Arctic Spitsbergen Explorer - 11 day

How big are the groups?

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov can carry a maximum of 104 passengers and the Akademik Shokalskiy carries 48 passengers.

What is included in the tour price?

• Voyage aboard the ship as indicated in the itinerary • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff • Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen on Days 1 and 11 • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. • Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual • A pair of rubber boots to loan • Photographic Album on DVD • An adventure parka to keep

What is not included in the tour price?

International flights, visa and passport fees, airport departure taxes, any pre-trip or post-trip hotel accommodation, laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses, travel insurance, gratuities to staff and crew.

Are these “educational” tours?

Yes, we travel with an experienced team of naturalists and lecturers, offering a unique educational program. With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings, your lectures and expedition leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment. On board you will be fully briefed on safety issues and the environmental policy and you will also receive appropriate briefings before every landing.

How do we travel during the tour?

We sail aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov or the Akademik Shokalskiy. We use Zodiacs for shore excursions; sea kayaking is offered as an optional package and it must be booked prior to your departure from home.

When is payment due?

A deposit of $1200.00 is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. Deposits can be made by credit card. Final payments can be made by check or credit card. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms and Conditions” section of our brochure.

What about the weather?

In very general terms, be prepared for temperatures that range from 5°F (-15°C) to 40°F (4°C). If you are properly dressed, even sub zero temperatures can be quite comfortable.

What are the meals like?

Chefs prepare varied international cuisine using fine provisions from around the world. The dining room is located on the main deck and it seats all passengers comfortably in one seating. It is attractively lit and comfortably furnished. There are outside windows and it is immaculately maintained. In one corner, there is a bar, which is used for meal times. There is also a comfortable lounge area in this corner. Lunches and dinners are served to the table by our ship’s stewards. Breakfast is also served here, but in a buffet style.

What should I take on the tour?

Once you have made your reservations, an “Expedition Cruising-Preparing for your Arctic Voyage” primer will be sent to you in your predeparture Trip Kit.

Can you arrange my flights?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. The transit point for flights to Longyearbyen is Oslo, Norway. We recommend pre & post sailing accommodation be booked in Oslo, due to flight times. Group air between Oslo and Longyearbyen may be available. ElderTreks is happy to make those arrangements, please contact our office for details.

What if I would like more information?

Please feel free to contact our office for additional information.

Additional information about Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Maximum - 110 passengers, Registry - Russia, Tonnage (GRT) - 6450 tons
The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is a modern, ice strengthened vessel that is very comfortable and ideally suited for polar exploration. There is ample space for meetings of the full group as well as smaller rooms for more intimate meetings. Slide and video projection equipment are available, as well as overhead projection. There is a separate bar, lounge, library, video room, and dining space for the full passenger complement in one seating. There is also a gymnasium, sauna and swimming pool.

Comfort

As a relatively new Scandinavian-built exploration vessel, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov is very comfortable, especially following refitting and refurbishment over the last five years. All passenger areas are thoroughly heated and air-conditioned. Cabins are tastefully and pleasantly decorated. The vessel is maintained to the highest standards and is kept immaculately clean. As the ship was built to perform delicate and sensitive hydro-acoustic work, she is also designed to run very quietly. In cabins and public spaces there is very little if any ambient noise from engines or machinery. Further, most passenger cabins (except the Main Deck cabins) are on a separate deck from the well-used public spaces and lounge areas, so noise is seldom a bother.

Stability and Safety

This vessel has external stabilizers on her hull. She also has a built-in trimming system which is operated by the flow of water ballast from tanks in either side of the ship. A series of valves causes the water to flow to the side where its presence guarantees greatest stability. Added to her modern hull design, these systems make for a very stable ship. The Akademik Sergey Vavilov carries all current certifications required by law for ensuring passenger safety and well-being. All equipment and systems are inspected and tested regularly. A lifeboat briefing and drill will be conducted early in each expedition to ensure that all passengers are familiar with the location of life jackets and lifeboats, and the procedures to be followed in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.

Bridge

On Deck 6 the ship’s bridge is open to passengers virtually 24 hours each day. With an officer and sailor (and often the captain) on watch, you are always able to learn something. The chart and navigation room is open to everyone, as are places to view the equipment and instruments. The bridge is a fascinating part of the ship and often a great place for sightseeing and bird watching — it provides a great view!

Elevator

In addition to the stairs between decks, there is one lift/elevator on the ship operating between all passenger deck levels and to the bridge level. Please note that this does not remove the need for passengers to have a reasonable level of mobility, as ship access to and from zodiacs is by way of a staired gangway. (Please see Trip Information Guide).

Gymnasium

There is a small gymnasium on the ship with a set of free weights, exercise bike, rowing machine, and step trainer.

Infirmary

On Deck 5 there is a basic infirmary and crew doctor available for passengers. As the ship was designed for extended projects, she carries an impressive list of equipment and supplies. However, passengers are reminded that this facility is intended as a basic or emergency service. While the inventory of medicines and equipment is extensive, passengers should bring their own basic first-aid kit as detailed in the Trip Information Guide for any minor problems, and if using specific medications should ensure they bring a supply adequate to last the entire journey. If there is a need to consult the ship’s doctor and to receive medications, etc., from the infirmary passengers will be invoiced for the cost of any items supplied.

Mud Room

Towards the aft section of the main deck, and not far from where you will disembark from the Zodiacs, there is a “mud room” where you can change out of your wet-weather gear on returning from shore excursions and leave your waterproof rubber boots.

Sauna and Swimming Pool

On Deck 5 there is a small swimming pool and a sauna. A plunge pool really, the former is filled on special occasions or on request and is on the outer deck just outside the sauna. It gets a certain level of use, even in the Arctic waters! The sauna is open each afternoon and evening and seats about six people — it is a great place to relax after your shore excursions. It also has a change room and shower room.

4. Is medical insurance required?

Medical and cancellation insurance are not included in the cost of the program, but is strongly recommended. Emergency Evacuation insurance (with a maximum benefit of $100,000) is included. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. However MEDICAL coverage is not included. ElderTreks offers a fully comprehensive policy to insure you fully, please call for details.

Sea Kayaking Adventure Option

A maximum of 10 paddlers per voyage can experience the Arctic in its most serene and tranquil state. If you have some experience in kayaking and are up for some nautical adventure, then be sure to reserve your spot at the time of booking your voyage. The kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, and dry suits are included, as are the services of a qualified kayak guide. A minimum of 2 kayaking excursions is planned on, with possibly more, taking the opportunity to paddle when possible.
Cost per person: 495 USD
Please note: Sea Kayaking option must be booked prior to your departure from home, it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required.

Additional information about Akademik Shokalskiy

Maximum: 48 passengers, Registry: Russia, Tonnage (GRT): 1753 tons
The Akademik Shokalskiy offers a variety of accommodation levels, the least expensive are triple cabins or twin cabins sharing bathroom facilities. Also offered are cabins with private bathroom facilities in twin cabins, superior cabins and the Amundsen Suite. Some cabin categories have upper berth or sofa bed. All cabins have a window, writing desk and ample storage space. The public areas include a lounge and well stocked bar, a small library, infirmary, sauna and dinning room. The views are excellent from the large open deck and navigation bridge.