Antarctic &
Arctic Europe
central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
trip highligh­­­ts
Opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis ‘Northern Lights’
Participate as a crewing member on board a traditional schooner
Spectacular fjords and historical villages
Trip Duration8 days
Trip Code: LON
GradeDiscovery and Cruising
ActivitiesCruising, Wildlife Viewing
Summary8 day voyage, 7 nights aboard Noorderlicht
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Central Spitsbergen Aurora Borealis
trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten
track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of
coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness
regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that
our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for
the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 6/15/2017 12:46:49 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
We offer unique, small‑group expedition cruises that allow you to
enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world’s most
spectacular and pristine shorelines. The size, capacity and capability
of our vessels have proven to be a successful formula for many years.
Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to safeguard the
ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in
the regions we experience. You will be accompanied by a crew whose
knowledge and passion will add a unique dimension to your trip.
central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
A journey to Central Spitsbergen enjoying the annual
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
trip cost
Joining Longyearbyen Inside Twin:USD$2650
All prices are per person
options & supplements
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange
for you to share a cabin with another traveller
of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a
single supplement is payable to guarantee single
occupancy of the cabin, ask us for pricing details.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
This voyage takes place during the northern autumn, as the days are getting shorter, and
provides an excellent opportunity to view the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
We set sail from Longyearbyen and set course for the Alkhornet, a high cliff, where Arctic
Foxes and Reindeer are often spotted. Visits to Trygghamna, Barentsburg and the inner
reaches of Isfjord system are further highlights of our trip. Our small group of 20 passengers
will sail aboard the basic but comfortable schooner, the Noorderlicht. Manned by a skilled
crew and expert naturalist/expedition leader, this voyage involves some participation with
the handling of sails, taking the helm or being on watch during the night. These voyages are
dependent on the weather and the sea conditions, therefore the itinerary is only an outline.
our partners
World Expeditions have enjoyed a long‑standing relationship with Oceanwide Expeditions
and share a similar operational philosophy of a low impact, small group travel approach. The
voyages are operated with these very principles in mind. Primarily, these voyages are staffed
by Oceanwide Expeditions personnel whose credentials, experience and enthusiasm will
ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience.
at a glance
DAY 1ARRIVE LONGYEARBYEN, BOARD NOORDERLICHT LATE AFTERNOON
DAYS 2-5FLEXIBLE ITINERARY EXPLORING BELL SUND
DAY 6VISIT BARENTSBURG
DAY 7ISFJORD SYSTEM TO EKMANFJORD
DAY 8DEPART LONGYEARBYEN
additional deposits required
A deposit of 25% of the per person cabin cost is required to confirm your berth. This deposit
is non‑refundable and we recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
what’s included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Specialist expedition staff
Cabin accommodation on cruise
All activities while on cruise including zodiac excursions, lectures and guide
services
Use of all ship facilities and public areas
Medical kit
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Longyearbyen, board Noorderlicht late afternoon
On arrival 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 afternoon
we sail, setting course for Alkhornet, a high cliff. Arctic Fox can often be found below the cliffs where
they scavenge off fallen bird eggs and chicks. We continue to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a
17th century English whaling station and an 18th century Russian Pomor station.
meals: D
2 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 6/15/2017 12:46:49 PM
central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
A journey to Central Spitsbergen enjoying the annual
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
trip dates
2017
2018
13Oct - 20Oct
07Oct - 14Oct
14Oct - 21Oct
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Arctic, Spitsbergen
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert English speaking guide
Brochure Reference:
Polar
*Ask our staff for more information.
DAYS 2-5Flexible itinerary exploring Bell Sund
We leave Tryghamna early in the morning and sail to the north side of Bell Sund. Bell Sund is a
fjord system with two major branches (Van Mijenfjord, Van Keulenfjord) and one smaller side bay
(Recherchefjord). The geology is fascinating and has created amazing landscapes, such as the
long, narrow island of Akseløya that blocks Van Mijenfjord almost completely. In Fridtjofhamna,
the calving glacier Fridtjofbreen is surrounded by picturesque mountains. The rich wildlife of the
area has attracted hunters throughout several centuries - we will walk in their footsteps and see
remains of their huts - for example, at Ahlstrandhalvøya. Recherchefjord is one of the places in
Spitsbergen with the highest concentration of historical sites, dating back to 17th century whalers
and the mining period of the early 20th century. The glacier Recherchebreen ends at a lagoon, likely
to be frozen in October, with many smaller icebergs. Polar Bear are likely to be present anywhere
in the Bellsund area, and we will keep a keen watch to find them. We have also seen Beluga (white
whales) in this area.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 6Visit Barentsburg
Today we visit Barentsburg, the only inhabited Russian settlement in Spitsbergen. Here we revel in
stories of how the local miners survive the polar winter. There is for instance, a swimming pool filled
with heated sea water.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Isfjord system to Ekmanfjord
We sail into the inner reaches of the Isfjord system along some beautiful glacier fronts, where during
nights with open sky we will experience temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius. The first new ice will
be forming on the heads of the fjords.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Depart Longyearbyen
This morning we disembark in Longyearbyen after breakfast.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
boat cruise
The ‘Noorderlicht’ was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany as a three‑masted
schooner. For most of her existence she served as a light‑vessel on the Baltic. In 1991 the
present owners purchased the hull and re‑rigged and refitted her thoroughly, under the rules
of “Register Holland”. The ‘Noorderlicht’ now has a well‑balanced two‑masted schooner rig
and is capable of sailing the seven seas. The qualified captains have great experience of the
oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you
have a wonderful and unforgettable journey.
The ‘Noorderlicht’ provides accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins. All
cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin with hot and cold water.
Shared shower (4) and toilet (5) facilities are conveniently located. Instead of portholes, the
cabins have frosted glass in the ceiling, where the play of daylight shines into the cabins.
3 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 6/15/2017 12:46:49 PM
central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
A journey to Central Spitsbergen enjoying the annual
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
trip grading
Discovery and Cruising
Passengers onboard the Noorderlicht
should be able bodied and fit. You will
be travelling in remote areas without
access to sophisticated medical facilities.
Although there is no commitment to
extended walking on this voyage we
nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on
the active’. We therefore advise that any
physical training you complete before
undertaking the trip will be to good effect.
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
Ice class: The Noorderlicht has no ice class. The vessel is not an ice breaker but has a
strengthened bow.
Length: 46 metres (153 feet), Breadth: 6.5 metres (22 feet), Draft: 3.2 metres (11 feet),
Displacement: 300 tonnes, Engines: 360 hp diesel, Speed: 7 knots, Passengers: 20
Zodiac Excursions
There is no gangway to access the zodiacs on The Nooderlicht. Access is via a rope ladder
which is approximately 2‑3 metres long. There will be a crew member on deck to give a
“seaman’s grip” to assist you onto the ladder, then you will have to descend unaided however
another crew member will be inside the zodiac to help you in. When returning to the ship the
same procedure will take place. Your expedition leader will provide further instruction on how
zodiac operations will take place in the initial briefing on the boat.
suggested extensions
Sweden ‑ land of Lakes and Castles
Scottish Highland Cycle
a full range of our European extensions can be found at our website
www.utracks.com
a typical day
Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages we do not have a set itinerary. The final
decisions on our daily program will make best use of local sea and weather conditions,
spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. These notes are designed to give you a good idea of
our intentions.
Zodiac Excursions
There is no gangway to access the zodiacs on The Nooderlicht. Access is via a rope ladder
which is approximately 2‑3 metres long. There will be a crew member on deck to give
a “seaman’s grip” to assist you onto the ladder, then you will have to descend unaided,
however another crew member will be inside the zodiac to help you in. When returning to the
ship the same procedure will take place. Your expedition leader will provide further instruction
on how zodiac operations will take place in the initial briefing on the boat.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist
with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives
may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special
requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary
medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
equipment required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking.
non exclusive trips
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and you will be joining a
group of 20 adventurers from around the world.
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central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
A journey to Central Spitsbergen enjoying the annual
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
flora
Infertile and wasteland are two words one often hears in connection with the polar regions.
Yet over 800 species of flowering plant flourish in the Arctic, though by contrast there are only
two species of flowering plants on the Antarctic mainland since it is a long way from the next
continent, a fact which reduces the chances of new plant species becoming established. The
major part of Antarctica is also covered by eternal ice and the climate is much harsher than
in most parts of the Arctic. In the few places where plants can grow, mosses and lichens play
a bigger role than flowering plants. Some lichens even grow in the polar desert areas in the
interior of Antarctica where the conditions are truly extreme. Arctic plants have to be very
small to survive. A tall plant would be helplessly exposed to the sharp ice crystals with which
the wind would constantly batter it.
what’s not included
Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruises
Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise
itinerary
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items
of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
Emergency evacuation charges
Customary end of voyage tips
visas
Norway
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90
days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/
schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your
passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer
stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian
and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days
in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in.
However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying
in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual
country visa requirements.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights.
These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most
experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info
night schedule or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early
so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability.
There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited
5 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 6/15/2017 12:46:49 PM
central spitsbergen
aurora borealis
A journey to Central Spitsbergen enjoying the annual
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to
secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters.
The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
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