North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer
11 Days - Rembrandt Van Rijn
The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.
from NZD $8276pp
Home » 11 Day Rembrandt Van Rijn: North Spitsbergen – Arctic Summer
Itinerary Highlights
- A chance to spot polar bears, bearded seals, seabird colonies
- Discover the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry and polar exploration
- Explore the majestic cliff of Tempet with spectacular mountains
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen
- Day 2: Alkhornet
- Day 3: Fuglefjorden
- Day 4: Raudfjord
- Day 5: Reindyrsflya
- Day 6: Liefdefjorden
- Day 7: Fuglesangen
- Day 8: Ny Alesund
- Day 9: Fuglehuken
- Day 10: Bohemanflya
- Day 11: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen
After arriving in Longyearbyen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry and polar exploration In the evening we sail, setting course for Trygghamna where we will see the remains of a 17th century English whaling station.
Day 2: Alkhornet
From Trygghamna we walk to Alkhornet a large seabird cliff, where the birds are prospecting their breeding places. Below the cliffs is a den of Arctic Fox, and Reindeer graze on the lush vegetation. In Forlandsundet we visit a haul out place of Walrus at Poolepynten if sea conditions allows, or at Sarstangen.
Day 3: Fuglefjorden
Today we sail into Fuglefjorden with views on Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, with breeding places for Great Skuas and good chances for bears. In Birgerbukta we find blubber ovens of the Basques. We will try to visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island which was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers. There we can still follow their tracks to the summit of the island, passing excellent bird cliffs on the way. On shore the remains of 17th century blubber ovens can be found, while Arctic Skua and Common Eider breed among the graves of 200 Dutch whalers.
Day 4: Raudfjorden
Raudfjord on the north coast of Spitsbergen is a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is also a favourite with Ringed and Bearded Seal, has good seabird colonies, and offers good chances for spotting Polar Bear and Beluga. Jermaktangen, at the fjord’s eastern entrance, is a geography lesson in the erosion of the land by the sea.
Day 5: Reindyrsflya
If sea-ice conditions allow, we may land on the northern-side of Reindyrsflya, the largest tundra area of Spitsbergen. The vast undulating plain is a good grazing area for reindeer and several species of waders also breed here. The area’s lakes offer good chances of spotting Red-throated Diver and King Eider. Alternatively we land at Fuglesangen, where we can sit among the Little Auks.
Day 6: Liefdefjorden
Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.
Day 7: Fuglesangen
In the morning you land at Fuglesangen, where you can observe spirited communities of little auks. You then sail south to Magdalenafjorden, one of the glacier-filled highlights of Spitsbergen. A shore visit shows you the remains of 17th-century English whaling, and you can also see more large colonies of little auks.
Day 8: Ny Alesund
You head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. The landscape is likely to show signs of winter, the crags and slopes still blanketed with snow. We aim to visit places of historic interest: Ny London, where you can see the remains of early 20th-century marble mining, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. There are also research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden offers views of colossal glaciers and lofty mountain peaks, but ultimately the extent of fjord ice dictates the itinerary here.
Day 9: Fuglehuken
On your journey south, the goal is a landing at Fuglehuken. Here you see remains from the great era of polar bear hunting. There are also large seabird colonies and a haul-out spot for harbour seals. Alternatively you could land on the coast of Forlandsundet, at Engelskbukta or Sarstangen. Walruses are occasionally seen here, and the tundra is a fine place for a walk.
Day 10: Bohemanflya
The next stop is Bohemanflya, an expansive tundra with its own avifauna (depending on when spring arrives) and spectacular geological formations along the coast. In Gipsvika you can go on shore near Templet, a mountainous location of eroded sedimentary rock from the Upper Carboniferous period – around 290 million years ago.
Day 11: Disembark Longyearbyen
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
08 Jun 2024 - 18 Jun 2024 | NZD $8276pp | ||
Triple Private Porthole | NZD $8276pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Inside Cabin | NZD $8793pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Porthole Cabin | NZD $10259pp | Contact us | |
18 Jun 2024 - 28 Jun 2024 | NZD $8276pp | ||
Triple Private Porthole | NZD $8276pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Inside Cabin | NZD $8793pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Porthole Cabin | NZD $10259pp | Contact us | |
28 Jun 2024 - 08 Jul 2024 | NZD $8276pp | ||
Triple Private Porthole | NZD $8276pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Inside Cabin | NZD $8793pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Porthole Cabin | NZD $10259pp | Contact us | |
08 Jul 2024 - 18 Jul 2024 | NZD $8276pp | ||
Triple Private Porthole | NZD $8276pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Inside Cabin | NZD $8793pp | Contact us | |
Twin Private Porthole Cabin | NZD $10259pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Private Porthole
One porthole window, one upper/lower berth, one lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Twin Private Inside Cabin
One upper/lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Twin Private Porthole Cabin
One porthole window, one upper/lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Rembrandt Van Rijn Deckplan
Specifications
- Registered: Vanuatu
- Length: 49.5 metres
- Breadth: 6.65 metres
- Draft: 2.8 metres
- Ice Class: Enforced bow
- Displacement: 435 tons
- Propulsion: 2 Cummins / 550KW
- Average cruising speed: 6.5 knots
- Passengers: 33 in 16 cabins
- Crew: 10 + 2 guides
- Refurbished: 2011
Whats included?
- 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.
- Free use of snowshoes.
- 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.
What’s not included?
- 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 strongly recommended).
- 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).
Notes
PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.