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NEW TRIP
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation
An Arctic Odyssey in the Land of the Polar Bear aboard the Sea Spirit
![Spitsbergen Circumnavigation route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/europe/norway/spitsber-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $6495 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 13 days |
| Arrive: | Longyearbyen, Norway |
| Depart: | Longyearbyen, Norway |
| Lodging: | 12 nights aboard 112-guest vessel describe |
| Meals: | All meals included aboard ship |
| Activity: | Small Ship Cruising, Wildlife & Natural History |
| Trip Level: |
Cultural exploration and walking tours
explain
|
Highlights
- Spitsbergen—best place in the world to see polar bears!
- Incredible wildlife including walrus, reindeer, and Arctic fox
- The midnight sun and brilliant colors of the tundra in summer
- Hiking, Zodiac cruises, optional sea kayaking
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerNorway’s far-flung Svalbard Archipelago, midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, includes the “big island” of Spitsbergen—rugged, wild, and utterly unforgettable bathed in the light of the midnight sun. Our circumnavigation of Spitsbergen on the expedition ship Sea Spirit is an Arctic adventure that brings us deep into the realm of reindeer, walrus, and most excitingly, the polar bear, the icon of Svalbard. This thrilling expedition offers not just extraordinary wildlife, from Arctic fox to whales, but also the brilliant summer colors of the Arctic tundra and the majesty of Spitsbergen’s jagged mountains and cliff-lined fjords. Fantastic day hikes and adventures by Zodiac enrich our journey, along with options for sea kayaking and camping.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Please note: When traveling in extremely remote regions, the expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice, and the weather to guide the route. The above is a projected outline of what we experience. Please be aware that no specific itinerary or experience can be guaranteed.
Day 1
Longyearbyen, Norway
Our Spitsbergen expedition begins when we board the Sea Spirit in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest settlement, with a population of 2,000. This rugged island’s glacier-topped mountains rise majestically from the icy Arctic waters surrounding it.
Days 2-12
Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
We can expect a new adventure each day as we circle Spitsbergen and explore its smaller, outlying islands. Every Spitsbergen expedition is unique and wildlife sightings depend on local conditions. A few of our favorite landing sites include the 14th of July Glacier, Alkefjellet, Ny London, Sundneset, Phippsoya, and Isbukta. Each has its own particular appeal. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese, and Arctic terns, while Alkefjellet is home to nesting Brunich guillemots and thick-billed murres. On Ny London and Sundneset, we’ll have our cameras ready for the chance of spotting reindeer. And on Phippsoya and Isbukta, we’ll have the immense privilege of seeing the largest land carnivore in the world: the polar bear. The walrus sanctuary off Moffen Island is another place we often visit, as it offers great opportunities for photographing a walrus colony from the sea. We also have the potential to see beluga whales on our journey. A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture, not only to see how its people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry here and we will see blubber ovens and other whaling evidence at landing sites such as Smeerenburg, which holds the remnants of a 17th century Dutch whaling station.
Day 13
Longyearbyen
Our adventure ends where it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. We transfer to the airport for flights home.
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Note: These cruises are not exclusive Wilderness Travel departures. The itinerary, lecturers, and other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the ship operator.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.
Departures
Jul 4-16, 2013
Jul 16-28, 2013
Jul 8-20, 2014
Jul 20-Aug 1, 2014
Trip Cost
Prices are for 2013
Per person, double occupancy
| Cabin Category | Rate per person |
| Triple Classic | $6,495 |
| Main Deck Suite | $8,495 |
| Classic Suite | $9,295 |
| Superior Suite | $10,495 |
| Deluxe Suite | $12,595 |
| Premium Suite | $13,295 |
| Owner’s Suite | $16,995 |
Sea Kayaking Option: $595 per person
Camping Option (July 16 cruise): $225 per person
Prices for 2014
Per person, double occupancy
| Cabin Category | Rate per person |
| Triple Classic | $7,295 |
| Main Deck Suite | $9,295 |
| Classic Suite | $10,295 |
| Superior Suite | $11,995 |
| Deluxe Suite | $12,995 |
| Premium Suite | $13,995 |
| Owner’s Suite | $17,995 |
As an early booking incentive, travelers who reserve by June 1, 2013 will receive a 25% discount on Deluxe, Premium and Owner Suites and 15% on all Classic and Superior Cabins. No Discount on Triple or Main Deck Cabins.
Sea Kayaking Option: $595 per person
Snowshoeing: Free on Board
Single supplement: 70% for Main Deck and Classic Suites, 100% for Superior Suite and above
If you sign up as a single but are willing to share, the ship operator will try to match you with a same-sex roommate. If there is no one to share a cabin with you, you pay only the per person cabin rate above.Deck Plan
Triple: Located on the Oceanus Deck – 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Triple cabins feature two wardrobes, two twins or a king-size bed and a pull out sofa bed. Triple cabins are #343-348.
Main Deck: Located on the Main Deck with 215 sq ft; includes a minimum of two portholes. Main deck cabins can be arranged into two twins or a king bed. Main deck cabins are #252, 254-261.
Classic: Located on the Oceanus Deck with 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Classic cabins feature two wardrobes, include two twins or a king bed. Classic cabins are #330-336, 338-342.
Superior: Located on the Club Deck with 235 sq ft average; includes a walk-in closet and a large picture window opening onto an outside walkway. Superior cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Superior cabins are #414-428.
Deluxe: Located on the Sports Deck with 277 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony and a walk-in closet. Deluxe cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Deluxe cabins are #505-512.
Suite: Located on the Sun Deck with 353 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony, a spacious wardrobe, and a large picture window. Suite cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Suite cabins are #601-606.
Owners Suite: Located on the Sun Deck, the luxurious Owners Suite offers a spacious living room with game and meeting area, high-definition plasma TV/video player, BOSE stereo system and refrigerator. The large bathroom includes a jetted tub and a walk-in closet. One king bed in separate room, large sliding glass doors leading to a private sun deck at the bow of the ship.
Trip Cost Includes:
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals included aboard ship
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Open bar with a selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin.
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard ship
- Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation
- On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship
- On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person
Trip Cost Does Not Include:
- International airfare
- Passport and any applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Laundry and other personal charges
- Telecommunications charges
- The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Sea Spirit
Our Trips using this Lodging:
One of the most spacious and luxurious expedition vessels in operation, the Sea Spirit carries a maximum of 112 guests in all outside-facing suites with marble-appointed bath facilities, picture window or portholes, walk-in-closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, and satellite telephone access. All cabins have TV/VCR and individually controlled thermostats. This outstanding expedition vessel offers two large lounges, fine dining, a hot tub, library, gym, and elevator access to all passenger levels. In addition to the team of guest lecturers, the Sea Spirit has a resident photographer to assist on deck and on shore. A fleet of sturdy inflatable landing crafts is used for shore excursions.
Deck Plan
Triple: Located on the Oceanus Deck – 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Triple cabins feature two wardrobes, two twins or a king-size bed and a pull out sofa bed. Triple cabins are #343-348.
Main Deck: Located on the Main Deck with 215 sq ft; includes a minimum of two portholes. Main deck cabins can be arranged into two twins or a king bed. Main deck cabins are #252, 254-261.
Classic: Located on the Oceanus Deck with 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Classic cabins feature two wardrobes, include two twins or a king bed. Classic cabins are #330-336, 338-342.
Superior: Located on the Club Deck with 235 sq ft average; includes a walk-in closet and a large picture window opening onto an outside walkway. Superior cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Superior cabins are #414-428.
Deluxe: Located on the Sports Deck with 277 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony and a walk-in closet. Deluxe cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Deluxe cabins are #505-512.
Suite: Located on the Sun Deck with 353 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony, a spacious wardrobe, and a large picture window. Suite cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Suite cabins are #601-606.
Owners Suite: Located on the Sun Deck, the luxurious Owners Suite offers a spacious living room with game and meeting area, high-definition plasma TV/video player, BOSE stereo system and refrigerator. The large bathroom includes a jetted tub and a walk-in closet. One king bed in separate room, large sliding glass doors leading to a private sun deck at the bow of the ship.