This is the ‘star’ voyage in our Arctic portfolio circumnavigating the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen. Renowned for wildlife watching opportunities both on land and in the marine rich coastal waters, you can choose whether to explore this last frontier of the inhabitable world by joining our exclusive group departures or to remain flexible with dates and join a standard voyage.
| | SPECIAL OFFER - 14 August 2008
Save up to £985 per person! |
| Cabin types | Price | Saving |
| Triple cabin without private facs | £2416 | £672 |
| Twin cabin without private facs | £2756 | £780 |
| Twin cabin with private facs | £3020 | £864 |
| | Superior cabin with private facs | £3397 | £985 |
| | Price based on shared occupancy. |
Should you wish to book your own flights and pre-voyage accommodation, we can offer a further saving on the above price. Please call us to discuss you requirements.
Discover Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, on an escorted trip aboard either the Akademik Shokalskiy (a sturdy ex-research vessel carrying max. 48 passengers) or the elegant Antarctic Dream (carry max. 84 passengers in the Arctic). With the emphasis on observing a variety of Arctic wildlife thriving in their natural habitat, the highlight of this expedition voyage must surely be anticipated sightings of the magnificent polar bear.
Our most popular voyage!
Our Around Spitsbergen Special is unsurprisingly the most popular arctic voyage amongst our customers – offering fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities and an amazing ice-filled experience. Jo Cooper, Sales Executive at Discover the World raved about her experiences onboard our Around Spitsbergen voyage last summer:
“One of the highlights of my trip was being at the front of the ship as we broke through the pack ice - it's an amazing feeling! We also saw about 40 polar bears in the distance – there is nothing better than seeing polar bears in their natural habitat!”
Follow the link below to see a tempting selection of our previous client Sean Collins’ photos from his journey Around Spitsbergen
www.collinsphotographic.co.uk/Arctic index.htmlThis exceptional holiday begins with an overnight stay in the delightful city of Oslo. Unlike other departure dates for the Around Spitsbergen trip, this special charter includes as standard, return flights between the UK and Longyearbyen, via the Norwegian capital. The Royal Christiania Hotel is centrally located and the interior, bright, spacious and contemporary. Rooms are well-equipped and comfortable and the hotel offers guests a number of facilities. Here, enjoy an evening dinner buffet, meet the rest of your fellow travellers and your group escort, an Associate Member of the Scott Polar Research Institute.
Whilst in Oslo, enjoy a guided tour of some of its best-known sights including a visit to the Viking Museum. If you wish to extend your stay and discover more of Oslo’s charm – our reservations team will be happy to discuss your options.
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen and have time to explore before you board your chosen vessel, which will be your home for the next 10 nights. Travel aboard either the 48-passenger Akademik Shokalskiy (17 July 2008 departure from the UK), or the 84-passenger Antarctic Dream (14 August 2008 departure from the UK). We have fully chartered the Akademik Shokalskiy for Discover the World for our group departure, and will welcome a small group of around 16 Discover the World passengers aboard the Antarctic Dream (note that there may be total of 84 passengers onboard). Both vessels offer first-rate cuisine, prepared by international chefs. Enjoy fascinating lectures from the onboard expedition team; who may be naturalists, geologists, ornithologists and historians with an expertise in the area. With excellent open deck-viewing areas and plenty of Zodiac landing craft, passengers will be able to enjoy the awesome Arctic scenery from the ships as well as on the land itself.
The emphasis for this voyage is on exploring the east coast of Spitsbergen, the large island of Nordaustlandet and locations where sightings of polar bear are anticipated. The exact route will be influenced by the remaining pack ice but at this time of year, whichever route is taken, you are likely to be presented with some truly rewarding wildlife encounters.
This fantastic opportunity to circumnavigate Spitsbergen on a Discover the World special group departure, with all that it includes, represents excellent value for money - click here for prices!
Route of Voyage
Please note the voyage route and daily itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions therefore flexibility is the key to enjoying your expedition voyage to the full. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Further Information
Please select links from the left-hand panel for further information about the tour itinerary, prices and departure dates. Alternatively please contact our expert team who will be delighted to hear from you.
Phone: 01737 218800
Email: arctic@discovertheworld.co.uk
JULY DEPARTURE – ANTARCTIC DREAM
The July group departs aboard the Antarctic Dream. A former Chilean naval vessel, she was built for polar waters and was extensively refurbished in 2004 to offer a high level of comfort for passengers wanting a small ship experience. Expertly crewed, she has well appointed cabins and spacious public areas. First-rate cuisine is served in the stunning dining room, which offers 270 degree views and doubles as comfortable observation lounge and bar. Note our Discover the World group will consist of around 16 passengers, however the ship carries up to 84 passengers.
AUGUST DEPARTURE – AKADEMIK SHOKALSKIY
The August group departs aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy. This ice-strengthened ex-research vessel has comfortably furnished cabins, ample deck-space and is the ideal size for expedition voyaging offering a more intimate group of a maximum of 48 passengers. She has been exclusively reserved for our Discover the World group on this occasion.
OTHER DEPARTURES
11 DAYS
If the dates of our Special Departures do not fit into your holiday plans, you needn’t miss out on the incredible experience of this voyage. Our Around Spitsbergen itinerary operates on various dates throughout the summer each offering a chance to explore this most stunning of Arctic islands.
Travelling independently flights from the UK to Spitsbergen are normally via Oslo with Scandinavian Airlines. Similarly, we shall be happy to discuss your travel plans should you wish to extend your holiday. Please contact our team for flight and extension options.