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Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
Further north than Siberia, Alaska and most of Greenland – you find the archipelago of Svalbard. Spitsbergen is Svalbard’s largest island. In this place you become part of the experience and it becomes a part of you.
The island is renowned for its magnificent fjords, calving glaciers and impressive mountains. In this wild and beautiful world animals like reindeer, seal, walrus, arctic fox and polar bears feel at home. You can enjoy all this in the ambience of the midnight sun.
Hurtigruten Spitsbergen Cruises: "Polar Enounters" (6 days) & "Kingdom of the Polar Bear" (9 days)
These incredible voyages follow in the footsteps of Arctic pioneers and intrepid whalers, taking in remarkable towns like Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny-Ålesund and crossing the 80th Parallel to sail through the rich waters off Moffen Island.
Sailing beneath skies that echo to the cries of countless seabirds we cross ocean landscapes that can boast seal and walrus, whale and polar bear. These Spitsbergen Cruises explore gigantic ice sculptures and remote bays by nimble Polar Cirkel boats.
These voyages to Spitsbergen are relaxed and suitable for most people of reasonable fitness. Only a short flight from mainland Norway, Spitsbergen is a world apart and a wonderful escape from busy, bustling Europe.
Landings/learning:
The landings in Spitsbergen are exciting and safe. They include amazing wildlife and places of historical interest. The use of Polar Circle boats allows Hurtigruten to offer a wide range of landings to unique locations. Their expedition teams are experienced with in-depth knowledge of the areas sailed. Lectures are conducted on topics such as Biology, History and Geology throughout the trip.
Climate
Spitsbergen, in spite of its proximity to the North Pole, has a relatively mild climate compared with other areas at the same latitude. In Longyearbyen the average summer temperature is 6ºC, and the highest ever recorded is 21.3ºC. Rain is scarce, with an average annual rain and snowfall of only 200-300mm.
Average Temperatures in Longyearbyen:
June 2ºC,
July 6ºC,
Aug 5ºC.
These are 24-hour temperatures. Average daytime temperatures will be higher.
Midnight Sun
Spitsbergen is above the Arctic Circle and therefore benefits from the Midnight Sun during the summer. This means 24 hours of sunlight to experience this unique landscape from April to late August.
The Polar Encounter Voyage packages are 6 day itineraries operating Wednesday - Monday or Sunday - Friday. Both packages include one night in Oslo either on the way there or the way back to facilitate flight schedules. All voyages are on a full board basis on board the MS Fram, the newest ship in the Hurtigruten fleet specially built for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. She has 128 stylish and comfortable cabins as well as panoramic lounges, observation decks,, lecture halls, restaurants, shop, on-deck Jacuzzis, fitness room, internet facilities and bar. Please note, the Wednesday departures include 4 nights on board the ship, the Sunday departures feature one night in an hotel in Longyearbyen and 3 nights on board the ship.
| Departure Dates |
Inside Cabin from
(price per person sharing)
|
Single Supplement from |
Outside Cabin from (price per person sharing) |
Single Supplement from |
Weds 27 &
Sun 31 July;
Weds 3 &
Sun 7 Aug |
€3060 |
€1369 |
€3410 |
€1631 |
Subject to availability. Prices correct at time of print (Jan 2011). E&OE.
Price Includes:
- Return flights from Dublin including known taxes
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Oslo either pre- or post-voyage
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen (Sunday departures only)
- 3 nights (Sunday departures) or 4 nights (Wednesday departures) full board voyage in cabin of your choice
- Transfers as applicable
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Land excursions and tour briefings
Not Included:
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities and luggage handling
- Drinks and personal expenses
Kingdom of the Polar Bear Voyages are 9 day itineraries starting on Thursdays. They include one night in an hotel in Longyearbyen before the full board voyage on board the MV Polar Star. This was the first former icebreaker to be fully converted to expedition cruising. All 48 cabins face out and include a window. The ship boasts a comfortable dining hall, large panorama lounge, lecture room, library, bar and small gym.
| Departure Dates |
Outside Cabin from (price per person sharing) |
Single Supplement from |
| 9, 16, 23 & 30 June; 7 July |
€5430 |
€3329 |
14, 21 & 28 July;
4, 11 & 18 Aug |
€5680 |
€3516 |
Subject to availability. Prices correct at time of print (Jan 2011). E&OE.
Price Includes:
- Return flights from Dublin including known taxes
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen pre-voyage
- 8 nights full board voyage in an outside cabin
- Transfers as applicable
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Land excursions and tour briefings
Not Included:
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities and luggage handling
- Drinks and personal expenses
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