SVALBARD ODYSSEY
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11 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oslo, Norway | Spend the night, explore rich history, fashionable art scene, museums, galleries and architecture |
| Day 2 | Oslo to Longyearbyen | Fly to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, and embark the ship |
| Days 3 - 10 | Svalbard | Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, impressive glaciers |
| Day 11 | Longyearbyen to Oslo | Disembark and fly to Oslo |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a new (launched 2022) purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 130 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and was the second expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Douglas Mawson
Setting sail in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is a new state-of-the-art ship and the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, she will take 130 adventurers on Polar expeditions in smooth, quiet comfort.
Day 1 Oslo, Norway
Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure.
Day 2 Oslo to Longyearbyen
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour.
After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as you ‘throw the lines’ and set sail.
Days 3 – 10 Svalbard
Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Your experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.
Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.
If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come.
Day 11 Longyearbyen to Oslo
During the early morning, cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.
To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au