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Cruising Arctic Norway: Glaciers, Ice Floes, and Polar Bears – with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruising Arctic Norway: Glaciers, Ice Floes, and Polar Bears – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $17,260

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Description

You will board the ship at Longyearbyen in Norway for an 8-day expedition cruise to the heart of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.

During this expedition at sea aboard Le Boreal, in the company of our team of naturalists, you will discover the exceptional flora and fauna that lives in these extreme conditions, where temperatures reach -30°C in winter.

First, you will set sail south. There, you will discover Hornsund, one of the island’s most beautiful fjords, boasting an impressive glacier front, as well as Bellsund, whose lush valleys are sure to win you over.

Le Boreal will head north to reach the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, following the footsteps of the former whalers who once settled in the sites that are now home to the graves of many sailors and are still frequented by various species of cetaceans.
You will then discover the world’s northernmost small town, Ny-Alesund. This international research base and former mining city was the departure point for many expeditions to the North Pole, the first of which, in 1926, aboard the Norge airship, was led by Umberto Nobile and Roald Amundsen. Finally, you will reach the magnificient Kongsfjorden glaciers.

This journey will take you on the trail of walruses, as well as traces of the polar bear, the king of the Arctic, which you will be able to admire in its natural environment.

Then you will sail to the Svalbard archipelago, and the last islands before the North Pole, where you will discover that unique feeling of having reached the top of the world. During this unforgettable expedition, our ship will sail to latitudes of 80° north.

Trip Name
Cruising Arctic Norway: Glaciers, Ice Floes, and Polar Bears – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 The day before embarkation – Paris, France
Transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, to the Pullman Paris Roissy (or similar).Meet and greet at the hotel and hospitality desk.Lunch and dinner on your own, and time at leisure in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Day 2 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 Hornsund
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 Bellsund, Spitsbergen
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.
Day 5 - Day 5 Sailing toward the ice floes
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.
Day 6 - Day 6 Makeoyane, Spitsbergen & Monaco Glacier, Spitsbergen
Måkeøyane 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.
Day 7 - Day 7 Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen & Smeerenburg, Spitsbergen
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.
Day 8 - Day 8 Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen & Kongsfjorden (King Bay), Spitsbergen
During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, 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).
Day 9 - Day 9 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
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.
Day 10 - Day 10 Disembarkation Day – Longyearbyen/Paris, France
Disembarkation.Meet and greet at the port.Lunch, transfer to the airport, and check-in to the flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class. Approximate flight duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes.Transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to the Pullman Paris Roissy (or similar).Meet and greet at the hotel and hospitality desk.Dinner on your own, and time at leisure in the evening.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Flights included in the programme are on a European airline (subject to change).Due to local transportation resources, the group may incur waits.Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.Itinerary is subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $17,260Superior Stateroom
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $18,440DeLuxe Stateroom
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $20,130Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $20,980Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $22,000Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $29,460Deluxe Suite
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $38,770Prestige Suite - Deck 5
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $40,640Prestige Suite - Deck 6
13-06-202323-06-2023AUD $46,220Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, a pre-cruise hotel night and post-cruise hotel night, and an included activity in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts including geologist and oceanographer Katryn Wiese and Curator Emeritus of Mammals at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Don Wilson.
    • Sailing in Spitsbergen’s fjords and towards the ice floe.
    • Landscapes: ice floes, jagged mountains, icebergs, ice caps, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs, huge glaciers.
    • Wildlife: polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, cetaceans, sea birds

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