14 DAYS GREENLAND ESSENTIALS

[For Silver Wind]

After one pre-cruise stay in Oslo, the “newest capital of Nordic cool with lively neighbourhoods, innovative architecture, world-class museums, as well as hip bars and heavenly eateries.  Stay one night before your embarkation.

 [For Ultramarine]

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influence. Your package includes one night pre-cruise stay.

[For Nansen Explorer]

Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen meets you at the Longyearbyen airport to escort you to the distinctive Basecamp Hotel. After check-in and lunch, kickstart your Arctic adventure with a private tour that includes a visit inside one of the mines that figure prominently in Longyearbyen’s history. Return to the hotel for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner—and the option to experience city night life, Northern style.

[For Ultramarine]

Take charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen and transfer to the pier for embarkation. 

[For Silver Wind]

Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen and transfer to the pier for embarkation.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Have time to self and explore highlights in this Arctic frontier town, including UNIS center which is one of the most prominent buildings, the Svalbard Museum covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard, Svalbard International Seed Vault, and remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen.

Start sailing from late afternoon.

[For Nansen Explorer]

Cross Isfjords to spend Day 02-03 at Isfjord Radio, a wilderness lodge built in 1933 for radio operators now converted to a modern luxury hotel.  Make glacier walks and hike to Festingen protected geotope area, relax with plenty of time for swimming fine dining in the profound silence of wild world.

Svalbard’s northern region shows more ice than the southern region, with quite a number of impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. Several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the possibility to see polar bears and to visit historically important sites make this an area prone for exploration. Ice conditions will dictate which sites can be seen.

Svalbard’s Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard. Several fjords cut into the western coast and have been used by trappers and hunters, as well as the different mining companies. Remains of huts and mines, as well as active commercial and scientific settlements can be found and visited. Hornsund will reveal fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains, spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, itinerary is flexible. Take Zodiac cruises, walk along the Arctic landscapes, or kayak in this region away from the noise and close to the water.

[For Ultramarine]

Spent three more days in Spitsbergen towards Longyearbyne.

[For Nansen Explorer]

Cruise from D4 to D10 to the north and east of Svalbard Archipelago.

[For Silver Wind]

Sail southward to the Bear Island, considered Svalbard’s southernmost island, roughly half way between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape. The entire island and the surrounding waters are a Nature Reserve, has also been designated an Import Bird Area.

Continue off the beaten track along the North Cape called the northernmost point of Europe. Hike and be rewarded with stunning cliff face views of the North Cape Plateau, explore colourful fishing villages, head into the impressive North Cape Hall for exhibitions on the North Cape’s history, and be on the lookout for hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets, cormorants, seals, dolphines and whales.

 [For Silver Wind]

Arrive in Tromso, a vibrant city surrounded by raw nature, disembark in the morning and continue your onward journey.

 [For Ultramarine]

Your cruise ends in Longyearbyen. From here, transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki to end your Arctic adventure.

[For Nansen Explorer]

Dock in Longyearbyen to end your expedition.