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North Spitsbergen Polar Bear Special CruiseSpitsbergen/Svalbard CruiseSailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen, will give us the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic. We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here After June 2017, the cruise will be onboard M/V Plancius. ItineraryArrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale. We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here. Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bear have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography. Highlights • Kittiwake • Polar Bear • Monaco Glacie We will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gull. At the entrance there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopenstrait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gull, and Walrus. Highlights • Zodiac Cruising & Shore program • Svalbard Reindeer • Ivory Gull At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole We will try reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bear inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again. Highlights • Polar Bear • Phippsøya • Ivory Gull We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjord we have also good chances to see Minke Whale Highlights • Whale spotting around Spitsbergen • Bowhead Whale • Minke Whale We sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime we arrive in Longyearbyen. Highlights • Arctic Fox • Walrus • Alkhornet Day 8 LongyearbyenMeals: BreakfastReturn to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home. NotesPLEASE NOTE: A typical itinerary to North Spitsbergen is illustrated below. This itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Price IncludesAll Shore Excursions and Activities Throughout the Voyage by Zodiac.Use of Rubber Boots and Snowshoes Accommodations in Select Cabin Category Services of Expedition Guides Port Charges & Tax Meals Daily Shipboard Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary Price Does Not IncludeAirBaggage, Cancellation and Personal Insurance (which Is Mandatory). The Customary Gratuity at the End of the Voyages for Stewards and Other Ser Mandatory Insurance OCE-1269
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