Historical Expedition Cruise "In the Footsteps of Aviation Pioneers"
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the Arctic, tracing the paths of legendary North Pole explorers. This extraordinary journey begins in Longyearbyen, Svalbard's administrative center, and takes you through breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and pristine national parks. Experience the midnight sun, encounter diverse wildlife, and delve into the rich history of Arctic expeditions. With comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and expert-led activities, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Join us for an unparalleled Arctic expedition and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Included
All meals on board throughout the voyage;
Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
Group transfer upon disembarkation;
1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in a hotel in Longyearbyen;
Shipboard accommodation;
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1;
M/V Sea Spirit: Suite ,Classic Suite ,Superior Suite ,Deluxe Suite ,Premium Suite ,Owner's Suite
All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
Guided city tour (day 2);
Entry and guided tour through Northpole Expedition Museum (day 2);
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
All port fees;
Pre-departure materials;
Digital Voyage Log;
Wi-Fi on board.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Longyearbyen
Day 1: Longyearbyen
Your Arctic adventure kicks off in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Svalbard. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our German-speaking staff and transferred to a cozy hotel (or similar). Spend the day exploring the charming town center and visit the fascinating Svalbard Museum. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant and experience the midnight sun before retiring for the night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Longyearbyen
Day 2: Longyearbyen
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a city tour to delve into the history and culture of the northernmost city in the world. Visit the North Pole Expedition Museum to learn about the perilous expeditions to the North Pole. After some free time for lunch and shopping, board the MV Sea Spirit for your Arctic expedition. Settle into your suite and enjoy briefings and lectures from your expedition team.
Day 3 – Day 3: Svalbard Archipelago
Day 3: Svalbard Archipelago
Today, we aim to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago. Our journey takes us through the pristine Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, home to deep fjords, serrated mountain ranges, and immense tidewater glaciers. Explore the Blomstrand Peninsula and the Kongsbreen Glacier. Visit Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base, now an international community of Arctic explorers.
Day 4 – Day 4: Virgohamna Bay
Day 4: Virgohamna Bay
Explore Virgohamna Bay, the starting point for Salomon August Andrée's 1896/97 North Pole expedition. Learn about his hydrogen-fueled balloon attempt and Walter Wellman's subsequent efforts. Depending on the season, we may encounter pack ice as we journey towards Nordaustlandet and Kvitøya. Our route is highly dependent on weather and ice conditions.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kvitøya
Day 5: Kvitøya
Our goal today is to reach Kvitøya, the final resting place of the Andrée expedition. Weather permitting, we'll use Zodiacs to explore the coast at Andreeneset and pay tribute to the polar explorers. Kvitøya, rarely accessible, offers a unique opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habitat.
Day 6 – Day 6: Nordaustlandet
Day 6: Nordaustlandet
Today, we venture into the Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve and around Nordaustlandet. Encounter significant sea ice and marvel at the massive Austfonna ice cap and the Bråsvellbreen ice cliff. Explore the polar desert landscape of Nordaustlandet, home to thousands of seabirds and the impressive Alkefjellet cliffs. Enjoy lectures and historical film footage on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: Southeast Svalbard
Day 7: Southeast Svalbard
Explore the pristine Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of uninhabited islands. Discover the broad tundra valleys of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, teeming with Svalbard reindeer and ground-nesting birds. Visit South Spitsbergen National Park, featuring polar deserts, mountain ranges, and the picturesque Hornsund fjord. Marvel at the historical whaling sites in Bellsund and enjoy the peak of wildflower season.
Day 8 – Day 8: Isfjord
Day 8: Isfjord
As our circumnavigation of the archipelago concludes, we return to Isfjord on Svalbard's west coast. Visit beautiful spots like Alkhornet and Skansbukta before heading back to Longyearbyen. Reflect on the journey and the historical locations visited over the past days.
Day 9 – Day 9: Longyearbyen
Day 9: Longyearbyen
Enjoy a final buffet breakfast on board before bidding farewell in Longyearbyen. Transfers to the airport or city center are available for those wishing to extend their stay in Svalbard. Start planning your next polar adventure with us!
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