National Geographic Explorer

LAND OF THE ICE BEARS: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF ARCTIC SVALBARD
Description: The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. She is a fully stabilised, ice class vessel, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. During this eight day voyage travel through a land of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, and massive ice sheets to encounter the kings of the Arctic - polar bears.

Itinerary:
Day 1:	Arrive in Oslo. Afternoon city tour. Overnight hotel.

Day 2:	Charter flight to Longyearbyen and embark ship. (FB)

Day 3 - 8:	The itinerary is exploratory by design, and exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible depending on local conditions. The main focus is the search for Svalbard's amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Take the zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs and experience the wildlife, geology and wildflowers that give colour and vitality to the high Arctic. (FB)

Day 9:	Disembark in Longyearbyen and explore the town before flying to Oslo for the night. (B, L)

Day 10:	After breakfast transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)

DEPARTS	CABIN
	CAT. 1	CAT. 2	CAT. 3	CAT. 4	CAT. 5	CAT. 6	CAT. 7	CAT. 2 SOLO	CAT. 3 SOLO
JUN 8, 15, 22, 29; JUL 6	£5495	£5860	£6080	£6450	£7620	£8890	£10155	£7320	£7600

Class: Ice-class expedition ship • Capacity: 148 passengers • Overall Length: 356 foot expedition cruise ship • Cabins: 81 double or twin outside cabins with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls • Facilities: Bistro bar; chart room; restaurant; library; lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; observations lounge; fitness centre; spa treatment rooms; sauna; doctor; undersea specialist; photo specialist and video chronicler; internet access; laundry • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft; kayaks; remotely operated vehicle; hydrophone; underwater video camera; video microscope.

Click for deck plan (pdf)

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: London to Oslo: From £100; charter flight Oslo/Longyearbyen/Oslo: From £485 • Personal Items: Alcoholic beverages; emails; laundry; voyage DVD etc; discretionary tips to ships crew

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife

The Arctic: The Complete Story

The Flora of Svalbard