Wilderness Travel 2021 Cultural Cruises Brochure

Arctic Wildlife Safari ABOARD THE SEA SPIRIT

The Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen is home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers, and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities—walrus, Arctic fox, reindeer, and a variety of whales and seals. The unique Arctic ecosystem of Spitsbergen is almost entirely protected in a network of nature reserves and national parks—each has its own claim to Svalbard’s fascinting natural history. Voyages to this jumbled edge of the north polar ice cap range from 8 to 12 days, and the longer you spend in this magnificent archipelago, the more wildlife you are likely to encounter. Optional sea kayaking adventures allow you to explore rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have ever paddled.

explore Svalbard’s spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands. Seals watch vigilantly for polar bears on ice floes and “fast ice” (the ice that extends out from shore). The flowering tundra is home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox, the waters are home to walrus and a variety of whales, and the whole area is alive with migratory birds. Polar bears preside over it all, and the ship sails as close as safely possible to the edge of the polar ice cap to witness these mighty symbols of the Arctic. To complete the Arctic experience, you’ll explore places rich with history—the remnants of whaling camps, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for early attempts to reach the North Pole, and even an abandoned polar research station. Disembark in Longyearbyen on Day 9.

DAYS 1-2 LONGYEARBYEN TO ISFJORDEN ( 9-day Itinerary) After an overnight in Longyearbyen, the Arctic adventure capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, embark and sail into a true wilderness where nature rules. The long days of summer sunlight illuminate your surroundings as the ship makes its way through the high Arctic, while the experienced captain and expedition leaders adjust plans as necessary, depending on conditions and opportunities. The scenery while sailing through Isfjorden is spectacular and there is always the possibility of marine mammal encounters. DAYS 3-9 WEST SPITSBERGEN Experience excellent wildlife viewing as you

DATES May 31-Jun 8, 2020 Jun 7-15 Jun 14-22 Jun 21-Jul 1 Jun 30-Jul 11 Jun 13-22 Jun 21-30 Jun 29-Jul 10 Itinerary lengths vary, please see website TRIP COST From $4,395 Price is per person and depends on cabin type Svalbard Expedition ABOARD QUEST OR SJOVEIEN Choose a 9-day springtime journey or an 11-day summertime adventure on an incredible Arctic expedition aboard a 12-passenger or 52-passenger ship. Multiple departures May-Aug. From $5,290. Jun 1-8, 2021 Jun 7-14

ARCTIC OCEAN

PHIPPSOYA ISLAND

NORDAUSLANDET

Liefdefjord

Alkefjellet

Ny Ålesund

SVALBARD

R

yen

Longyearb

EDGEØYA ISLAND

NORWAY

100 mi

GREENLAND SEA

100 km

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