STYLE: Small Ship Expedition
Trip Code: ACPOFSP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
SHIP: LE BOREAL
Spitsbergen
30/05/2023, 06/06/2023, 13/06/2023, 27/06/2023, 04/07/2023, 09/06/2024, 16/06/2024
Cabin on board ship
Uncover the wonders of the far north on this incredible 8 day expedition to the heart of Spitsbergen. Departing from Longyearbyen you will cruise south as you discover Hornsund, one of the islands most stunning fjords. From here you will sail to the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park where you will be immersed in the deep history of former whalers who had previously settled these sites - what remains now is an eerie sighting of graves which mark the last known remnants of these former expeditions. You will then explore the quaint town of Ny Alesund, the northernmost town in the world. This former mining settlement and now international research station is often used as a launch pad for expeditions into the North Pole.
A journey among fjords, glaciers and incredible tundra vistas this is a unique exploratory adventure to the exciting sights of the Far North. Stalk the trail of walrus and search for the elusive polar bear, dart in zodiacs to rocky shores and near immense glaciers - Each adventure here is its own unique expedition.
Single Supplement waived on selected departures & cabins. Offer is only available until sold out on selected voyages and strictly limited availability. Not available on some premium suites and triple/quad share. Prices are subject to change until the time of booking and terms and conditions apply. Please contact us for more information and enquire for details of offers and available dates.
Your cruise package includes a flight a morning flight from Paris to Longyearbyen. Please note we highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight. You will have a meet and greet at the airport before a transfer to the pier for embarkation.
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.
You will head to the Bellsund fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment where time seems to stand still.
Your captain will sail right up to the limit of the ice, to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a Zodiac® dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. In addition to this grandiose journey through the middle of these floes with their cut and blue-tinged edges, sometimes over 2 metres thick, it is also often an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals and polar bears.
Makeoyane is a small archipelago in the heart of the Woodfjorden, whose names is a reference to the large quantities of driftwood washing up on the beaches. It is located at the intersection between the Bockfjorden and the Liefdefjorden which leads to the Monaco Glacier, one of the most beautiful in Spitsbergen. As you sail around these little islands, you will be able to observe Arctic terns whose eggs sometimes attract polar bears.
Located to the North-West of the Svalbard archipelago, the Monaco Glacier is probably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic. Named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a sailor, it stands as an impenetrable, blue-tinged jagged wall, the last glacier before reaching a latitude of 80° North. Imagine the sound of the ice cracking as it breaks free and crashes into the transparent water. And to make the magical landscape even more perfect, you might be lucky enough to spot bears and whales, as these two animals have a special fondness for this area.
Raudfjorden means “red fjord”, from the colour of the sandstone of the surrounding mountains. Along the west coast of this 20 km fjord, dissected by many shallow bays, you will be able to admire some of Spitsbergen’s most spectacular ice formations. At the extremity of the fjord, two offshoots lead to the magnificent glaciers of Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen which is 3 km wide. To the east, Alicehamna Beach in Bruceneset Bay has seen trappers, fishermen and explorers arrive for centuries, as evidenced by the “Raudfjordhytta” - the cabin of a Swedish trapper built in 1927.
Located at the far north-west of the Svalbard archipelago, at the intersection of oceanic and Arctic influences, Smeerenburg is a former Dutch whaling colony on the southern part of Amsterdam Island. In a landscape of hills with steep slopes, plateaux, lakes and lagoons, you will anchor at a sandy beach. Dotted with driftwood and the remains of ovens that were used to melt the whale blubber, this is one of Spitsbergen’s most important archaeological sites. At the height of the whaling activity, 200 men worked here and several are buried here.
During your cruise, discover Ny-Alesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!
Very close to the former mining town of Ny-Ålesund, set off to discover Kings Bay. Your ship will sail in one of the most beautiful fjords in Svalbard: Kongsfjorden (the fjord of the King), a gateway to grandiose landscapes. Here, the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the water where superb icebergs try to outdo each other in their beauty, a delight for photographers. Seals, reindeer, barnacle geese and black guillemots frequent these places that have a unique atmosphere. Once you arrive at the end of the fjord, admire the Kongsbreen (glacier of the King) and its three characteristic rocky points, which take their names from three Scandinavian countries: Svea (Sweden), Dana (Denmark) and Nora (Norway).
Your journey will come to an end once you arrive in Longyearbyen. Please note disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 8 am.
From here you will board your return charter flight to Paris.
Please note: We highly recommend you spend the night in Paris after this flight.
Sailing under the French flag, Le Boréal is a superb mega-yacht that was built in Italy with a sophisticated French design. With its tasteful décor and discreet elegance, the ship blends luxury and intimacy with well-being in a unique atmosphere. The 132 cabins comprise staterooms and suites and can accommodate up to 264 passengers. Features include king or twin beds, en-suite facilities, Wi-Fi access, flat screen satellite TV, I-pod player and individually controlled air-conditioning. Room service is offered 24 hours a day and there are elevators connecting all decks. On board you will find lounges, a theatre, library, restaurants and internet corner as well as open-air pool, sundeck, spa, fitness centre and beauty centre where you can relax and be pampered with beauty treatments, a hairdresser and Turkish bath.
Ice Class:
Length: 142m (466ft)
Breadth: 18 m (59ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 2 x 2300 KW Passenger
Capacity:264
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Fjords & Glaciers of Spitsbergen | Le Boreal from AUD 12,300 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
30 May 2023 | 06 Jun 2023 | 8 |
06 Jun 2023 | 13 Jun 2023 | 8 |
13 Jun 2023 | 20 Jun 2023 | 8 |
27 Jun 2023 | 04 Jul 2023 | 8 |
04 Jul 2023 | 11 Jul 2023 | 8 |
09 Jun 2024 | 16 Jun 2024 | 8 |
16 Jun 2024 | 23 Jun 2024 | 8 |
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals whilst on board
Charter flight Paris/Longyearbyen on Embarkation Day
Charter flight Longyearbyen/Paris on Disembarkation Day
Transfers to/from airport to vessel
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
EXCLUSIONS
International flights
Pre and post land arrangements and accommodation in Paris
Any optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Available on request. Please contact us for more information.
Please note this expedition may be subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability