Isfjord & the Bellsund: a varied journey where lovers of nature and culture can indulge themselves
Now autumn is in the air after an Arctic summer. The mountains and coastal areas may be covered with snow again and the temperatures are around 0 to -5 degrees Celsius. Nature is beginning to show beautiful autumn colours and the transition period from 24 hours of light to dusk has started so that in the mornings and evenings we experience beautiful violet and other pastel shades in the sky. The spectacular light at this time of year makes these trips ideal for photography enthusiasts. If we're lucky we might even be able to see the Northern Lights at night. Because of the relatively short distances, this trip will offer the opportunity to sail to the sights as much as possible, provided the weather conditions allow us to do so. During this trip we will visit perhaps the 2 most accessible and versatile fjord systems of Spitsbergen: the Isfjord and the Bellsund. Here we find all the beauty that the Arctic wilderness offers. In addition to impressive glaciers, unique geological mountain formations, large bird cliffs and a rich animal life, it is home to a wealth of cultural heritage that has been well preserved over the past 400 years due to the cold climate. These industries, which lie on the edge of what is humanly possible, have clearly left their mark here and offer a narrative insight into the past. On the beaches in the fjords, these traces of human life and activities are visible, showing how closely the landscape and people were connected.

DATA

• Fri, 19 Aug =>  Sat, 27 Aug 2022 (9 days, prices are € 2.550,- / € 2.700,- / € 4.050,- )
  9 days  -  Longyearbyen => Longyearbyen
• Sat, 27 Aug  =>  Sat, 03 Sep 2022 
  8 days  -  Longyearbyen => Longyearbyen

Cabins and Prices

• € 2.250,- berth in shared cabin STANDARD
  Share your cabin for the best price
• € 2.400,- berth in shared cabin - PLUS
  share a PLUS cabin
• € 3.600,- Priveat cabin
  A complete cabin for 1 person

Included in this voyage

• Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
• AECO fees and governmental taxes.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage

• Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
• Pre- and post- land arrangements.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Meals ashore.
• Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
• Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

PLEASE NOTE: The autumn Spitsbergen voyages, just at the onset of winter, are ideal for observing the northern lights. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the sailing program: The boat is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time). This is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or the other propulsion method. If sails are used, the crew operates them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Noorderlicht is 6 knots.

The 'Noorderlicht' is a beautiful two-masted schooner and extremely suitable for sailing the Arctic waters. it is a big lady with room for 20 sleepers. Together with her very experienced crew you can discover the Artic waters. Northern Norway, Lofoten and Spitsbergen are her favorite sailing area.