HIGHLIGHTS
- Only 12 passengers
- Unique expedition ship from 1953
- M/S Stockholm has sailed in Svalbard since 1998
- 1 night in Longyearbyen
- 9 nights on board the ship
- 2 experienced guides
- Celebrate Swedish Midsummer on board
- More time in the pack ice
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jun 20, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | 10,086 |
10,790 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jun 20, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | 10,086 |
10,790 |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - 10: Expedition cruising
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow travellers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon we embark the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm and sail out through Isfjorden. We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
Prins Karls Forland
This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbour seals.
Virgohamna, Danskøya
Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.
Fantastic fjords
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as:
Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area and if lucky we could see the rare king eider. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity. The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole.
North of Spitsbergen
In the direction of the North Pole, the goal is to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating and ever-changing habitat is a fascinating and powerful experience to say the least. Not many ships come here and we can enjoy the tranquillity of this magnificent icy landscape. We are constantly on the lookout for the exciting wildlife associated with the Arctic Ocean, such as polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. The pack ice around Svalbard is of great importance to the archipelago's ecosystem and climate. It is also a mainstay of life in the Arctic.
Southwest Spitsbergen
The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice.
Day 11: Longyearbyen
Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.
All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
MS Stockholm (Expedition, 12-guests)
The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! After 20 years of navigating the waters in Svalbard she has the experience and track record of being able to access difficult to reach sites that are inaccessible to other ships.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 9 nights on board M/S Stockholm
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- All beverages
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Not included - Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
