The Arctic World
The adventure begins in the historic settlement of Longyearbyen , the most northerly city in the world and the last stop before heading into Arctic wilderness. Once aboard the MS Nordstjernen , you step into a different world, one of majestic glacier fronts, rugged rock formations, Arctic wildlife and historic sites. The course leads along the west coast past the north of Spitsbergen. A birdwatching mecca in the summer months, if you’re lucky you may spot a polar bear searching for bird eggs nearby. Conditions permitting, the vessel will pass 80° North ; a latitude within 600 nautical miles of the North Pole at which the sun can be seen for 24 hours. Enjoy the beautiful midnight sun as you look for wildlife on deck. Travel in the footsteps of explorers and whalers. Where the world can't find you...
Tips & Tops Expedition cruise Spitsbergen and polar bears:
- Take a tour that includes a visit to the Spitsbergen Museum , North Pole Expedition Museum and Camp Barentz in colorful and lively Longyearbyen, a charming town with more snowmobiles than inhabitants where reindeer populate the streets
- Visit the Svalbard Brewery and try king crab at the Funktionærmessen Restaurant, a unique culinary experience
- Travel in style on the MS Nordstjernen, a stunning 1956 classic that has been modernized while retaining charm especially for Arctic expeditions
- On board is an English-speaking expedition team that organizes and supervises activities on board and - with small expedition boats - ashore
- Make a landing on the beaches of the beautiful Isjord and Magdalenefjord , which are dotted with remnants of whaling and hunting
- Moffen is the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago and is known for the large numbers of walruses that usually congregate on the southern tip of the island
- Kongsfjorden , framed by scenic mountain formations, is one of Spitsbergen's most beautiful spots and a treasure trove for bird watchers. Fulmars, kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins and guillemots are just some of the species found here in the summer months
- Visit the former mining settlement of Ny-Ålesund at latitude 78º 55' N which has been transformed into an international science center with a large number of research stations from different countries devoted to the study of glaciation, wildlife and climate change
