North Spitsbergen, Arctic Spring, Hike & Ski & Sail
Explore the shores and seas of an amazing Arctic island

As the extended Arctic winter draws to a close, the first signs of spring begin to stir. Yet, the climate remains steadfastly cold, with snow-capped mountains, windswept shores, and temperatures hovering around -4°C (25°F). This juncture offers an excellent opportunity to savor the lingering beauty of the winter landscape and, with a touch of fortune, encounter polar bears, walruses, and seals.

HIGHLIGHTS YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE
● Ski Mountaineering
Experience some of the Arctic’s highest vistas and snowiest slopes with this exhilarating activity
● Snowshoeing
Explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone.
● Hiking
Explore the polar coastlines and inlands with a wide variety of invigorating hikes designed for all hikers to enjoy
● Trygghamna
Located in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic cruises often visit the sheltered bay of Trygghamna. Literally meaning “safe harbour”, Trygghamna offers passengers the chance to get off the ship and explore the starkly beautiful landscape.
● Arctic Fox
Small but sturdy, these members of the canidae family can withstand some of Earth's coldest temperatures
● Arctic Tern
Among the most nomadic birds on the planet, these sun-loving tourists summer twice a year during their ambitious routes
● Polar Bear
Awe-inspiring icons of the circumpolar north, polar bears are majestic to behold, terrifying to confront, and as essential to the Arctic as ice and snow
● Walrus
Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers

Itinerary
Day 1: Largest Town on the Largest Island
Your journey commences with your arrival in Longyearbyen, the administrative heart of Spitsbergen, the largest island within the Svalbard archipelago. Take a leisurely stroll through this former mining town, where the parish church and Svalbard Museum offer captivating attractions. Despite the seemingly stark landscape, over a hundred plant species have been documented here. In the evening, set sail for Trygghamna, where the remnants of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Pomor hunting station await exploration the following morning.

Day 2: Foxes, Seabirds, and Reindeer
Embarking from Trygghamna, you'll journey to Alkhornet, a substantial seabird cliff abuzz with birds scouting for nesting sites. Below these cliffs, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of Arctic foxes and perhaps observe reindeer grazing on the lush vegetation, provided the snow cover isn't too deep.

Day 3 - 4: Earth’s Northernmost Community
Venturing northward to Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, you'll likely encounter a winter landscape with snow-capped crags and slopes. This region offers ample opportunities for snowshoeing, with equipment provided. Explore historical sites such as Ny London, where remnants of early 20th-century marble mining stand, and Ny Ålesund, the world's northernmost community. Keep an eye out for research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which completed the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden reveals striking views of immense glaciers and towering mountain peaks, but the extent of fjord ice will dictate your itinerary.

Day 5: Walrus (and Seal) Watching
Navigating southward between the primary island of west Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, you may encounter walruses at Poolepynten, a common haul-out site. As you continue, views of St. Johnsfjorden near Gaffelbreen unfold. The grip of winter ice may still be felt in these waters, with numerous seals, including ringed and bearded seals, possibly dotting the area.

Day 6 - 7: Wide Tundra, Tall Mountains
Returning to Isfjorden, you'll explore Ymerbukta, offering the possibility of a mountainous hike. This region features an expansive tundra with unique birdlife (depending on spring's arrival) and remarkable geological formations along the coastline. Moving northeast, near Ekmanfjorden, another hiking opportunity may arise. Glaciers are prevalent in this area, many of which extend to the sea or terminate near it. In Gipsvika, you can disembark near the cliffs of Templet, an eroded sedimentary rock formation dating back to the Upper Carboniferous period, approximately 290 million years ago.

Day 8: There and Back Again
Every grand adventure must ultimately draw to a close. You'll disembark in Longyearbyen for your return flight home, carrying with you memories that will accompany you on your next adventure, wherever it may lead.

Included in this voyage
● 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 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.

Excluded from this voyage
● Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
● Pre- and post- land arrangements.
● Passport and visa expenses.
● Government arrival and departure taxes.
● Meals ashore.
● 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).

PLEASE NOTE:
All activities on or off the vessel, such as (but not limited to) ski outings and Zodiac trips, are done at the passenger’s own risk. Oceanwide Expeditions is not liable for any damage, such as (but not limited to) bodily injury, illness, and death unless as a result of gross negligence. Furthermore, with the consent to participate in the ski mountaineering program, the passenger agrees to make no claims for reimbursement for shortened travel days due to reasons beyond the organization’s control, such as (but not limited to) conditions of weather and ice, avalanche threads, polar bears threats, and expedition staff injuries. On all our transactions, the general terms and conditions of Oceanwide Expeditions b.v. apply, registered at the Chamber of Commerce, Middelburg, the Netherlands. File nr.: 50590715. Upon request, a free copy will be provided. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

1. Choose your cabins