This 8 day Arctic expedition cruise is a great introduction for those who have not visited the Arctic region before. Boarding an ice-strengthened, expedition vessel, we set sail from Longyearbyen and explore the Western and Northern sides of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, located half way between the mainland Norway and the Arctic Circle. At our highest point, we reach 540 miles from the geographic North Pole! Specially designed landing craft allow us to explore the shorelines and experience at first hand the Arctic’s spectacular, pristine scenery and incredible wildlife, and hopefully a sighting of the magnificent Polar Bear. Other wildlife in this region includes Arctic Foxes, Walruses, Harbour Seals and Puffins. Although the tour operates in an expedition style, life on board is very comfortable and includes lecturers who provide educational presentations covering topics such as global warming and the effect it is having on the Arctic and its wildlife. A fantastic week in a part of the world that simply has to be seen to be believed.

Longyearbyen is the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island.  It is recommended to arrive early to stroll around this quaint, former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting.  In the early evening the ship will set sail from Longyearsbyen, traveling through the Isfjorden.

Depending on the weather we may sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here, and the rarer King Eider may also be seen. We hope to sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes and on previous voyages Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.

Today we reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole! Polar Bears inhabit this region, along with Ivory and Ross Gulls. We may sit here for several hours in the pack ice, taking in our spectacular surroundings  before turning and heading south again.

We land at the northern tip of Prins Karls Forland near Fuglehuken, where the famous Dutch explorer Barentsz probably set foot on Spitsbergen for the first time. Seabirds nest on the cliffs and along the coast we can see the only group of Harbour Seals in Spitsbergen. Further along we will also observe the remains of the Polar Bear hunting era, with demolished guns and bear traps. At the opposite site of Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walruses. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Foxes search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. The reindeer may seem unbothered by human presence, but this is not really the case. The animals must survive the harsh winter, when temperatures plummet and food is hard to find, so they preserve what energy they can, fleeing only when it is absolutely necessary. In the afternoon we cruise through beautiful Borebukta, following a glacier front before continuing through the night to Longyearbyen.

The above itinerary is for guidance only.  Our exact route and program may vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. Flexibility is paramount for this type of expedition cruise.

Longyearbyen Port Information

Directions to the ship in Longyearbyen

Berth name:  Port Longyear / Bykaia
Berth Operator:  Bydrift Longyearbyen (Harbour Master)

From the airport it is about 5 to10 minutes by car (pre-arranged transfer or bus or taxi) to the pier.

From the pier it is about 18 minutes walk to town.
From the pier it is about 30 minutes walk to Nybyen.

Approximate taxi costs from:
Airport to pier for 1 up to 8 persons (and v.v.)  NOK 100,- per transfer
Airport to Spitsbergen Guesthouse for 1 up to 4 persons (and v.v.) NOK 170,- per transfer
Airport to Spitsbergen Guesthouse for 5 up to 8 persons (and v.v.) NOK 170,- per transfer
Pier to Nybyen (and v.v.) NOK 110,- per transfer

The expedition team normally consists of one expedition leader and two guides / lecturers. All members of the team are highly experienced and have worked in these conditions for many years. Every morning after breakfast the passengers will be informed about the day’s program (position of the vessel, general information regarding the area, itinerary and the expected wildlife during the excursions). The excursions will be evaluated in the afternoon and after dinner. Occasionally, the expedition team will organise lectures, sometimes supported with slide shows to inform the passengers about various interesting features of the Arctic.

Your departure may offer a sea kayaking program for 15 experienced kayakers. Excursions will only take place in safe surroundings and good weather conditions, within a safe distance from the ship, and at all times a Zodiac will be on standby. Passengers are required to have sufficient physical fitness and basic sea kayak experience. The kayaks are single seat kayaks and double seat kayaks (Perception Horizon II and Perception Sea Yak).

Kayaking in polar areas involves some potential risks, especially that of very cold water and hypothermia. These trips are by no means a suitable place for a first time kayaker. Be sure to have enough kayak experience before you take part in these excursions. Basic skills should include normal handling of a sea kayak in moderate sea conditions. It is not necessary to be able to do kayak rolls, just to be comfortable in a sea kayak.

Please check the departure dates for this tour to see if kayaking is offered. This works on a first-come-first-serve basis, and must be paid for when booking your Arctic Tour. Speak to your travel agent or a Kumuka representative for further information.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Arctic trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or nearest Norwegian Embassy.

Important: Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Clothing for onboard the ship:

In keeping with the expedition’s atmosphere, the dress code on board is very informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothes to lounge around onboard, in the communal bar area, and in your cabin.  Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery is best appreciated from the deck. The secret to keeping warm is the "layer principle". It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you the flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put on another layer if you are cold.  Synthetic fibres are better than cotton, as they allow your skin to breathe easier, and the dry quicker.  It is recommended that you bring a good pair of sturdy shoes/boots for walking about outside on the deck, preferably with good tread to prevent slipping.  If applicable, pack a pair of Teva sandals or similar for use in the shared showers.

Clothing for excursions ashore:

• Warm trousers – Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring any sturdy trousers, such as jeans, that can be layered between your long thermal underwear and waterproof outer-trousers.
• Waterproof trousers – Essential for your comfort. Wear them over your regular trousers (jeans) to keep you warm and dry. Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are both waterproof and breathable.
• Thermal long underwear – synthetic are better.
• Sweaters – Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight is recommended.
• Turtlenecks – Bring several practical turtlenecks for layering and use around the ship.
• T-Shirts – Synthetic is better than cotton.
• Mittens – these are better than gloves, especially if you wear thin polypropylene gloves underneath the mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if your other pair gets wet or lost.
• Hat and Scarf – Bring a warm hat and scarf to protect your head, ears, face and neck.
• Warm Socks – Sturdy, tall, wool socks worn over a thin pair of synthetic or cotton socks should provide enough insulation for your feet. Bring several pair, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
• Waterproof & Windproof Jacket – Bring a well-fitting jacket with attached hood. This is the most important layer of clothing you will bring, please make sure it is fully waterproof.  There is nothing worse than wind on wet clothes at zero degrees.
• Small day bag – A waterproof nylon backpack or similar bag with shoulder straps, for carrying your camera and other gear during shore excursions. Be sure to choose one with shoulder straps so that your hands are free.
• Sunglasses – Good quality sunglasses. Please note that the glare from the water and surrounding snow and ice can be very dazzling, even when the sky is overcast.
• Binoculars – highly recommended.
• Camera – and plenty of memory cards/film. You will take more photos than you think!
• Rubber Boots – (Please note that Expedition Rubber Boots are available free of charge if your departure is on board the M/V Plancius. Please advise Kumuka of your shoe size when booking. Boots are not available on the other vessels). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring. They need to be a pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole for landings onshore.  Stepping out of the Zodiacs to shore almost always involves stepping into water, so it is important that the boots are high enough to avoid water going over the top and into the boots.  Aslo, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore.  for this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory, as you will get your feet wet.  Make sureyour boots are not too tight or too sloppy. If they are too tight you will get cold feet. If they are too loose you can, within reason, add an insole or extra socks to take up the space. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks.

All meals are included and are eaten communally.  Normally breakfast is served at 7.30am, lunch at 12.30pm and dinner at 7pm.  Please inform the purser in due time if you have any dietary requirements so the chefs have enough time to prepare something special for you.  Water from the tap is safe to drink. 

It is customary to tip the crew for their services rendered during your voyage.  It is usually made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is then divided among the crew.

The ship is equipped with email access and a satellite telephone.  Contact can be difficult at times due to limited satellite coverage.  The cost of using the email or telephone is at your own expense, and very expensive.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com