Polar Bear Quest - 9 & 11 Day Expeditions to Spitsbergen
Season 2009, aboard the Vessels M.S. Origo, M.S. Stockholm & M.S. Quest
We're pleased to announce that 'Polar Bear Quest' bookings are now available for the 2009 season (June-August). These unique itineraries from Longyearbyen (fly in from Oslo) explore Spitsbergen, a remote and spectacular archipelago some 564 kms north of Norway or just 965 kms from the North Pole. Sixty percent of the landmass is covered by ice, however because of the Gulf Stream it enjoys a relatively mild climate for such a northerly latitude. Immense glaciers, narrow fjords, sheer mountain cliffs and abundant wildlife make this one of the most beautiful parts of the Arctic.
Spitsbergen is home to one of the world's 'core' polar bear populations, with somewhere between 4000 to 5000 bears. Large colonies of walrus lounge on beaches and passing ice floes, amazing seabird cliffs on offshore islands team with life and the tundra is alive with vivid colours of wildflowers. To venture high above the Arctic Circle, tracing the routes of famed explorers and coming face to face with the remote and wild beauty of the Far North, is an opportunity taken by very few adventurers.
The 23-passengers MS Origo is a small, comfortable and ice-strengthened vessel offering an ideal and intimate way to explore this magnificent wilderness. And, the MS Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 and carries a maximum 12 passengers. Totally refitted in 1999 she is a comfortable ice-classed passenger ship that has become famous for sailing in the waters of Spitsbergen. The largest of the fleet, the MS Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 and is also an ice-classed ship staking 53 passengers. The atmosphere on board these vessels is ideal for those who enjoy a 'small ship' ambience and the officers and crew run a professional, yet relaxed and friendly cruise. Travelling with these small expedition ships offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you get on a larger and perhaps more conventional cruise ship.
Prices start from Euro 2,950 per person triple share for a 7-night cruise. Enquiries should be made as soon as possible as berths fill quickly for these spectacular and limited cruises.
