Discover the Top of the World
Svalbard - aka Spitsbergen
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Svalbard, previously known as Spitsbergen, is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. North of mainland Europe, it is about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole.
The Svalbard Treaty of 1920 recognizes Norwegian sovereignty, and the 1925 Svalbard Act made Svalbard a full part of the Kingdom of Norway. They also established Svalbard as a free economic zone and a demilitarized zone.
Approximately 60% of the archipelago is covered with glaciers, and the islands feature many mountains and fjords. The archipelago has an Arctic climate, although with significantly higher temperatures than other areas at the same latitude. The flora is adapted to take advantage of the long period of midnight sun to compensate for the polar night. Svalbard is a breeding ground for many seabirds, and is home to polar bears, reindeer, the Arctic fox, and certain marine mammals. Seven national parks and twenty-three nature reserves cover two-thirds of the archipelago, protecting the largely untouched, yet fragile, natural environment.
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Two expedition cruise lines feature Svalbard - and more Arctic
Poseidon Expeditions operates the Sea Spirit, formerly our Spirit of Oceanus, carrying just 100 guests. Poseidon includes a pre-cruise hotel and transfers, port charges, and Wi-Fi, but everything else - air fare, bar, soft drinks, gratuities, kayaking - are extra cost. Sea Spirit would be considered 3.5 star.
Silversea Expeditions operates two larger, sister ships to Svalbard - Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind, carrying 254 and 274 guests each, respectively. They also have a large crew complement to provide their 5-star service, with four restaurants - 212 and 239 crewmembers respectively. Their cruises are truly All Inclusive - Economy airfare from North America, or reduced rate Business Class; Pre-cruise hotel and transfers; open bar throughout the ship, including in room mini-bar; port charges; unlimited Wi-Fi; and crew gratuities are all included in the fare.
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AND HERE ARE SOME GREAT ITINERARIES TO CONSIDER - |
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CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
13-DAYS/12-NIGHTS
EDINBURGH - LONGYEARBYEN
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Departing from beautiful, historic Edinburgh, Scotland this true expedition cruise will visit the Scottish Orkney and Shetland Islands, Danish Faroe Islands and Norwegian Jan Mayen and Svalbard (Spitsbergen). Visit places only accessible by small expedition ship with a team of expedition leaders, naturalists, guest speakers and hosts. Spend four days exploring Svalbard, searching for wildlife such as the majestic polar bear. From Longyearbyen, continue to explore Norway. |
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WEST SVALBARD
ARCTIC WILDLIFE SAFARI
10-DAYS/9-NIGHTS
ROUNDTRIP LONGYEARBYEN
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Not only a frozen wilderness, Svalbard is also a place of precarious beauty and a stronghold of endangered Arctic wildlife. This remarkable expedition departs from the far northern settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in the famed Svalbard archipelago. We explore the island’s northwestern coast, home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers, and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. |
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BEST OF SVALBARD
POLAR ICE EDGE
11-DAYS/10-NIGHTS
ROUNDTRIP LONGYEARBYEN
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This remarkable expedition departs from the far northern settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in the famed Svalbard archipelago. We explore the island’s northwestern coast, home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers, and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. On this voyage we also venture to the jumbled edge of the north-polar ice cap in search of polar bears stalking their prey. Here, at the dynamic boundary between implacable ice and bountiful sea, we have a rare opportunity to experience raw nature and incredible events hardly ever seen.
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TROMSO-SVALBARD
10-DAYS/9-NIGHTS
TROMSO - LONGYEARBYEN
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Experience the magical wonder of Svalbard as we sail both the north and south regions of this remote archipelago. Leaving from the gateway to the Arctic – Tromso – cruise along the North Cape to Bear Island, where you’ll enjoy Zodiac Cruises and spectacular bird cliffs. Sail on into Svalbard and witness the jaw dropping splendor of the region. By day, expect Zodiac cruises, tundra hikes, and kayaking excursions, by night expect interesting lectures, creature comforts and famous Silversea hospitality.
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EXPLORE SVALBARD
7-DAYS/6-NIGHTS
ROUND TRIP LONGYEARBYEN
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The beauty of an expedition cruise is that it channels your spirit of adventure! Expect the unexpected on this roundtrip voyage from Longyearbyen, that sails through both the northern and southern regions of Svalbard. Sea conditions will determine our activities but we expect to deliver superlative Zodiac cruises to see bird cliffs as never before, kayaking excursions to truly imbibe in the region’s serenity and tundra hikes that will stretch both your mind as well as your legs. |
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SVALBARD-REYKJAVIK
15-DAYS/14-NIGHTS
LONGYEARBYEN - REYKJAVIK
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Discover the Arctic as never before. Beginning in the great wilderness that is Svalbard, this voyage showcases a region that is practically unknown. Join Silver Cloud as she takes you - in ultra-luxury - to places other cruise ships cannot reach. Explore both the Southern and Northern ends of the Svalbard archipelago, before moving on to Scoresby Sound, one of the largest and longest fjord systems in the world. Lovely Reykjavik is waiting for you at the end. |
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WE ARE CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! |
My family and I started our new travel venture
10 years ago - incorporating on June 1, 2011.
Since then, we have created lifetime memories for thousands of guests, exploring the planet from Antarctica to Greenland, from Ecuador to Australia. Stand by for more adventures!
THANK YOU!
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Tell us where you want to go - We will get back to you immediately.
Or call us - 1-855-397-5671
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Explor Club is the email newsletter program for Explor Cruises. Members tend to have much in common, including travel style. We seek stimulating travel in small groups, focused on the destination, with elements of education - what we call "edutainment" - in contrast to the huge mega-ships with casinos, floor shows and focus on the interior of the ship.
If this concept in travel is interesting, please enroll in the Explor Club, with no cost or obligation. You will receive weekly emails with news of special rates and new itineraries that may be of interest to members. In addition, special limited capacity "hosted" programs with special features to unique destinations are occasionally offered.
New members will receive $100 per person credit on their first small ship booking with Explor Cruises.
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This is a representative sampling of the many programs offered to small ship enthusiasts. Call or email me for more suggestions, or tailored programs. |
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Best wishes -
Richard West
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Phone: 855-397-5671
Fax: 888-889-4206
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