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Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

Antarktis
January 18, 2023 - 
20230130
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS An extra day on the Antarctic Peninsula Full access to the onboard photo experts Nearly 24 hours of daylight/twilight Camping & Kayaking available Daily Excursions (weather permitting)
8fe13979d54e143d3afc06fac56c612feac00f9b
December 27, 2022 - 
20230116
2023-12-07 - 
Dec 17, 2023
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins....
2023-12-24 - 
Jan 05, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-23 - 
Jan 04, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-12 - 
Dec 24, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-12-11 - 
Dec 23, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-30 - 
Dec 12, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-25 - 
Dec 07, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-20 - 
Nov 30, 2023
See the Antarctic from the vantage point of a true expedition leader – from the air. Our helicopter capability on the Ortelius provides you the unique chance to view an emperor penguin rookery numbering upwards of 4,000 breeding pairs, located just south of Snow Hill Island. Heavy...
2023-11-13 - 
Nov 25, 2023
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
2023-11-09 - 
Nov 23, 2023
Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals on Earth – along with day after...
Hiking trip in Svalbard

Svalbard

Svalbard, also known to travelers as Spitsbergen, is the land of the polar bear. Svalbard is a Norwegian Arctic archipelago 600 miles south of the North Pole. It features rugged mountains and rolling tundra that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing. As the largest wilderness area in Europe, and you will find amazing scenery, and wildlife experiences that you will not find anywhere else on the planet.
Svalbard is surrounded by three seas – The Norwegian Sea, the Greenland Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Cruises in this region may include circumnavigation (or nearly so, ice pack dependent).We also offer cruises based entirely around Bow Whales, and opportunities to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Wildlife

Svalbard is known as the best region for seeing polar bears! Be sure to keep an eye out for these snow-colored animals as you explore. Many other creatures also live in this region, including walruses, seals, and many species of whale.

History

Svalbard, which means “Cold Coast” in Old Norse, is technically part of Norway. The region was first discovered in 1194 according to the Islandske Annaler. Rediscovery in 1956  was due to Dutch explorers Willem Barents and Jacob van Heemskerck. The explorers were followed by whalers from many different countries. The consequential whaling territory disputes eventually led to the coast’s division. In 1715 Russian explorers would sail to Svalbard as well.

Weather

Temperatures in the summer generally range from 36-44 degrees Fahrenheit. Records show the highest temperature recorded was 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit in July of 2020. In summer months it is common for fog to roll in. Often it does rain but usually in small amounts. Typically there is more rain on the eastern side of the region.

 

Have questions or booking requests? Please contact our team!