ARCTIC EXPEDITION - SVALBARD
Voyage to Another World - onboard MV Villa
Dates: July 1-10th 2024 , 10 Days / 9Nights
Group Size: Max 12 Participants
SVALBARD - Archipelago
An expedition through the archipelago of Svalbard is an adventure into a wild, polar landscape.
Lying approx 965 km from the North Pole, Svalbard remains simply the best spot for viewing polar bears in their natural habitat.
The long days of the Arctic summer are a time of intense wildlife activity. When we arrive in July, it will be 24 hrs day, you can see midnight Sun!!
Mostly Calm & non-stormy Season with Changing Sea Ice condition every year.
These icebound lands come alive with birds, flower and animals at a few key locations.
Not as cold in summer as you might expect, temperature will be moderate at 0-8 Degree Celsius these islands have a rugged beauty, and offer wildlife encounters that will amaze you.
LONGYEARBYEN : Gateway to the Arctic
Longyearbyen is the administrative capital of Svalbard and a well-known Arctic destination. The world’s northernmost town is home to an international population of approximately 2,500 people and roughly 53 nationalities are represented. . Visitors to Longyearbyen will be amazed by the vibrant cultural offerings, forces of nature and the town's historical monuments. There are few good hotels, we advice to arrive a day to two before the expedition, to acclimatise and explore Museum, Market & Souvenir Shops, Pubs , Restaurants, birds & other wildlife. Longyearbyen airport is north most commercial airport, we can reach via Oslo.
FLEXIBILITY IS KEY!!
First Day of Expedition
Meet your dedicated expedition team and crew at the dock in Longyearbyen at 16:00hrs on 1st July, where you will embark MV Villa and make yourself at home.
After you are settled in your cabin, we will conduct the mandatory safety briefing before we sail out from Adventfjorden into Isfjorden.
Enjoy the open decks before a welcome dinner is served in the dining room.
A great advantage and necessity of being on an expedition is flexibility.
The Captain and Expedition Leader make daily choices on the best landing sites based on weather and sea conditions and can change plans to visit interesting areas based on updated local information.
Given this flexible itinerary, a daily briefing will be held to outline the following day’s plans.
Final Day of Expedition
Enjoy a final breakfast together as we arrive to Longyearbyen, where we bid you farewell for disembarkation by 9:00hrs on 10th July, 2024.
EXPEDITION SHIP - MV VILLA
Once onboard your expedition ship MV Villa, you will be cruising rugged shorelines in the hope of encountering polar bears and walrus. Exploring Arctic on expedition ship Villa has lots of advantage over large cruise ship which hosts 200-500 guests.
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Fast Hull Speed: Villa covers greater distances so you see more.
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Ice Strengthen Hull: Capable of cruising on pack ice, ( something most ship can't do)
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Takes just 12 guests: Intimate experience with natural environment with like minded people.
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Zodiac for photography: Just 6 guest each Zodiac, so ample space to photograph, no waiting time.
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Flexibility of Time: Being small group, we can decide time & duration of each landing.
ONBOARD VILLA
Accommodation
There are 6 cabins for up to 12 guests. Nansen suit has twin beds, rest all 5 rooms has bunker beds.
Each cabin features : Air conditioning , Closet Bathrobe, Rituals toiletries, Hairdryer, Flat screen TV Sea view
Bridge
The Bridge on Villa is open access to all guests 24hours a day throughout the expedition, featuring a comfortable seating area and table for guests to enjoy the 180° view.
Spend time with the Captain and onboard team as Villa navigates the Arctic in between expedition activities.
Dress Code
Villa has no formal dress code, please feel free to dress as you choose.
Communications
The impressive fjords and mountains of the Svalbard archipelago can block the signal from satellite internet and international data network services coverage, so you can expect (and enjoy!) some periods of being digitally dark on expedition,
Currency & Card Payments
Cash and card payments are accepted in Norwegian Kroner NOK for additional alcoholic beverages and soft drinks on board.
Dining
Villa's Chef will prepare all meals freshly with the finest available ingredients. All dietary requirements are catered to, please ensure to advise our team in advance so we can accommodate you. 24/7 hot coffee/tea & fruits available.
Power Sockets
On board power is 220 V, with European sockets, carry adaptor as per your country type.
Smoking
There are designated smoking areas on the vessel's open deck. The interior of the ship is strictly non- smoking.
Gratuities
A gratuity to crew and expedition guides is customary, but is given at the client’s discretion.
Safety
In accordance with the International Convention for Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS), a full safety briefing and guest drill will be conducted at the beginning of each voyage.
Zodiac Operations
Villa is equipped with two Zodiacs for remote coastal landings. A briefing on their use will be given on board.
TOUR COST
Deluxe double cabin, two bunker beds, $8700 per person sharing
Payment Terms:
Pay 50% to block your seat.
Pay 50% on 1st March 2024
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Pickup & Drop from your hotel to Dock
Nine Night Accommodation, as per itinerary on Villa
All Meals & Drinking water as per itinerary on Villa.
Highly Experienced & qualified guides
On field photography lessons
Post processing & Photograph review sessions
Lectures by Expedition Guides on Arctic Ecology
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
International flights to Longyearbyen
Accommodation prior to & after the Expedition
Alcoholic & Non-alcoholic beverages on Ship
Visa, Travel Insurance, GST other Govt Taxes
Tips and gratuities for ship crew and guides
Experience of Arctic Expedition
Crossing 80 Degree North, just 690 Miles from North Pole!! No permanent human settlement beyond, an unparalleled experience
Arctic Landscape Gallery
