Steppes Travel Arctic Cruise Charter Cruise

Spitsbergen Cruise JULY 2018

Why Discover the Arctic with Steppes? “

Seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat is one of the natural world’s most remarkable sightings.

Spitsbergen is the perfect setting for such an endeavour.

”

2

We are very excited to be offering an exclusive Steppes Travel expedition cruise to the Arctic, in conjunction with Telegraph Tours. We have over 25 years experience of planning bespoke holidays and group tours and we have drawn on our experience to put together this charter to Spitsbergen.

We believe we have the essential components in place; namely the right ship, the right itinerary, the right partners, the right team on board and of course departing at the right time of year.

We believe this to be the ultimate Arctic cruise.

For more information and details please visit our website steppestravel.com or better still, call our polar experts Sue Grimwood or Roxy Dukes on 03331 228 134.

We look forward to you joining us on our charter in July 2018.

Justin Wateridge Managing Director

Arctic Charter

Activities

Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise with Monty Halls and Sue Flood 7th – 18th July 2018

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Travel to the kingdom of the polar bear on undeniably one of the world’s greatest voyages

Join our 12 day high Arctic expedition deep inside the Arctic Circle only 600 miles from The North Pole.

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Sail on board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov and access the most spectacular sites and wildlife.

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The best place in the Arctic to see polar bears in their natural habitat.

•

Travel in the company of marine biologist Monty Halls and wildlife photographer Sue Flood

“

For humans, the Arctic is a harshly inhospitable place, but the conditions there are precisely what polar bears require to survive - and thrive. ‘Harsh’ to us is ‘home’ for them. Take away the ice and snow, increase the temperature by even a little, and the realm that makes their lives possible literally melts away.

- Dr Sylvia Earle

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

”

While wildlife viewing from the ship can be exhilarating, this voyage is all about the time spent exploring the Arctic landscape on foot and by zodiac. Take daily guided excursions along the glacier fronts and cliffs in search of polar bear, walrus and photographic opportunities.

Explore the Arctic tundra and see bird colonies, glaciers and historic sites in the company of expert guides – including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists, professional photographers and adventurers.

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov An ice strengthened expedition ship

AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV

Superior Cabin

VESSEL DIAGRAM AND CABIN DESCRIPTIONS ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT

RADIO ROOM

ENCLOSED PLUNGE LIFEBOAT POOL

SAUNA

ENCLOSED PLUNGE LIFEBOAT ENCLOSED POOL LIFEBOAT

SAUNA MEDICAL CLINIC

LIBRARY

PLUNGE ENCLOSED POOL LIFEBOAT

SAUNA MEDICAL CLINIC

LIBRARY

ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT

MEDICAL CLINIC

LIBRARY

BAR & RADIO ROOM OBSERVATION BRIDGE LOUNGE BAR & RADIO ROOM BRIDGE OBSERVATION LOUNGE BAR & OBSERVATION BRIDGE METEOROLOGICAL LAB LOUNGE CHART ROOM METEOROLOGICAL LAB

CHART ROOM

METEOROLOGICAL LAB

CHART ROOM

RESCUE BOAT RESCUE BOAT

FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK

RESCUE BOAT

Onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov these cabins are located on deck 3, have two lower berths, a loveseat or chair, writing desk/chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities. All cabins have a porthole that can be opened. These cabins are spacious and well appointed.

FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK

We wanted to secure the perfect ship for your Arctic cruise and in the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, we believe that is exactly what we have. Designed as a scientific research vessel, she is stable, quiet, quick and manoeuvrable.

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is comfortable and well-equipped for expedition cruising. Facilities include a separate bar and lounge with panoramic views on the top deck, a library, a theatre presentation room, wellness centre and a gym. With a maximum of 100 passengers, less time is spent waiting to get on and off the boat and more time is spent exploring the Arctic by zodiac, kayak and foot.

The staff and crew of the Vavilov have years of experience in operating safe, informative and exhilarating Arctic experiences.

Ship Specifications Registered name: Akademik Sergey Vavilov Built: 1988, Rauma, Finland Length: 117m Breadth: 18m Draft: 6m Power: Twin engine, 5,000Kw diesel, twin propeller Max speed: 14.5 kts Crew and staff: 65 Passengers: 100

ZODIACS FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK ZODIACS ZODIACS

AFT OBSERVATION DECK

EXPEDITION MUD ROOM

AFT OBSERVATION DECK

EXPEDITION MUD ROOM

AFT OBSERVATION DECK

EXPEDITION MUD ROOM

PASSENGER MUD ROOM

RECEPTION

PASSENGER MUD ROOM

DINING ROOM RECEPTION

PASSENGER MUD ROOM

DINING ROOM RECEPTION DINING ROOM

SERVICE BAR SERVICE BAR SERVICE BAR

The sister ship to the Akademik Ioffe, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov is modern, comfortable, safe SUPERIOR CABIN and ice-strengthened. With a near identical layout the Akademik Sergey Vavilov offers numerous GYMNASIUM Onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov these cabins are located on deck 3, have two lower berths, a loveseat or chair, writing desk/chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities. All cabins have a passenger areas ideal for small group briefings or information sessions, an expansive bar and PRESENTATION GYMNASIUM porthole that can be opened. These cabins are accessible via the elevator on deck 3. These cabins lounge located on deck six offers widespread views 180 degrees,THEATRE making it an ideal location for are spacious and well appointed.

GYMNASIUM catching up over drinks or writing in your journal. The library andPRESENTATION reading room are well stocked with

One Ocean Suite THEATRE

SHIP’S polar, fiction and non- fiction and is a wonderful spot to enjoy some reading. The sumptuous meals LAUNDRY PRESENTATION S H AC K L E TO N S U I T E THEATRE prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all clients SHIP’S LAUNDRYLocated on decks 4 and 5 these cabins are separated into two spacious rooms, one that is ideal for in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered SHIP’S relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, chair, ample storage and a large window throughout the voyage. Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness LAUNDRY that can be opened. The private bedroom has a double berth with upgraded linen/pillows, night light, room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. private facilities, a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line.

Located on deck 5 this cabin is separated into two very spacious rooms.

One for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, MAIN DECK TRIPLE chair, ample storage, large windowsO Noverlooking E O C E A N S U I T E the bow (forward facing) that can be opened. The private and spacious bedroom features I N S E M I Pbed R I VATwith E aT Wdouble upgraded linen/ pillows, night light, private facilities (with a bathtub and shower), a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee T W I N P R I VAT E C A B I N maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line, a chair, cupboards and windows overlooking the port side.

Located on deck 3 these cabins have bunk beds with two long drawers that pull out for excellent storage of clothing and gear. The sofa bed is positioned fore/aft underneath the portholes. Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with h/c water in the cabin, a writing desk and chair. These cabins are efficient and well appointed with two portholes with the option to open one.

Located on deck 4 these cabins have two lower berths (one bed, one sofa bed) a writing desk and ample storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins). These cabins have tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened.

Located on deck 5 this cabin is separated into two very spacious rooms. One for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, chair, ample storage, large windows overlooking the bow (forward facing) that can be opened. The private and spacious bedroom features a double bed with upgraded linen/ pillows, night light, private facilities (with a bathtub and shower), a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line, a chair, cupboards and windows overlooking the port side.

Located on decks 4 and 5 all cabins have two lower berths, private washroom facilities (sink, shower, toilet, medicine cabinet), tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened. These cabins are spacious and well appointed.

Shackleton Suite Located on decks 4 and 5 these cabins are separated into two spacious rooms, one that is ideal for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, chair, ample storage and a large window that can be opened. The private bedroom has a double berth with upgraded linen/ pillows, night light, private facilities, a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line.

Twin Private Cabin Located on decks 4 and 5 all cabins have two lower berths, private washroom facilities (sink, shower, toilet, medicine cabinet), tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened. These cabins are spacious and well appointed.

Twin Semi Private Located on deck 4 these cabins have two lower berths (one bed, one sofa bed) a writing desk and ample storage. Facilities are semiprivate (one bathroom between two cabins). These cabins have tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened.

Triple Cabin Located on deck 3 these cabins have bunk beds with two long drawers that pull out for excellent storage of clothing and gear. The sofa bed is positioned fore/aft underneath the portholes. Facilities are shared.

There is a washbasin with h/c water in the cabin, a writing desk and chair. These cabins are efficient and well appointed with two portholes with the option to open one.

Your Tour Leaders The Vavilov’s team of Arctic cruise specialists provide fascinating insight into polar history and the natural world but on our exclusive charter we felt compelled to augment their knowledge with a few of our own experts.

Monty Halls Monty Halls is a writer, explorer, television presenter, public speaker and President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

A former Royal Marines officer, Monty has completed several training programmes in the Arctic, learning how to survive extreme polar conditions. His most recent visit to the Arctic was spent filming killer whales in the Lofoten Islands. Having achieved a First Class Honours degree in marine biology, Monty circumnavigated the globe four times on various projects, leading multi-national teams in some of the most demanding environments on earth. In 2002 he was awarded the Bish Medal by the Scientific Exploration Society for his services to exploration.

Sue Flood Sue Flood, is a photographer, author, wildlife filmmaker and conservationist. Sue was an Associate Producer on the award winning BBC series ‘The Blue Planet’, and also more recently worked on Planet Earth. Both of these series featured several animal behaviours which were filmed for the first time. Her photographic highlights include diving with humpback whales in the South Pacific, face-to-face encounters with leopard seals in the Antarctic, filming polar bears in the Arctic, and photographing the wildlife of Zambia.

Above all, Sue is great fun to be with and while your photographic prowess will improve under her tuition, you are also guaranteed a fun and rewarding time in her company.

“

There’s something about an occasional stint in the polar regions that will bring out the photographer in all of us. But for Sue Flood, if it’s a cold place then that’s her territory. As an artist with the camera, Flood has a terrific eye for what makes the extremes of the ice domain so appealing, dangerous and poetic. She captures these landscapes, and the animals and people that inhabit them, with a clarity of vision and excellence of technique that most photographers simply don’t have.

- Nick Smith in the Explorers Club journal

”

“

For a marine biologist with a background of leading expeditions to far flung places, the opportunity to travel to the Arctic with Steppes Travel was too good to miss. The Arctic is a hot spot for one of the world’s greatest predators - the polar bear and Spitsbergen is one of the best places on the planet to encounter them in their natural habitat. I look forward to meeting you in the Arctic and sharing these remarkable experiences.

- Monty Halls

”

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

Life On Board Trying to outline a typical day in the Arctic is not easy - every day is different which is what makes an Arctic holiday so special. There is no average day on board an expeditionary boat as the day’s activities will be very much determined by the prevailing weather conditions, ice and the wildlife encountered. Flexibility here is the key. If you are looking for a strict and structured itinerary then this is not the destination for you!

START THE DAY

AFTERNOON EXCURSION While you eat lunch, the captain will be skilfully manoeuvring the ship to your next destination, ready for the afternoon’s excursion. While the ship is repositioning, spend time on the bridge, looking at the ice charts while keeping an eye out for seals and whales.

What will this afternoon’s excursion bring? The captain may decide to push out to the edge of the pack ice with the flat packs of ice getting more compacted until the sea is completely covered. Knowing there is nothing but ice between you and the North Pole some 600 miles away gives you some perspective on the remoteness of this region.

Hopefully you will encounter walrus, whales and a polar bear, usually the top of everyone’s wish-list. Bears are aware they are the top predator and are generally very relaxed either ignoring you completely or inquisitively coming closer. To be in their presence is simply awe-inspiring and our guides and experts will be on hand to give you some insight and photography tips.

Early morning call is normally around 07:00 with an update on the weather conditions and the morning’s anticipated excursion (landing). However the start of the day can be earlier, with an excited call of “polar bears spotted” or something similarly enticing. Always be prepared to change quickly and have your camera ready for these occasions - no one will notice morning hair or odd socks pulled on in a hurry.

Breakfast is typically a buffet affair with a range of cereals, fresh fruit, breads and a cooked option. There will be a briefing regarding the morning excursion: what the options are, how long the Zodiac cruise is likely to be and what the team hope you will encounter.

Standing at the top of the gangplank for the first time can be daunting, but you will soon learn to always keep one hand to rail, the sailors grip and the “step, step, sit-shuffle, shuffle” for a safe and quick entry into your Zodiac.

EXPLORE BY ZODIAC Once in your Zodiac, cruise alongside shimmering glaciers with birds such as Arctic terns, ivory gulls and kittiwakes swirling overhead and little auks and guillemots bobbing on the surface of the newly disturbed waters.

If you are making a landing, you may be walking amongst the remains of an old whaling station or in the footsteps of some of the great polar explorers who set out in their endeavours to reach the North Pole. Reindeer and musk oxen nibble at the tundra and wily Arctic foxes look for eggs and young chicks beneath the surface of the towering bird cliffs.

TO SLEEP PER CHANCE TO DREAM After a good hearty three course meal, most passengers are ready to head for their cabins for an early night.

However with 24 hours of daylight, post evening meal excursions are common, especially if a bear has been sighted. If there is no specific excursion, you may want to watch from the top deck as you cruise by magnificent fjords, watching for whales and other wildlife.

The bar will of course remain open and Monty Halls will likely be giving his lectures in the evening. Sue Flood will be on hand after dinner to go over the day’s photographic highs and lows and will of course, be only too happy to give one on one tuition.

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

What wildlife will I see?

Polar Bears

Reindeer

Arctic Fox

Whales

Walrus & Seals

Birdlife

Seeing a polar bear in the wild is one of the great thrills of travelling in the Arctic.

Reclassified as a marine mammal, polar bears spend time on the sea ice and mainly hunt at sea. During the summer, polar bears can be found scavenging for eggs on land and are more opportunistic in their feeding behaviour. During this voyage, we will be on a constant look out for polar bears, on the fringes of the pack ice and on land.

Svalbard reindeer is a sub-speices of reindeer and only lives in this region. Its characteristic features of short legs, short neck and a thick coat make it perfectly adapted for surviving in the Arctic.

Reindeer with great antler racks can be seen nibbling on the short grasses at Hornsund, and their tame nature allows for close encounters.

Arctic fox are small and well adapted to life in the cold Arctic. In Svalbard there are two colour types - blue and white. When the snow starts to melt the white morph Arctic fox sheds the white winter coat for a thinner one but the blue morph stays a brownish blue colour year round. They prey on voles, lemmings, hares and birds. Some foxes living near the coast feed on shellfish and scavenge the shorelines for dead fish, seal or whale. When meat is not available they will eat fruit and berries.

Whales frequent the waters and are seen when moving between destinations. Ghostly white belugas can be observed but with no dorsal fin they barely break the surface. Blue, minke and humpbacks are more common and bowheads if you are very lucky might be a possibility.

The 2017 season was particularly prolific for blue whale sightings.

Walrus are an iconic species of the Arctic with long tusks used for digging through the silt searching for food. Their tusks are also used to haul themselves out of the water and onto ice where they are frequently found. Walrus are notoriously nervous when on land so need to be observed from a reasonable distance. Seal species in Spitsbergen include; the bearded seal, harbor seals and ringed seals.

The comical auks are plentiful and look similar to penguins but can fly. Towering sea cliffs of gannets can be observed while guillemots cling to the narrowest of ledges. Eider ducks nest on land so are often at risk from bears and foxes. Arctic terns nest between small stones and scream and dive bomb at anything that comes too close, including humans. Puffins can be seen nesting in their burrows.

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

Your Itinerary at a Glance DAY DATE

Route Map

ITINERARY

DAY 1

SATURDAY 7 JULY

Longyearbyen Embarkation

DAY 2

SUNDAY 8 JULY

Bourbonhamna

DAY 3

MONDAY 9 JULY

Storfjorden

DAY 4

TUESDAY 10 JULY

Hornsund

DAY 5

WEDNESDAY 11 JULY

14th July Glacier & Krossfjorden

DAY 6

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Krossfjorden & Smeerenburgfjorden

DAY 7

FRIDAY 13 JULY

Phippsoya

DAY 8

SATURDAY 14 JULY

Phippsoya

DAY 9

SUNDAY 15 JULY

Nordaustlandet & Hinlopen Strait

DAY 10

MONDAY 16 JULY

Leifdefjorden

DAY 11

TUESDAY 17 JULY

Alkehornet

DAY 12

WEDNESDAY 18 JULY

Longyearbyen Disembarkation

*Please note this route map is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

Your Detailed Itinerary DAY DAY 1

SATURDAY 7 JULY

DAY DAY 3

MONDAY 9 JULY

SUNDAY 8 JULY

STORFJORDEN Coming around the most southerly point of Spitsbergen, push into the broad expanse of Storfjorden. Exploring Dolerittneset near Kapp Lee, the lush vegetation of this region is remarkable given the latitude -70° North.

This area has a large scattering of reindeer antlers, however, it is the plethora of ancient whalebones that make the excursion so memorable.

Some 400 years ago, whales were hunted almost to extinction in the waters surrounding Svalbard. Now nature has turned the decaying old bones into items of beauty. Time and the elements have altered their original shape and sculpted them into works of art. They are covered in blankets of green mosses and grasses, spattered with blotches of black and orange lichen, and framed with purple saxifrage, yellow cinquefoil and white sandwort flowers. They are fascinating photographic subjects. Now, even after death, the noble whale supports life by robustly protecting the delicate flora from the harsh winds and providing nutrients to ensure their survival.

ITINERARY LONGYEARBYEN EMBARKATION Embark your expedition ship, Akademik Sergey Vavilov in Longyearbyen and sail through Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden then into the Greenland Sea. So begins your Arctic cruise, 24 hours of daylight and hopefully some great photographic opportunities and memories.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY 2

ITINERARY

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

BOURBONHAMNA Arrive at Bourbonhamna, known for the beluga whales that transit the narrow sound. Head out in Zodiacs for the first time in search of belugas.

Adult belugas are pure white and the younger calves a mottled grey colour.

It is estimated there are approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard population. The beluga has no dorsal fin - a diagnostic feature of the whale species that live in the high Arctic such as the narwhal and bowhead and it has been postulated the lack of dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently covered in ice. At Bourbonhamna, hike to Ingebrigstnbukta stopping to view the old hunting cabin and other artefacts along with piles of beluga whalebones, a reminder of Svalbard’s hunting past. It is also a great place to see reindeer.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY 4

TUESDAY 10 JULY

HORNSUND Returning to the west coast, explore the glacier-filled bay leading into Hornsund. The entire archipelago of Svalbard is a lesson in glaciology and our onboard guides will explain the formation of this fantastic landscape during hikes and zodiac excursions.

Hornsund is home to the Polish Polar research station and a good place to see reindeer and arctic foxes.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY

ITINERARY

DAY 5

14TH JULY GLACIER AND KROSSFJORDEN

WEDNESDAY 11 JULY

The rocky shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and a range of species. The ship will anchor in a protected harbour, launch the zodiacs and cruise along the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier.

Bearded and ringed seals are known to frequent the waters here and we watch out for them in the dark waters of the fjord.

DAY DAY 7

FRIDAY 13 JULY

ITINERARY EXPLORATION OF THE ICE EDGE Continue north and east up into the ice, hoping to cross the 80° North parallel. Approaching the ice-edge the ship slows down and all hands are either on the bridge or out on the outer decks scanning for wildlife.

Bearded seals, ringed seals and walrus may be found hauled out on the edges of the ice. Harp seals swim in herds of 10 to 20 through the open water channels in the ice. A buttery coloured lump, miles away on the ice can quickly metamorphose into a polar bear as the ship approaches. The Vavilov is perfectly designed for near silent approach and the captain takes great pride in bringing you in as close as possible to the wildlife without disturbing it for some great photographic opportunities.

Lilliehook Glacier, at the northwestern head of Krossfjorden, is an incredible sight. The glacier face stretches just over four miles and has a height of around 80 metres -viewed from the Zodiac cruise you come to appreicate the enormous scale of your surroundings.

Large colonies of birds and often large flocks of kittiwakes and ivory gulls can be seen diving at the front of the glacier when chunks calve off stirring up the nutrients in the water. Polar bears can often be seen patrolling here because of the number of seals on ice.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY 6

THURSDAY 12 JULY

KROSSFJORDEN AND SMEERENBURGFJORDEN Sailing out of Krossfjorden and Kongsfjorden, you may be fortunate enough to see the historic airship anchor pylon near the scientific community of Ny Alesund.

This remote outpost earned its place in aviation pioneering history as a starting point for North Pole aviation exploration. Notable pioneer aviators including Zeppelin, Amundsen, Ellsworth, Byrd and Nobile all passed through Ny Alesund.

Nearby, Smeerenburgfjorden has a 400 year history of whaling and is a favourite spot as we round the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen. A wander along the beach looking at the blubber cookers, or an hour behind a tripod shooting landscapes with your camera might be on the schedule, all the while looking for wildlife that can appear anywhere in Svalbard.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY 8

SATURDAY 14 JULY

PHIPPSOYA At latitude 81° North, Phippsoya - one of the Seven Islands - is only 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. Because of the proximity to the permanent pack ice, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar bear viewings. Be sure to get up to the bridge and take a picture of the ship’s GPS showing this incredibly high polar latitude near the top of the world.

Trivia: The archipelago of Seven Islands is the northern most land in Svalbard and was named in 1780s by an English sailing party. The smallest and least significant island being Nelsonøya, was named after the lowly midshipman, who was promoted over the years to the rank and title of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAY

ITINERARY

DAY 9

NORDAUSTLANDET AND HINLOPEN STRAIT

SUNDAY 15 JULY

From the ice edge, turn south into the main strait separating Svalbard’s two main islands: Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.

DAY

ITINERARY

DAY 11

ALKEHORNET

TUESDAY 17 JULY

In Hinlopen Strait, the bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand breeding Brunnichs’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and black guillemots. The huge basalt cliffs and skies are thick with birds as they hurl themselves off the rockface. Polar bears are common in the Hinlopen area and there are a few different walrus hangouts.

Alkehornet, at the mouth of Isfjord, offers breath-taking views and an incredible tundra walk. Arctic fox can often be seen here, as well as reindeer.

Towering above the site is a horn-shaped mount covered in guillemots and kittiwakes.

This evening, celebrate the journey with a special dinner attended by the ship’s captain. *Polar exploration can be unpredictable.Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may be subject to change. The ship’s captain in conjunction with the expedition leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximise encounters with wildlife.

Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or cruise as the ship navigates the waterways between the islands. There are some excellent hiking routes here up to high points with spectacular views and further opportunities to encounter Arctic wildlife.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAYS 10

MONDAY 16 JULY

LEIFDEFJORDEN Enter Lefdefjorden and slowly cruise towards the Monaco Glacier. This vast sweep of ice more than four miles wide provides a fabulous backdrop for a zodiac cruise. Ice caves and tumbling seracs are an impressive sight as are the thousands of black-legged kittiwakes feeding on the upwelling of rich nutrients found near the sub-glacial outflow.

A morning of cruising in the ice is best followed by a hike on the tundra.

Red phalaropes, purple sandpipers and vibrant tundra provide plenty of viewing and photography opportunities. The geology is fascinating and it is a great chance to see reindeer and Arctic foxes.

On board Akademik Sergey Vavilov, choice of cabins, full board basis

DAYS 12

WEDNESDAY 18 JULY

LONGYEARBYEN DISEMBARKATION Arrive back into Longyearbyen this morning and disembark after breakfast.

Transfer back into town with a chance to visit the museums and buy a few last-minute souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your return flights.

Transfer to airport

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

Travel is the only commodity you buy that makes you richer ARCTIC CHARTER

PRICE

TRIPLE SHARE CABIN WITH SHARED FACILITIES

£5,995

TWIN CABIN WITH SHARED FACILITIES

£6,295

TWIN CABIN WITH SEMI SHARED FACILITIES

£6,750

TWIN PRIVATE CABIN

£7,995

TWIN SUPERIOR CABIN ( SOLD OUT)

£8,995

DOUBLE SHACKLETON SUITE

£10,495

DOUBLE MASTER SUITE ( SOLD OUT)

£10,995

FLIGHT PACKAGE £750 & KAYAKING £565 Includes: • Voyage on a full board basis • All zodiac cruises and landings • All excursions and landings • Services of special guests Monty Halls & Sue Flood • Services of expedition staff onboard • Loan of wellington boots, expedition jacket & over trousers • Post voyage photographic expedition log Excludes: • Flights to and from Longyearbyen • Pre and post voyage accommodation package • Travel insurance • Visas • Drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature • Tips and gratuities Limited single cabins available - subject to availability at time of booking.

START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 228 134 // arctic@steppestravel.com

Next Steppes...

Contact Our Steppes Travel Experts

“

We were only two days into our Spitsbergen Cruise aggressively shouldering our way through thick pack ice only 600 odd miles from The North Pole, when the ship’s tannoy crackled into life.’

“Bear sighting, 600 yards to starboard” It was one of those moments that instantly becomes permanently etched on one’s memory. The reverberation of hastened footsteps rang out across the ship as breakfasts were hastily abandoned and the cabins emptied as we scrambled for our first sighting of the main driving force that had propelled us all north into Spitsbergen’s icy wastes: The White Bear.

”

From the travel journal of Sue Grimwood, Steppes Travel Polar Expert

Sue Grimwood

Roxy Dukes

tel 03331 228 134 email arctic@steppestravel.com online steppestravel.com

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