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Springtime in Svalbard Small Ship Cruise

Springtime in Svalbard Small Ship Cruise

From USD $6,790

Description

During the month of May, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity and offers breathtaking sceneries. The fairytale winter landscape is dominated by sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains, fjord ice and pastel coloured skies. It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago come to life. The polar bear yearlings venture out for the first time, the Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeers still wear their winter fur and seals and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice. The little auks and the Brünnich’s guillemots have returned to their summer nests and the bird cliffs are teeming with life. This is also a great time to spot the king eider and rock ptarmigan.

Trip Name
Springtime in Svalbard Small Ship Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 12 Built/Refurbished : 1975/2019-2022 M/S Balto is a beautifully refurbished small expedition ship offering intimate Arctic voyages for just 12 passengers. Originally built in Finland in 1975 as a government vessel for the Baltic Sea, she was constructed to high ice-class standards and is well suited to exploring the remote fjords, icy coastlines and secluded anchorages of Greenland and Svalbard. With two experienced polar guides and two Zodiacs for shore excursions, guests can explore pristine wilderness, visit small settlements and observe Arctic wildlife in a small-group setting, allowing for greater flexibility and more time ashore. On board, M/S Balto combines classic elegance with modern comfort. Her warm mahogany interiors, spacious saloon, inviting dining room, bar, library and sauna create a relaxed atmosphere after a day of exploration. The ship accommodates guests in seven comfortable, recently refurbished cabins, all featuring private facilities, lower beds and generous space. Several open and semi-enclosed decks provide excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, photography and taking in the Arctic scenery, while the open bridge offers a closer look at life on an expedition ship. With her small passenger capacity, attentive crew and knowledgeable guides, M/S Balto delivers a personal and immersive Arctic expedition experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 8: Expedition
We start our adventure in Svalbard by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition ship and head out through Isfjorden. Perhaps we make an evening landing before we continue either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Here are some examples of places we may visit: Alkhornet At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with some luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food. Prins Karls Forland This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbour seals. Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity. Virgohamna, Danskøya Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish balloonist Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site. Bellsund At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and walk across the tundra to take a closer look at these charming birds. Hornsund The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice.
Day 3 - Day 9: Longyearbyen
In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.
Day 4 - Please Note:
Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202719-05-2027USD $9,890Twin Cabin With Portholes
11-05-202719-05-2027USD $10,390Twin Cabin With Windows
11-05-202719-05-2027USD $10,790Double Cabin Superior
11-05-202719-05-2027USD $12,990Twin Cabin Sole
12-05-202720-05-2027USD $10,490Twin Cabin
12-05-202720-05-2027USD $19,690Twin Cabin Solo
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $9,590Double Cabin Superior
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $10,390Owners Cabin
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $12,790Twin Cabin Solo
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $6,790Triple Cabin
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $7,990Twin Cabin
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $8,390Twin Cabin Superior
17-05-202725-05-2027USD $8,390Double Cabin
18-05-202726-05-2027USD $9,690Double Cabin
18-05-202726-05-2027USD $10,090Twin Cabin
18-05-202726-05-2027USD $11,190Superior Cabin
18-05-202726-05-2027USD $12,190Owner’s Cabin
18-05-202726-05-2027USD $12,990Single Cabin
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $6,790Triple Cabin
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $7,990Twin Cabin
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $8,390Double Cabin
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $8,390Twin Cabin Superior
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $9,590Double Cabin Superior
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $10,390Owners Cabin
24-05-202701-06-2027USD $12,790Twin Cabin Solo
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $6,990Triple Cabin
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $8,290Twin Cabin
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $8,690Double Cabin
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $8,690Twin Cabin Superior
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $9,890Double Cabin Superior
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $10,690Owners Cabin
18-05-202826-05-2028USD $13,090Twin Cabin Solo
22-05-202830-05-2028USD $10,090Double Cabin
22-05-202830-05-2028USD $10,490Twin Cabin
22-05-202830-05-2028USD $11,690Superior Cabin
22-05-202830-05-2028USD $12,690Owner’s Cabin
22-05-202830-05-2028USD $13,490Single Cabin

Inclusions

    • Discover Svalbard in May
    • Enjoy Zodiac cruising
    • Meet The king of the Arctic
    • Polar Bear
    • Experience the Arctic spring
    • 5 experienced polar guides
    • Small group
    • great moments
    • Magical midnight sun

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