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North Spitsbergen - Basecamp | Ortelius

8 Days
From AUD 4,000

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACOWBNS

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

SHIP: Ortelius

DestinationDestination

Arctic, Spitsbergen

DestinationDeparture Date

25/06/2024

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

The North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise allows you to explore and enjoy this Arctic region in a variety of ways. On this expedition, you can kayak, hike, snowshoe, and learn how to take stunning photos of polar flora and fauna.

 

ITINERARY

Largest town, biggest island

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 early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Kongsfjorden & Blomstrandhalvøya

Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Exploring the North West

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Rugged Raudfjorden

Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. You can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

The stunning sights of Liefdefjorden

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

North Spitsbergen splendors

While retracing your route west, keep watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, you sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet or St. Johns Fjord

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, your next stop. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. You arrive in Longyearbyen later at night.

There and back again

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

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Ortelius

Ortelius

With its origins in Poland, the M/V Ortelius now plies the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic as an ice-strengthened Polar expedition vessel. It is named after the Flemish cartographer and geographer, Abraham Ortelius, who also created the first modern atlas. Adept at navigating through solid one year sea-ice and loose multi-pack ice, this ship is ideally suited to reaching more remote locations such as the Ross Sea.

The comfortable M/V Ortelius accommodates up to 116 passengers. Cabins range from quadruple and triple cabins with portholes and both upper and lower berths, to twin porthole, window and deluxe cabins with lower berths only up to superior cabins which feature a double bed. The ship has plenty of open-deck spaces as well as a large bridge accessible to passengers. Alongside the expedition team that is made up of an expedition leader plus 5 guides/lecturers, the ship is manned by 34 extremely experienced Russian nautical crew, 15 international catering staff and a doctor.

On board there are also two restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna. There are 11 Zodiacs on board, maximising time spent on shore and wildlife opportunities.

 

Ice Class: Length: 90.95m / 299.4ft
Breadth: 17.20m / 57.8ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14.5 knots
Electricity: 240 volts Passenger
Capacity:
116 passengers & 52 Crew & Staff

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Accommodation

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.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Hiking

Hiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!

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Photography

For photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.

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Snowshoeing

Go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! 

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inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

North Spitsbergen - Basecamp | Ortelius from AUD 4,000
Departing Ending Duration
25 Jun 2024 02 Jul 2024 8

Important Information

  • Inclusions

    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 rubber boots and 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.

    Exclusions 
    Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
    Pre- and post- land arrangements.
    Passport and visa expenses.
    Government arrival and departure taxes.
    Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
    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).
    Additional overnight accommodation
    Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
    Any items not mentioned as included

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Background information on Basecamp cruises: We strive to minimise wildlife disturbance on our Basecamp voyages by concentrating on land and near-shore activities. The expedition team will try to find wildlife opportunities whenever possible, if time and circumstances allow.

    Prices are based on per person, and vary from quad, triple, and twin cabins.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
    Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Seasonality and availability at time of booking.