THE ARCTIC - SPITZBERGEN ADVENTURE
With a constant backdrop of icebergs, glaciers and immense sea cliffs,
and with the prospect of encountering the magnificent polar bear, this
expedition to the high Artic is something special
We sail to 80 degrees north, well beyond the Arctic circle, around the
island of Spitzbergen where snow-draped mountains rising high above
the pack ice. This is the dramatic setting for our many landings onshore.
From the ship, or on land, it is the wildlife that make many people
return year after year: huge 200,000 strong colonies of little auk thronging
the cliffs & shores, kittiwakes on the Monaco Glacier, walrus wallowing
in the shallows, arctic foxes, whales and, of course, one of the ultimate
wildlife sightings, the mighty polar bear, frequently seen hunting on
ice floes. With 24 hour daylight, our time is maximised amid this breathtaking
glacial scenery, whether by the state-of-the-art Russian ship, by zodiac
inflatable or on foot.
Tromso to Spitsbergen
Norway - Spitsbergen
14 days MS Explorer
Voyage Through the Arctic Wilderness
Introduction
Located just under 1,000kms from the North Pole and deep within the
Polar Circle, the beautiful Svalbard Archipelago is host to over 170
species of plant, more than 110 types of migratory birds, and a mammal
population that includes reindeer, seals, arctic foxes, whales and the
majestic polar bear. With dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords, enchanting
drift ice and the rugged backdrop of a snow-capped landscape. Start
your journey in Tromso and enjoy the contrasting scenery and dramatic
fjords of Norway's North Cape, before crossing the Barents Sea to Spitzbergen.
North Cape and Svalbard
From Tromso we spend a couple days cruising through the spectacular
islands and fjords and visiting remote Sami communities beyond the North
Cape before crossing the open sea to the Svalbard Archipelago. En route
we stop at Bear Island, an excellent place to view tens of thousands
of birds, including kittiwakes, gulls, murres, guillemots, and fulmars.
Exploring Spitsbergen
Over seven days we will visit ice-covered fjords with breathtaking mountain
scenery and glaciers crashing into the sea around us, and looking for
polar bears on the hunt for seals. Ivory Gulls are the highlight for
birders, and spotting walruses is a highlight for everyone. On shore,
colourful flowers are nearing the peak of their short season. We also
hope to see one of Svalbard's species of reindeer, smaller than the
southern relatives, but still carrying impressive antlers.
The Clyde to the Arctic
13 days - Islands of the far north
Introduction
A unique voyage 'island hopping' some of the United Kingdom's most remote
outposts, from Iona and Skye, to Orkney and the Shetlands before crossing
the North Sea to Norway. The Norwegian coast is a place of spectacular
beauty; a land of small communities, scenic bays and deep, narrow fjords
- perfect for cruising in our "Little Red Ship"!
Inner and Outer Hebrides
From Glasgow we sail west to the city's Atlantic gateway, the Firth
of Clyde, to Iona's historic Abbey, Staffa's basalt cliffs and deep
sea caves and a visit to Tiree, known as the 'Sunshine Island of the
North'. From Skye we visit the largest of the Hebrides and Scotland's
largest Gaelic speaking community, Isle of Lewis. Continuing to Orkney
and Shetland, we hope to spot harbour porpoises, Risso's and White-sided
Dolphins and Minke Whales.
The Norwegian Coast
Travelling north past fishing villages, and farms, glaciers and waterfalls,
we'll cross the Arctic Circle making our way to the legendary island
of Torghatten where we hike through Hat Mountain; an amazing hole 160
meters deep, 35 meters high and 15-20 meters across! Further northwest
we discover the rich bird and marine life of the Lofoten Islands on
Norway's northwest shoulder, set against a backdrop of high snow clad
peaks and deep fjords before arriving at Tromso
MS Explorer
Built in Finland by polar explorer Lars Eric Lindblad in 1969, MS Explorer
was the world's first purpose-built expedition cruise ship. Only 75m
long and with an ice-hardened double hull, Explorer's small size and
shallow draught means she can go places other larger expedition cruisers
can not, enabling us to offer some of the most pioneering itineraries
available.
MS Explorer has a long list of expedition firsts, including being the first passenger ship to venture south of the Antarctic Circle and the first to navigate the Northwest Passage - the infamous icy straits which connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its unique sailing schedule takes it from the Antarctic, then to the Amazon, Canada, the UK, Norway and finally Spitsbergen and the Arctic in the European summer.
Vigilant maintenance and refurbishment in 2004 have kept MS Explorer
robust, comfortable and in full compliance with international marine
safety standards. This is not a luxury cruiser but an incredibly comfortable
and intimate craft, managed by a knowledgeable and capable crew who
share our passion for adventure and responsible travel - all in all
it's a perfect match!
Facilities on board
Public space on board the Explorer includes a dining room, lecture theatre,
a small gym, sauna & small pool, bar, lounge with extensive library,
gift shop and a top deck that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding
wilderness. The maximum capacity of the boat is 108 persons and all
passengers can be comfortably accommodated in a single sitting in the
restaurant, bar and lecture theatre.
Specialist staff
MS Explorer has one of the most experienced expedition teams in the
world. Through a programme of talks and presentations, our on board
specialists in marine and avian biology, geology, local history, wildlife
and anthropology will give an in-depth insight into these unique landscapes.
This enthusiastic crew really know how to make you feel a part of the
team and the quest for adventure is infectious!
Excursions
Our voyages take us through some of the most spectacular scenery you'll
find; cruising through ice fields, along rugged coastlines, fjords and
island archipelagos. Whenever we are close to land or ice we aim to
spend as much time as possible exploring the area, both by Zodiac launch
boat and on foot, allowing exploration of even the most inaccessible
shores and enabling us to meet remote communities and get up close to
discover the amazingly diverse flora and fauna.
Flexible itineraries
Our voyages boast imaginative, exciting and carefully planned itineraries.
The nature of expedition cruising is to make the most of local conditions
and seize opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife viewing before
they pass us by. Mother Nature can be unpredictable; ice conditions
will vary and the weather will change and we will adapt itineraries
accordingly to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. We believe
that this flexibility enables us to make the most of our explorations
and give you the true spirit of exploration.
Cabins
Prices are based on the use of twin-share cabins. These are cosy and
comfortable with two beds, a window (or porthole) and private toilet/shower.
It may be possible to upgrade to a superior cabin or single occupancy.
Prices and availability on request.
Please see our tour dossiers for further information.
Accommodation & Meals:
12nts shared cabin on board MS Explorer; 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches &
12 dinners included.
Mode of Travel:
MS Explorer - Finland built and designed for expedition cruising meeting
all international standards.
Comment:
Known as "The Little Red Ship", the vessel was the world's
first expedition cruise ship, and is designed with such challenging
destinations as the Polar Regions and the Amazon in mind. Refurbished
over the summer of 2004, vigilant maintenance and refurbishing have
kept MS Explorer robust, comfortable and in full compliance with international
marine safety standards.
Group Size:
MS Explorer can comfortably carry just over 100 passengers, and Zodiac
boats carry up to 16 passengers.
Tour Staff & Support:
Our strong team of expert lecturers, specialist crew and ship staff
ensure that we are looked after and well informed throughout the voyage.
Their relaxed enthusiasm and expertise makes for a very informal and
enjoyable experience!