Arctic sailing Expeditions

Why Join This Cruise:

• Arctic sailing is a unique and humbling experience ideally suited for the adventurous traveller willing to forego the comfortable trappings of modern day life for a very memorable, authentic voyage.


• The Noorderlicht is a handsome 153 foot tall ship schooner capable of sailing in the extreme arctic climate and evoking the spirit of the great historic polar explorations.


• The qualified captains have a great experience of the oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey.
  

Trip Overview

The 'Noorderlicht' was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany as a three-masted schooner. In 1991, the present owners purchased the hull which they completely re-rigged and refitted. The Noorderlicht now has a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig and, with its qualified captain and experienced crew, is capable of sailing the seven seas. The Noorderlicht has accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins, each with an upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin. The shared showers (four) and toilets (five) facilities are conveniently located.

Standing on deck while forging through ice-choked waters, standing watch at night with the ethereal flickerings of the Northern Lights above you or helping set the sails of this 93 year old classic is far from your average holiday. Passengers can chose to be as hands-on and interactive as they like, but a helping hand is welcomed by the professional crew and is one of the great pleasures of travelling aboard The Noorderlicht. With a maximum of only 20, the atmosphere on board is very relaxed and informal, with plenty of flexibility in the daily itinerary to explore and make the most of the wildlife opportunities that present themselves

2009 Noorderlicht Voyage dates

Choice of 3 different itineraries in Spitsbergen ranging from 11 - 16 days in length from May - October

North Spitsbergen (11 nights/ 12 days)

19th - 30th May
30th May - 10th Jun
10th - 21st Jun
10th - 21st Jun
21st Jun - 2nd Jul
2nd - 13th July
11th - 22nd Sept

Around Spitsbergen (15 nights/ 16 days)

13th - 28th Jul
28th Jul - 12 Aug
12th - 27th Aug
27th Aug - 11th Sept

South Spitsbergen (7 nights/ 8 days)

22nd - 29th Sept
29th Sept - 6th Oct
6th - 13th Oct
13th - 20th Oct
20th - 27th Oct

**Please note that these are the voyage only dates. Embarkation & disembarkation from Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen where hotel accommodation is available. Indirect flights are available with Scandinavian Airlines via Oslo from the UK.

Due to the limited number of passengers on each voyage and its great popularity, early booking is strongly recommended

The Noorderlicht also operates 8 day voyages in Northern Norway and around The Lofoten islands in November & December when orcas frequent these waters in pursuit of the vast herring shoals. Please call the office for further details.

Would You Like to Know More?

For further information please call our cruise consultants on 01285 880981 or email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk.

Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos, Papau New Guinea, Nile