The Spitzbergen Archipelago, Norwegian Svalbar is a land mutually owned by Russia and Norway, found in the Arctic Ocean to the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula and the Polar circle. The capital town of Longyearbyen is one of the northernmost towns in the world. Spitzbergen is one of the most easily accessible territories in the High Arctic. It is ideal for scientific researches in various fields. There are several national parks in Spitzbergen, several natural reserves and special animal preserve territories. These include 15 special bird preserves. Spitzbergen has always been one of the main starting points for the explorers trying to reach North Pole.
Franz Josef Land archipelago is the closest land to the North Pole in the Eastern Hemisphere (about 540 miles to the North Pole from its utmost Northern point). It has been discovered in 1873 by the Austrian "Tegetthof" expedition. Nowadays it is one of rare 'wild' places left on Earth (it is unpopulated except one small Russian military base in the utmost West). The archipelago consists of 191 islands, 83% of them are covered with permanent ice. Some fifteen years ago the Russian Polar stations were still working on the islands of this archipelago. Now they are abandoned, and the whole archipelago is given back to the Wildlife. Polar Bears come to the very board of the icebreaker, raising onto their rare paws and curiously staring at people. Numerous walruses can usually be seen there as well. Often the passengers get lucky to see Polar foxes, belugas and whales. And they always see lots of Arctic birds.
After arrival to Longyearbyen a comfortable bus is transferring us to the pier and we embark the icebreaker "Kapitan Dranitsyn". On this first night of your voyage you will be busy exploring the ship- your floating hotel, as well as meeting your fellow passengers. You will be invited for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail, followed by the Welcome Dinner.
Day 2
We shall spend this day getting to learn more about our icebreaker - you'll need to have a good idea of inner layout of the vessel to be able to get around well. Expedition staff members, helicopter pilots and crew officers are introduced to the passengers in the Lecture Hall. Mandatory lifeboat drill and instructions on how to use helicopters, Zodiac type boats and rescue facilities follow. After lunch our fleet of Zodiacs will take us on a tour of the Krossfjord glacier. Weather permitting we'll land right onto the glacier for a great walking tour.
Day 3
In the morning we plan to land in the region of the Sjuoyane islands, namely the island of Rossoya, which is the northernmost point of Norway. If weather is not on our side we'll try landing on island of Kvitoya. In the evening we are leaving the archipelago and heading to the Franz Josef Land.
Day 4
In the afternoon we are approaching the island of Victoria famous for large population of walruses, who, naturally, attract polar bears, hunting them. Our Zodiac tour will help us take a closer look at these interesting creatures.
We expect to reach the Franz Josef Land archipelago towards late evening today, should the weather allow us to do it. The officers on duty at the navigation bridge keep a constant watch for the Arctic Wildlife to advise the tourists timely. Weather permitting, we might have BBQ on the open deck. Today we might also land on the Bell Island for a hike in order to visit the house built by Lee Smith expedition in 1881 that has remained in perfect condition up to now. Wonderful sight to have a picture of!
Day 5
In the morning we are to attempt our landing at Cape Flora on Nordbrook Island, discovered by Lee Smith expedition in 1880. They had to winter on this island after the steam yacht "Aira" had been crushed by ice and sunk in the immediate proximity of the coast. Jackson expedition (1894-1897) dwelled here longer than any other one and made a major contribution to the exploration of the archipelago. A whole settlement was built by the expedition; its remains may be seen there nowadays. In 1897 a memorable meeting of Jackson and Nansen took place on the island. Several memorial steles were erected on the island over past decades, to commemorate the daring Arctic explorers. A huge sea birds colony has its home on the cliffs towering over the southern side of Cape Flora.
Today we are also to reach Tikhaya Bay on Hooker Island. There is a huge cliff in the bay, the famous Rubini Rock, the home to thousands of sea birds. We will try to approach the cliff as close as possible, but very cautiously in order to watch kittiwakes and other Arctic birds without disturbing them. There is a derelict polar station in the bay. Weather permitting, we will go ashore.
Day 6
During the night we sail to Cape Norway on Jackson Island. In 1895-1896 Nansen and Johansen wintered here for over 7 months, after a failed attempt to conquer the North Pole. The remains of their hut and a memorial wooden post may be seen there. Polar bears, white whales and narwhals frequent the place. Later today we are at Stolichky and Appolonov Islands. The main attraction of the islands is walrus rookeries. We will lower our boats and get to the rookeries as close as possible.
Day 7
Cape Heller on Wilczek Island. In 1899 two sailors, members of the Welle expedition wintered there, waiting for the core of the group that was trying to conquer the North Pole. As everywhere on Franz Josef Land, we are very likely to view Polar bears and sea mammals. Attracted by unfamiliar smells, the bears come to the very board of the vessel and rising to the hind paws sniff the air... ,thus providing a unique possibility to take amazing pictures.
Day 8
Our goal is Champ Island in the very center of the archipelago. The landscape here is majestic: the cliffs and ice-capped mountains are the highest on the archipelago. We are to land onto the island to see the remarkable Nature creations: the stones of ideal spherical shape (up to 3 m of diameter).
Days 9-10
We are at Alger Island. Our goal today is to land at the wintering place of the American Arctic expedition headed by A. Baldwin. If the weather is calm, we will lower Zodiac crafts and dodge among drifting icebergs in order to admire the view, and to take pictures of these majestic giants from the very sea level. Polar bears are frequent visitors here - they may be seen here.
If the weather conditions are favorable, we might spend another evening at Hall Island, where expedition headed by Weyprecht and Payer has first seen the land (Cape Tegetthoff).
The island sights are very impressive: huge cliffs resembling dorsal fins of gigantic sharks submerge into the depths. The remains of wooden structures built by the Wellman expedition (1898-1899) are still there.
Day 11
It might be a sea-day on the way to Murmansk. But still, just as during the old-times expeditions we do hope for the best. Franz Josef Land consists of more than 190 islands - good possibilities of its further exploration have not been exhausted yet! But once again - the unpredictable Arctic weather is the Master over Franz Josef Land Archipelago. To cope with it somehow, and to give you as many opportunities for exploration as possible - we might propose a night or early morning operation (landing, zodiac cruising, helicopter round flight). Please, consider it! With a sorrow of goodbye we leave this awe-inspiring archipelago in the late evening this day.
Day 12
The whole day we are at sea heading towards Spitsbergen. We get together for our farewell meeting and review our cruise experience. We recall the unforgettable places we have visited and the wonderful wildlife of the islands, animals and birds - dwellers of these astonishing, though severe regions, which we have seen.
Day 13
In the morning we arrive to Longyearbyen. We disembark and are transferred to the local airport for the flight to Oslo.
The rate of single occupancy is 1.7 times the shared rate.
Languages:
English, German
Dates 2009:
No departures in 2009
Included:
- Group transfers between the airport, ship and airport in Longyearbyen;
- Luggage transfer between the airport and the ship in Longyearbyen;
- Voyage aboard the icebreaker "Kapitan Dranitsyn" as indicated in the itinerary;
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by "Zodiacs" and helicopters (as included in planned group excursions);
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and the service of an experienced guide;
- Four meals a day;
- Special expedition parka;
- Pre-departure materials;
- Expedition log aboard;
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Not Included:
- Airfares to/from Longyearbyen;
- Passport and visa expenses (if required);
- Government arrival and departure taxes (if required);
- Meals ashore and hotel accommodation (if required);
- Luggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended);
- Excess luggage charges; telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges;
- Standard tips at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion).
Icebreaker "Kapitan Dranitsyn":
"Kapitan Dranitsyn" is a powerful conventional propelled icebreaker, constructed in 1982 at shipyard Wartsila, Finland. "Kapitan Dranitsyn" is intended to work in the conditions of Northern Sea Route and the Baltic Sea. Since 1993 this icebreaker is used for the cruises to the most remote places of our planet. She was modified and achieved the class of a passenger vessel in addition to all the international certificates. "Kapitan Dranitsyn" has 49 comfortable cabins for 100 passengers. All the cabins have: big shower rooms, a desk and two beds. Public places include spacious drawing rooms, bars, heated swimming pool, gym and sauna. From the navigation bridge and all the decks you can enjoy excellent views. The vessel has a library, the lift and a small infirmary.
Superb cuisine
Times, when Polar explorers had to eat dried biscuits and dried meat are over. Our chefs will treat you to the most refined and exquisite courses of International cuisine. At extra charge our passengers can taste wine available at our wine cellar: wide choice of wines would meet the demands of gourmets.
Technical characteristics
Length: 131 m
Breadth: 26,5 m
Draft: 8,5 m
Displacement: 16,018 tons
Total capacity: 24,000 hp
Cruising speed: 13 knots
Crew: 60
Passengers: 100
Registry: Russia
The qualified Expedition Staff, the experienced Captain and the Crew will provide for safe and unforgettable voyage.
Unique Excursions:
The programs are developed in the way to give to the passengers the maximum information about Arctic regions and the areas we visit. The lecturers will deliver lectures and answer all the questions. Landings are carried out by the Zodiac-type boats and helicopters.
Itinerary:
The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the expedition leader. This is an expedition to a remote and scarcely populated part of the world, and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the pArcticipants. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with regard to the safety of the vessel. PArcticipants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing in this brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of helicopter.
Reservations and payment:
A deposit of 20% of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final
payment due 60 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in USD and no other
currencies can be accepted.
Cancellation and Refunds:
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 60
days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of USD 500 per person. Please note that within the 60 days limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited.
For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip
cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group pArcticipation, and no refunds
will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to pArcticipate, including
any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which at the discretion of the captain and
expedition leader may or may not be utilized) It is understood that refunds cannot be made
to the passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Cruise operator reserves the right to cancel any departure due to
insufficient reservations up to eight weeks before the date of departure (Passenger may
be offered alternative cruise dates.) Cruise operator also reserves the right to cancel
any departure up until the date of that departure due to force majeure or other
circumstances beyond the control of PAV that prevent the operation of the tour. Cruise operator
or its agents are not responsible for costs or penalties related to air transport or other
services that are cancelled.
Cruise operator is not liable for failure to provide the services or accommodations
offered to the extent that such services or accommodations cannot be provided due to
force majeure or other circumstances beyond its control.
Itinerary:
The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the expedition
leader or of Cruise operator. This is an expedition to a remote and scarcely populated part of the
world, and we expressly reserve the right to change the itinerary, the date or place of
departure due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and
other factors beyond our control without consulting the pArcticipants. It is understood
that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with
regard to the safety of the vessel. PArcticipants have no right to any refund or other
considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing in this
brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of helicopter or
of inflatable boat.
If a passenger misses any scheduled sailing of the vessel from any port or place,
including any stopover, Cruise operator shall not be liable for any costs, expenses or damages
incurred by the passenger as a result of his/her action and no refund of fare shall
be granted.
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