In the Realm of the Polar Bear

In the Realm of the Polar Bear– Spitsbergen, Arctic Ocean –8 days / 7 nights, Longyearbyen - Barentsburg - Sjuøyane - Alkefjellet - Storfjorden - Hornsund - Isfjorden - LongyearbyenOn this circumnavigation voyage of Spitsbergen on the M/S Fram you will experience the low-hanging Midnight Sun creating unearthly hues reflected off the sea’s surface, the ice and the glaciers. Roaming in the realm of the polar bear at this time of the year is one of the most exotic Arctic experiences. Explore the incredible natural diversity of the Svalbard Archipelago, its deep fjords, calving glaciers, abundant wildlife and historic settlements.

MG	M	F	U	N	F/J	I
$8,377	$7,910	$7,070	$6,416	$5,950	$5,950	$5,483

Prices in USD per person, double occupancy, subject to withdrawal, valid for North, South and Central American residents only and subject to change without notice.


Operation	August 23 - August 30, 2012
Departure	August 23 & August 30, 2012
Price	From $5,483 per person in double inside cabin
Included	Voyage in cabin grade of your choice Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Wind & water-resistant jacket Landings in Polarcirkel boats Lectures by Expedition Team
Not Included	International and domestic flights Travel insurance Transfers Luggage handling Optional excursions & gratuities $25 Service fee
Please Note	Special: Save up to 20% if booked by September 30, 2011 AARP members receive up to $70 onboard credit! Ships' registry: Norway
Tour Options	Flights Oslo - Longyearbyen - Oslo Additional nights in Longyearbyen Overnight stay in Oslo Oslo City Sightseeing Cruise to Copenhagen Cruise to Kiel International flights on Icelandair with Iceland stop-over
More Information	Essential Information Norwegian Polar Institute: Polar Bears in Svalbard

Day 1 LONGYEARBYEN - BARENTSBURG The voyage starts in the Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. The history of Longyearbyen is very much the history of coal mining and reminders of the first mining can be seen everywhere. We visit the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, constructed around the entrance to the coal mine. Here you will find an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 2 KONGSFJORD - NORTH WEST SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D) Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78º 55' N, Ny Ålesund is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first "oil adventure".

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 3 NORTH EAST SPITSBERGEN NATURE RESERVE (B, L, D) This is a true expedition day where we explore some of the most remote parts of the Svalbard Archipelago. We will attempt to reach Sjuøyane, a cluster of islands at almost 81º N. These islands are closer to the Geographical North Pole than any other landmass in Europe. Polar bears and seabirds are the only inhabitants.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 4 NORTH EAST SPITSBERGEN NATURE RESERVE (B, L, D) The spectacular bird cliff of Alkefjellet is sometimes referred to as the Piccadilly Circus of seabirds; its 300 m spires rise directly from the sea and create perfect nesting conditions.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 5 SOUTH WEST SVALBARD NATURE RESERVE (B, L, D) Edgøya is the third largest island in Svalbard. Here you will find cultural heritage from all eras of human exploration of Svalbard. Storfjorden will give us spectacular views of the east coast. In the distance we will see hundreds of glaciers and mountains and if we are lucky we meet some of the marine mammals of Svalbard.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 6 SOUTH SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK - HORNSUND (B, L, D) The landscape of Hornsund is alpine with some very special mountains like Bautaen, or in English, the Obelisk, which, seen from the right angle looks like a giant Viking sword. Let your imagination run wild while spending the day in these extraordinary surroundings.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 7 ISFJORDEN (B, L, D) Isfjorden is the largest fjord system in Svalbard. One of the most prominent mountains is Alkhornet where thousands of Brünnich guillemots nest during the summer season.

Onboard M/S Fram

Day 8 LONGYEARBYEN (B) Sadly, every explorer voyage has to come to an end. Hopefully you will be recalling the memory of that polar bear, the calving glacier front or the buzzing birdlife - or simply enjoying the subtle, odd feeling of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred kilometres from the Geographical North Pole.