SPITSBERGEN, SVALBARD NEAR THE NORTH POLE
Explore Svalbard's Arctic landscapes under the midnight sun on board the luxurious expedition ship 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.
2011 SAILING SCHEDULE (2010 practically sold out)
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE VIKINGS
May 25-June 8, 2011: 14-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Leith, Scotland to Lubeck, Germany
25 May 2011 Wed Leith 5:00 PM
26 May 2011 Thu Stromness, Orkney Islands
27 May 2011 Fri Stornoway, Hebrides Isles, Scotland
28 May 2011 Sat Isle of Rum, Scotland
28 May 2011 Sat Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
29 May 2011 Sun Staffa, Scotland
29 May 2011 Sun Iona, Scotland
30 May 2011 Mon St. Kilda, Scotland
31 May 2011 Tue Thorshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark
01 Jun 2011 Wed Mykines, Faroe Islands
01 Jun 2011 Wed Vestmanna, Faroe Islands
02 Jun 2011 Thu Day At Sea
03 Jun 2011 Fri Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
03 Jun 2011 Fri Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
04 Jun 2011 Sat Bergen, Norway
05 Jun 2011 Sun Day At Sea
06 Jun 2011 Mon Helsingborg, Sweden
07 Jun 2011 Tue Ronne, Bornholm, Denmark
08 Jun 2011 Wed Lubeck, Germany 8:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Discover far flung places difficult to visit by land, and inaccessible to larger ships
- Wander through colourful gardens
- Visit Norse trading towns and prehistoric settlements
- Contemplate mystical standing stones
- See historic castles: Kinloch, Duart, Torosay, Scalloway, Kronborg and Hammershus
- Observe nesting seabirds including guillemots, puffins and flocks of gannets
- Watch for grey seals and orca whales
- Explore sea caves and bird cliffs by Zodiac
- Tour Bergen’s preserved Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
- Admire medieval villages, Gothic cathedrals and the round churches of Ronne
Early Booking Rates from US$ 5,758 per person plus $275 per person in port charges. Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
MAJESTIC FJORDS & ICY LANDS
June 8-23, 2011: 15-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Lubeck, Germany to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
08 Jun 2011 Wed Lubeck, Germany 5:00 PM
09 Jun 2011 Thu Helsingborg, Sweden
10 Jun 2011 Fri Kristiansand, Norway
11 Jun 2011 Sat Bergen, Norway
12 Jun 2011 Sun Geiranger, Norway
13 Jun 2011 Mon Day At Sea
14 Jun 2011 Tue Trondheim, Norway
15 Jun 2011 Wed Cruise Norwegian Fjords
16 Jun 2011 Thu Leknes, Lofoten
17 Jun 2011 Fri Tromsø, Norway
18 Jun 2011 Sat Cruise & Explore Bear Island
19 Jun 2011 Sun Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
20 Jun 2011 Mon Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
21 Jun 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
22 Jun 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
23 Jun 2011 Thu LONGYEARBYEN / OSLO 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Discover majestic fjords, icebergs, and glacier-filled bays
- Kayak through spectacular Geirangerfjord – a World Heritage Site
- Search for seabirds, seals, walrus, and polar bear
- Visit Kronborg Castle and Viking villages
- Tour Bergen’s preserved Bryggen wharf, a World Heritage Site
- Hike to the summit of Mount Gråkallen
- Cross the Arctic Circle
Early Booking Rates from US$ 7,918 per person plus $275 per person in taxes. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen, including 1-night hotel stay in Oslo, plus applicable transfers on day of embarkation, for an additional charge of $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)
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
June 23-July 3, 2011: 10-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
23 Jun 2011 Thu OSLO / LONGYEARBYEN 5:00 PM
24 Jun 2011 Fri Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
25 Jun 2011 Sat Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
26 Jun 2011 Sun Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
27 Jun 2011 Mon Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
28 Jun 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
29 Jun 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
30 Jun 2011 Thu Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
01 Jul 2011 Fri Cruise & Explore Bear Island
02 Jul 2011 Sat Tromsø, Norway 2:30 PM
03 Jul 2011 Sun Tromsø, Norway
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
July 3-13, 2011: 10-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
03 Jul 2011 Sun Tromsø, Norway 4:00 PM
04 Jul 2011 Mon Day At Sea
05 Jul 2011 Tue Cruise & Explore Bear Island
06 Jul 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
07 Jul 2011 Thu Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
08 Jul 2011 Fri Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
09 Jul 2011 Sat Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
10 Jul 2011 Sun Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
11 Jul 2011 Mon Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
12 Jul 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
13 Jul 2011 Wed LONGYEARBYEN / OSLO 6:30 AM
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
August 2-12, 2011: 10-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Tromso, Norway
02 Aug 2011 Tue OSLO / LONGYEARBYEN 5:00 PM
03 Aug 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
04 Aug 2011 Thu Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
05 Aug 2011 Fri Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
06 Aug 2011 Sat Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
07 Aug 2011 Sun Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
08 Aug 2011 Mon Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
09 Aug 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway Noon
10 Aug 2011 Wed Cruise & Explore Bear Island
11 Aug 2011 Thu Tromsø, Norway 2:30 PM
12 Aug 2011 Fri Tromsø, Norway
SVALBARD & POLAR BEARS
August 12-22, 2011: 10-day Prince Albert II voyage
from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
12 Aug 2011 Fri Tromsø, Norway 4:00 PM
13 Aug 2011 Sat Day At Sea
14 Aug 2011 Sun Cruise & Explore Bear Island
15 Aug 2011 Mon Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
16 Aug 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
17 Aug 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
18 Aug 2011 Thu Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
19 Aug 2011 Fri Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
20 Aug 2011 Sat Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
21 Aug 2011 Sun Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
22 Aug 2011 Mon LONGYEARBYEN / OSLO 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights: (also see "what to see in Svalbard")
- 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
Svalbard Early Booking Rates from US$ 5,638 per person plus $175 per person in port charges. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen, including 1-night hotel stay in Oslo, plus applicable transfers on day of embarkation, for an additional charge of $675 per person.
Please inquire about our FLEX SAVINGS plan and the day-by-day itinerary. Call us for details at 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International)
SVALBARD & ICELAND
August 22 - September 3, 2011: 12-day Prince Albert II voyage from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Reykjavik, Iceland
22 Aug 2011 Mon OSLO / LONGYEARBYEN 5:00 PM
23 Aug 2011 Tue Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
24 Aug 2011 Wed Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
25 Aug 2011 Thu Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
26 Aug 2011 Fri Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
27 Aug 2011 Sat Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway
28 Aug 2011 Sun Day At Sea
29 Aug 2011 Mon Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard, Norway
30 Aug 2011 Tue Day At Sea
31 Aug 2011 Wed Husavik, Iceland
01 Sep 2011 Thu BILDUDALUR, Iceland
02 Sep 2011 Fri Grundarfjordur, Iceland
03 Sep 2011 Sat Reykjavik, Iceland 6:30 AM
Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and icebergs
- Explore deep fjords and lava caves
- Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, seals and birds such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, fulmars, and snow buntings
- Watch for whales: minke, beluga, humpback, blue, fin, and sei
- Visit historic whaling sites and remote Jan Mayan Island
- Learn of Viking lore and legends
- See geothermal landscapes of sulphur pits, boiling mud pools, and lava formations
Early Booking Rates from US$ 6,358 per person plus $225 per person in port charges. Note that guests are also required to purchase Air Charter Package one-way between Oslo and Longyearbyen, including 1-night hotel stay in Oslo, plus applicable transfers on day of embarkation, for an additional charge of $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)
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 Approx.
5,000 polar bears inhabit Svalbard (photo credit: Silversea)
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 at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How
to Book
ABOUT PRINCE ALBERT II
Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard 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 Prince Albert II. 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.
PRINCE ALBERT II 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
Prince Albert'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 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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