arctic cruise can be tricky, especially if your trip begins or ends in a more temperate climate. Charter flights, often included, can have luggage weight limitations, so choosing items wisely that go further will help maximize valuable suitcase real estate. Below are some suggestions, but of course you should adjust for the region and duration of your polar adventure.
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