8 Days North Spitsbergen, Arctic Spring , Polar bear tour

Start Point

Embarkation : Longyearbyen , Spitsbergen

End Point

Disembarkation : Longyearbyen , Spitsbergen

Days

8 days & 7 nights

Price Per Person

USD 0.00 Twin/USD 0.00 Single


Tour Description

NOTE: DUE TO CORONA ALL ANTARCTICA OR ARCTIC CRUISES ARE CURRENTLY ON REQUEST PLEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR DEPARTURES PLEASE  CONTACT US AT CONCIERGE@ABOVE-5.COM OR OUR RESERVATION@ABOVE-5.COM

PLEASE NOTE: At the end of a long Arctic winter, spring is starting to awaken. The climate, however, still clings to the cold: snow-covered mountains, snow-swept shores, temperatures around –4° C (25°F). It’s a good time to experience the last of winter scenery, and with a little luck, also see some polar bears, walruses, and seals.

Bird Note: It is still somewhat quiet on the cliffs, as this time of year the cliff-nesting birds are only just picking out their places for breeding, which happens later in June. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the sailing program: The boat is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time). This is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or the other propulsion method. If sails are used, the crew operates them. Guests follow the safety instructions of the team. Average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

Included in this voyage

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of snowshoes.
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage

  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post-land arrangements.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

For more information please contact our concierge@above-5.com or reservation@above-5.com

Day 1: Largest Town on the Largest Island

Place visiting
Embarkation s/v Rembrandt van Rijn
Description

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the evening you sail for Trygghamna, where you see the remains of a 17th century English whaling station and 18th century Pomor hunting station, both of which you can visit the next morning.

Day 2: Foxes, Seabirds, and Reindeer

Place visiting
Trygghamna , Alkhornet , Artic wildlife
Description

From Trygghamna you walk to Alkhornet, a large seabird cliff where the birds are scouting out breeding spots. Below the cliffs is a common place to catch a glimpse of Arctic foxes, and you may also see reindeer grazing on the lush vegetation if there’s not too much snow.

Day 3 and Day 4: Earth’s Northernmost Community

Place visiting
Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden , Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world.
Description

You head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. The landscape is likely to show signs of winter, the crags and slopes still blanketed with snow. Here there are rich opportunities for snowshoeing – we provide the snowshoes – and visiting places of historic interest: Ny London, where you can see the remains of early 20th century marble mining, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. There are also research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden offers views of colossal glaciers and lofty mountain peaks, but ultimately the extent of fjord ice dictates the itinerary here.

Day 5: Walrus (and Seal) Watching

Place visiting
West Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland , St. Johnsfjorden , Wildlife
Description

Cutting south between the main island of west Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, you may encounter walruses at Poolepynten, a common haul-out site. You also have views of St. Johnsfjorden, near Gaffelbreen. The winter ice may not have loosened its grip on the water here, and seals (ringed and bearded) could be numerous in the area.

Day 6 and Day 7: Wide Tundra, Tall Mountains

Place visiting
Isfjorden , Ymerbukta , myriad glaciers , Cliff of Templet.
Description

You re-enter Isfjorden and venture into Ymerbukta, possibly embarking on a walk in this mountainous area. Here you find an expansive tundra with its own avifauna (depending on when spring arrives) as well as spectacular geological formations along the coast. Further northeast, near Ekmanfjorden, you have the chance for another hike. Common to this area are myriad glaciers that terminate near or in the sea. In Gipsvika you can go on shore near the cliff of Templet, a mountainous location of eroded sedimentary rock from the Upper Carboniferous period – around 290 million years ago.

Day 8: There and Back Again

Place visiting
End of the Arctic cruise you disembark in Longyearbyen for your flight home,
Description

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen for your flight home, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

 

WE FROM ABOVE-5.COM HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED YOUR HOLIDAY AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOME AND TO SERVE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

For more information please contact our concierge@above-5.com or concierge@above5stars.com or chat with us via our website chat !!!

Your Sailing Cruise Ship , s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

Place visiting
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Description

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994.

​History

S/V ‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and in Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

​History

S/V ‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and in Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

Passengers: 33 in 16 cabins
Staff & crew: 12
Length: 49,50 meters
Breadth: 6,65 meters (22,9 ft)
Draft: 2,8 meters (8 ft)
Ice class: Suitable to sail in the Svalbard and Greenlandic waters.
Displacement: 435 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 cummins engines together 550 KW
Speed: 6,5 knots average cruising speed

Perfect for expedition cruising among small islands

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The 2 inflatable rubber crafts (zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Comfort and Character

The Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. 1 Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), 6 Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), 9 Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

Cabin : Twin Private Porthole

  • Windows
  • 1 porthole
  • 1 upper / lower berth
  • Private shower and toilet
  • Ample storage space

Perfect for expedition cruising among small islands

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The 2 inflatable rubber crafts (zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Comfort and Character

The Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. 1 Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), 6 Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), 9 Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

For more information please contact our concierge@above-5.com or concierge@above5stars.com or chat with us via our website chat !!!

What to know and what to bring

Place visiting
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Description

Age range & Nationality onboard

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 - 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Catering

Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Excursions & Landings

Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers´ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

The crew

The crew of the ´Rembrandt van Rijn´ consists of  9 experienced crew and 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore. 

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Arrival and Departure 

When pre hotels and transfers or after Cruise hotels and transfers is be needed , our concierge is always there to assist or CLICK HERE for any assistance 

For more information please contact our concierge@above-5.com or concierge@above5stars.com or chat with us via our website chat !!!

Snowshoeing in the Arctic and Antarctica

There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot.  With that in mind Oceanwide Expeditions offers you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. From the casual explorer to the hard-core snowshoe-er.

Snowshoeing in Antarctica  

Do I need to be experienced? How physically fit do I need to be?

For the basic walks you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. The snowshoe activities last usually somewhere between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills. There are usually 1 to 3 different types of walks offered (except in the case of our sailing vessel the Noorderlicht) per landing ranging from a casual stroll to a challenging hike. In the Antarctic the longest hike takes about 2 hours while in the Arctic the longest hike can last a full day (we send you off with a packed lunch).

We do reserve the right to suggest that a passenger try another activity if it seems like they will not be able to enjoy a particular hike. This is done partly for the enjoyment of the other passengers and partly for safety concerns – if there is a health incident there is no help beyond basic first aid in the vicinity. Our experienced guides will be able to recommend a particular hike to you based on your fitness level. If you have any questions at all about your health or skills please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we’d be more than happy to help you sort out your concerns.

Do I need to bring snowshoes?

Not at all. We’ll provide you with MSR lightweight snowshoes that easily attach to rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots. If you join us on our ships Plancius or Ortelius we also provide the rubber boots at no extra cost.

Our easy fit snowshoes © Joerg Ehrlich-Oceanwide Expeditions

However, you do want to bring clothing that is suitable for the changeable weather of the Polar Regions. Layers are your friend – you’re going to get hot as you work your way around the tundra and you’ll want to be able to shed a layer or two without losing a big percentage of your elemental protection. With that in mind we suggest:

  • Hiking/walking poles.
  • Rubber boots that are high enough to get you from the Zodiac to the shore and have a good gripping sole for the shore landings and walks. (Boots are provided on the Plancius and Ortelius, not on the Rembrandt van Rijn and Noorderlicht).
  • A waterproof bag (especially for cameras) – you’re likely to get splashed during the Zodiac ride from the ship to the shore.
  • Straps for tying snowshoes onto your back or backpack.
  • Ankle-high sturdy hiking boots for the actual treks and for wearing snowshoes.
  • Sunblock.
  • You might want gaiters (knee-high waterproof protection) to keep your lower legs dry while hiking.
  • Sunglasses.
  • A backpack (25 litres is a good size).
  • Thin under-socks (to stop blistering) and thick over-socks. (Bring some dry spares as well.)
  • A 1-litre water-bottle.
  • Thermal under-gloves (fleece finger gloves) and warm outer-gloves or mittens (you might want a spare set of these as well).
  • A turtle-neck or neck gaiter.
  • A urine-collection bottle (regulations forbid leaving human waste behind in the Antarctic). Try looking for something like a wide-opening Nalgene bottle (they sell specialised versions for ladies at outdoor shops).
  • Thermal underwear.
  • A fleece jacket or vest.
  • A down jacket or spare fleece jacket.
  • A breathable (e.g. Gore-Tex) jacket and trousers.
  • Trekking trousers.
  • A warm fleece hat.
  • You might also want to bring along binoculars, and a Thermos bottle.

Don’t bring regular cotton clothing like t-shirts or jeans if you can avoid it because if it gets wet (either from outside moisture or sweat) it will stay wet – not a good thing in a cold environment.

Do the hiking and snowshoe activities cost more?

No, they are covered in the cost of your cruise with us.  

Are the hikes safe?

Generally speaking, the hikes are as safe as hikes anywhere else that involves rugged terrain and hills. You will, however, be facing the cold of the Polar Regions. 

Every hike group is accompanied by a specialist guide. In the Arctic, especially around Svalbard, your group’s guide will be carrying a rifle due to the possible threat of polar bears.

All of the walks are in areas that are outside of glaciated terrain. Treks inside these glaciated areas bring people into contact with crevasses and are therefore considered mountaineering. These mountaineering trips are always accompanied by at least one UIAGM-certified mountain guide.

Hiking in the Antarctic

We should make a special note regarding the Antarctic hikes in that the hiking options are more limited than the Arctic thanks to the terrain. There are however plenty of hiking opportunities on the nearby islands in the Weddell Sea, on the South Shetland Islands, and on South Georgia Island. On South Georgia one has the chance to trace the final section of the explorer Shackleton’s famous walk.

For more information please contact our concierge@above-5.com or concierge@above5stars.com or chat with us via our website chat !!!