SPITSBERGEN, SVALBARD NEAR THE NORTH POLE
Explore Svalbard's Arctic landscapes under the midnight sun on board the luxurious expedition ship Silver Explorer (formerly Prince Albert II). Spitsbergen is part of the archipelago in the Arctic Ocean woven between the North Pole and Norway.In Spitsbergen massive glaciers cover 60 percent of the land, and fjords are lined
with steep cliffs and rugged mountains. Polar bears, wild reindeer, Arctic
foxes, walrus, whales, seals and many species of migratory birds are encountered in this wonderland.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE VIKINGS
May 30-June 13, 2012: 14-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Greenock (Glascow), Scotland to Reykjavik, Iceland
May 30 2012 Wed Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland 5:30 PM
May 31 2012 Thu Douglas, Isle Of Man
Jun 01 2012 Fri Dublin, Ireland
Jun 02 2012 Sat Isle of Gigha, Hebrides, Scotland
Jun 03 2012 Sun Iona, UK
Jun 03 2012 Sun Crs/Explr Lunga, Trishnish Isl
Jun 04 2012 Mon St. Kilda, Scotland
Jun 05 2012 Tue Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Jun 06 2012 Wed Fair Isle, Shetland Islands
Jun 06 2012 Wed Mousa, Shetland Islands
Jun 06 2012 Wed Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Jun 07 2012 Thu Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Jun 07 2012 Thu Isle of Noss, Scotland
Jun 08 2012 Fri Thorshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Jun 09 2012 Sat Mykines, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Jun 10 2012 Sun Day at Sea
Jun 11 2012 Mon Hofn, Hornafjordur
Jun 12 2012 Tue Vestmannaey Island
Jun 13 2012 Wed Reykjavik, Iceland 7:00 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Wander through magnificent and colourful gardens
- Visit the heritage village of Cregneash
- Learn the histories of impressive castles
- Observe seabird colonies including guillemots, puffins and flocks of gannets
- Contemplate mysterious standing stones
- Watch for grey seals and orca whales
- Explore bird cliffs and remote coastlines by Zodiac
- See heather clad hills and the famed Shetland ponies
- Sail up close to icebergs in a glacial lake
- Photograph Icelandic volcanoes and lava fields
Early Booking Rates from US$6,420 per person. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
EXPEDITION FIRE AND ICE
June 13-25, 2012: 12-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Reykjavik, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Jun 13 2012 Wed Reykjavik, Iceland 7:00 PM
Jun 14 2012 Thu Grundarfjordur, Iceland
Jun 15 2012 Fri Vigur Island, Iceland
Jun 16 2012 Sat Husavik, Iceland
Jun 17 2012 Sun Day at Sea
Jun 18 2012 Mon Jan Mayen, Norway
Jun 19 2012 Tue Day at Sea
Jun 20 2012 Wed Day at Sea
Jun 21 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 22 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 23 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 24 2012 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 25 2012 Mon Longyearbyen, Norway 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords and lava caves
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, seals and birds such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, fulmars, and snow buntings
- Watch for whales: Minke, beluga, humpback, blue, fin, and sei
- Visit historic whaling sites and remote Jan Mayan Island
- Learn of Viking lore and legends
- See geothermal landscapes of sulphur pits, boiling mud pools, and lava formations
Early Booking Rates from US$ 7,485 per person. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen for $475 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
June 25-July 5, 2012: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
Jun 25 2012 Mon Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jun 26 2012 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 27 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 28 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 29 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jun 30 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 01 2012 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 02 2012 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 03 2012 Tue Cruise & Explore Bear Island
Jul 04 2012 Wed Tromso, Norway 2:30 PM
Jul 05 2012 Thu Tromso, Norway
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of glaciers and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, and bearded seal
- Watch for whales including Minke and beluga
- Trek along the tundra
- Observe birds such as eiders, terns, skuas, sandpipers, auks and puffins
- Enjoy Zodiac cruises among remote bird cliffs
- Discover ruins of long-defunct whaling operations
Early Booking Rates from US$6,558 per person. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen for $475 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
July 5-15, 2012: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Jul 05 2012 Thu Tromso, Norway 6:30 PM
Jul 06 2012 Fri Day at Sea
Jul 07 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Bear Island
Jul 08 2012 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 09 2012 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 10 2012 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 11 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 12 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 13 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 14 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 15 2012 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of glaciers and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, and bearded seal
- Watch for whales including Minke and beluga
- Trek along the tundra
- Observe birds such as eiders, terns, skuas, sandpipers, auks and puffins
- Enjoy Zodiac cruises among remote bird cliffs
- Discover ruins of long-defunct whaling operations
Early Booking Rates from US$6,558 per person. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen for $475 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
SVALBARD POLAR BEAR EXPEDITION
July 15-22, 2012: 7-day Silver Explorer voyage
roundtrip Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Jul 15 2012 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jul 16 2012 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 17 2012 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 18 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 19 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 20 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 21 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 22 2012 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Discover majestic fjords, icebergs, and glacier-filled bays
- Ice-cruise by ship and by Zodiac
- Search for seabirds, bearded seals, ringed seal, walrus, beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear
- Visit scientific research stations and whaling operation ruins
Early Booking Rates from US$4,915 per person. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Roundtrip Package between Oslo and Longyearbyen for $950 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
July 22 - August 1, 2012: 10-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
Jul 22 2012 Sun Longyearbyen, Norway 5:00 PM
Jul 23 2012 Mon Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 24 2012 Tue Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 25 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 26 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 27 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 28 2012 Sat Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 29 2012 Sun Cruise & Explore Svalbard
Jul 30 2012 Mon Cruise & Explore Bear Island
Jul 31 2012 Tue Tromso, Norway 2:30 PM
Aug 01 2012 Wed Tromso, Norway
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of glaciers and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, and bearded seal
- Watch for whales including Minke and beluga
- Trek along the tundra
- Observe birds such as eiders, terns, skuas, sandpipers, auks and puffins
- Enjoy Zodiac cruises among remote bird cliffs
- Discover ruins of long-defunct whaling operations
Early Booking Rates from US$6,999 per person. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen for $475 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
WHITE SEA AND FRANZ JOSEF LAND
August 1-19, 2012: 18-day Silver Explorer voyage
roundtrip Tromso, Norway
Aug 01 2012 Wed Tromso, Norway 5:00 PM
Aug 02 2012 Thu Day at Sea
Aug 03 2012 Fri Day at Sea
Aug 04 2012 Sat Day at Sea
Aug 05 2012 Sun Archangel, Russia
Aug 06 2012 Mon Solovetsky Island
Aug 07 2012 Tue Day at Sea
Aug 08 2012 Wed Day at Sea
Aug 09 2012 Thu Cruise/Explore Novaya Zemlya
Aug 10 2012 Fri Cruise/Explore Novaya Zemlya
Aug 11 2012 Sat Cruise/Explr Franz Joseph Land
Aug 12 2012 Sun Cruise/Explr Franz Joseph Land
Aug 13 2012 Mon Cruise/Explr Franz Joseph Land
Aug 14 2012 Tue Cruise/Explr Franz Joseph Land
Aug 15 2012 Wed Day at Sea
Aug 16 2012 Thu Day at Sea
Aug 17 2012 Fri Murmansk, Russia
Aug 18 2012 Sat Skarsvag (Nordkapp)
Aug 19 2012 Sun Tromso, Norway 8:00 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Search the seas for beluga whales and narwhals
- Tour the Solovetsky Monastery – a UNESCO world heritage site
- Go ashore for nature walks across the Arctic tundra
- Photograph landscapes in the light of the Midnight Sun
- Visit historic sites of early Arctic explorers
- Cruise by Zodiac amidst glaciers and floating icebergs
- Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
- Observe polar bear, walrus, reindeer and Arctic fox
- Admire the perfectly spherical boulders of Champ Island
- See a multitude of seabirds such as skuas, auks, kittiwakes and guillemots
Early Booking Rates from US$14,105 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
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 Approx.
5,000 polar bears inhabit Svalbard (photo credit: Silversea)
SECRETS OF THE NORTH SEA
August 19 - September 2, 2012: 14-day Silver Explorer voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Dublin, Ireland
Aug 19 2012 Sun Tromso, Norway 6:30 PM
Aug 20 2012 Mon Leknes, Lofoten, Norway
Aug 21 2012 Tue Torghatten Bronnoy
Aug 22 2012 Wed Island Of Runde, Heroy
Aug 22 2012 Wed Alesund, Norway
Aug 23 2012 Thu Alesund, Norway
Aug 24 2012 Fri Bergen, Norway
Aug 25 2012 Sat Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Aug 26 2012 Sun Fair Isle, Shetland Islands
Aug 27 2012 Mon Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland
Aug 28 2012 Tue Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Aug 29 2012 Wed Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Aug 30 2012 Thu Portree (Isle of Skye), UK
Aug 31 2012 Fri Crs/Explr Lunga, Trishnish Isl
Aug 31 2012 Fri Iona, UK
Sep 01 2012 Sat Belfast
Sep 02 2012 Sun Dublin, Ireland 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Tour Bergen’s preserved Bryggen wharf, a World Heritage Site
- Wander through beautiful walled gardens
- Observe a multitude of seabirds: puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, fulmars, razorbills, gannets, cormorant, shag, skua, tern and a variety of ducks
- Visit an excavated Viking chieftain's village
- Admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund
- Visit legendary Iona Abbey
- Contemplate mystical standing stones
- Photograph charming fishing villages and medieval castle ruins
- Explore the prehistoric Jarlshof archaeological site
- See the simple croft houses of isolated Fair Isle
- Watch for seals, dolphins and porpoise
- Glimpse the Loch Ness Monster?
- Purchase traditionally made Scottish whiskey
Early Booking Rates from US$7,675 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
Explore Svalbard on the luxurious expedition ship Prince Albert II
WHAT YOU WILL SEE IN SVALBARD
Svalbard is the archipelago located between the North Pole and Norway. Svalbard is one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. The goal is to explore the islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, as well as the northwestern sections of Svalbard plus the dramatic Spitsbergen. We will discover wildlife as we spend the maximum amount of time possible hiking on the tundra. Svalbard is home to approximately 5,000 polar bears and we plan to encounter a good number of them during the trip.
We will travel along the same routes as famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Nordenskiold, Amundsen and Nobile. We will trek along beaches blanketed with walruses, get to know the indigenous reindeer, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be our constant companions as we admire their playfulness and grace. We might even encounter a few whales. A variety of known species frequent the area, in particular the Minke and Beluga.
The flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favourable ice and weather conditions. We will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs. Each day our Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. In the true spirit of adventure cruising, the Expedition Leader will provide daily updates. Here is a list of places we may visit:
• Edgeøya – Enter the realm of the polar bear on the third largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Conditions permitting, we will go ashore at the hard to get to Diskobukta, where we will discover interesting fauna and flora and take a walk amongst thousands of Kittiwakes and Arctic foxes. The coastal waters often provide fantastic opportunities to see walrus and polar bear on the ice flow.
• Barentsøya – Just north of Edgeøya lies the fourth largest island in Svalbard. Here we are immersed in a wide tundra and distinctive landscape, perfect for long hikes and short walks. We may encounter polar bears and discover the ruins of 15th-century Russian Pomors.
• Hornsund – The southernmost fjord on the rugged west coast of Spitsbergen Island. Jagged mountain peaks tower above glacier-filled bays. Listen for the crash of white thunder as huge chunks of ice fall into the fjord. Amidst floating icebergs jewels, watch for bearded seals, the rare Beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sightings are fairly common as the polar bear’s favourite food, the Ringed seal, breeds in the fjord. The surrounding bird cliffs are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little auks. We may visit the Polish research station or the remains of whaling stations and trappers’ huts.
• Liefdefjorden – Basement rocks south and west of Liefdefjorden feature scenery with high, jagged mountains and strong glaciations, which culminate in the large calving front of the Monacobreen (Glacier of Monaco).
• Ice Cruising – With the strengthened hull of the Prince Albert II, we have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as we devote at least one day to exploring the pack ice around Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, our Expedition Leader may choose to take us out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.
• Kongfjord or Kings Bay – Cutting into the west coast of Spitsbergen and reaching inland about 15 miles (24 kilometres) and spanning up to 6 miles (10 kilometres) wide, Kongfjord is a splendid place to behold. Together with our onboard geologist, we will explore its complicated geological formations and visit the 14th of July glacier. We also hope to land at Blomstrand, a name not referring to a flower-covered Svalbard beach, but rather in memory of a Swedish chemist.
• Magdalenafjord – This majestic fjord is normally accessible year-round because of the influence of the West Spitsbergen Current or Gulf Stream. Landing via Zodiac, we discover the alluring fjord and search for wildlife.
• Prins Karls Forland – Off the West coast of Spitsbergen, we encounter the island home of Forland National Park with cragged mountains, massive glaciers and remarkable wildlife. The entire island and the surrounding seas make up Forland National Park. Members of our Expedition Team take us a shore at Poolypnten, a well-known walrus haul out, where our marine biologist explains the habits and habitat of these amazing creatures.
We
offer the right Spitsbergen adventure at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How
to Book
ABOUT SILVER EXPLORER (FORMERLY PRINCE ALBERT II)
Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Silver Explorer (Prince Albert II), a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions, the 6,072-ton vessel boasts a strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger ships. With eight Zodiac boats, her 132 privileged guests can visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations. Experience the thrill of a true expedition aboard Silver Explorer. Venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.
Onboard Luxury
Savour a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Café, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna, live evening entertainment and two top-deck whirlpools. The Prince Albert II even features The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs - a diversion offered by no other expedition ship.
SILVER EXPLORER DISTINCTIONS
- Superior accommodations in a large suite
- Superlative service and genuine hospitality
- Crew to guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1
- Expert naturalists and special guest lecturers
- Complimentary, hosted adventures ashore
- Complimentary parka and backpack
- Fares include all onboard gratuities
- Complimentary fine wines, champagnes and spirits served throughout the ship
- In-room beverage cabinet stocked with your complimentary selections
- Casual/informal attire – no formal nights
- Open-seating dining
- Gourmet menus by Relais and Chateaux
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- Spa, fitness centre, two top-deck whirlpools, live evening entertainment
- Ship-wide Internet access and cellular phone service (fee applies)
Information and photos of suites and public spaces on Prince Albert II
Silver Explorer's deck plan and cabin/suite descriptions (pdf file)
Why us and what we can offer groups and organizations (pdf file)
Other Spitsbergen programs
We
offer the right Spitsbergen cruise at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How
to Book
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