Spitsbergen Voyages - Useful Information
39,044 km²
Longyearbyen is the seat of local government and Norway's main administrative centre on Svalbard. The small colourful community of approx. 1800 inhabitants
Svalbard is completely controlled by the Kingdom of Norway and is part of it.
The Arctic is the region around the Earth's North Pole, opposite the Antarctic region around the South Pole. The Arctic includes the Arctic Ocean (which overlies the North Pole) and parts of Canada, Greenland (a territory of Denmark), Russia, the United States (Alaska), Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
The North Atlantic Current moderates Svalbard's Arctic climate, keeping the surrounding waters open and navigable most of the year. The Western coast is considerably warmer and wetter than the east, due to the North Atlantic Drift.
June - Late August is considered Summer and can have up to 24 hours of sunlight
The average Summer temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius (°C), or 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and in winter, -12 °C (10 F).
To appreciate this extraordinary continent one needs the finest naturalist and ecologists. To this end every cruise has a number of leading experts in their respective field to guide you. Their skills jointly cover Arctic history, ornithology, geography, geology, oceanography, marine biology and glaciology.
The Arctic summer, though cold, ranges between -15 degrees and 4 degrees centigrade, but with the appropriate clothing it is not uncomfortable if suitably dressed. The sun is harsh on the skin and is often out even when conditions are windy.
This is hard to predict. Sailors always advise when heading to the open sea "prepare for the worst and hope for the best." At some point during the voyage, it is likely that you will encounter heavy seas - although how rough and for how long is unpredictable. Please consult your doctor about the appropriate medication for sea sickness.
This is a question we get asked a lot. Basically all cruising starts in the Arctic Summer from June to August each year. Sea and weather conditions are always unpredictable, however the wildlife viewing is always good and so much is happening during this short period of time. Here are some ideas of what is happening from the natural history point of view.
As the sunlight returns in spring, the burgeoning life at the edge of the ice, under the floes, and in the open waters of the polynyas supports a huge influx of birds from the south. It has been estimated that some 16 million individual birds spend the summer in the Barents Sea segment of the Arctic Ocean.
Arctic foxes, reindeer, polar bears, seals, walruses and beluga whales are found on around the Svalbard Archipelago.
As an EU passport holder you will not require a visa for travelling to Spitsbergen or Greenland. All of Svalbard is Norwegian territory, so there is no need for a passport/visa to visit the island or to visit the Russian settlements. Please note, however, that all non-Norwegian citizens must show their passport when returning to the Norwegian mainland.
No special vaccinations but we recommend polio and tetanus. (if you are a seasoned traveller you will already have these). We recommend that you consult a medical practitioner or call MASTA on 09068 224100.
This expedition is not physically demanding and exactly how much you do in terms of landings is your choice. There is a qualified doctor and infirmary on board each expedition. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard ship or return whenever you like. Much of the wildlife and scenery can be appreciated from deck and they cater for all fitness levels when on shore.
The minimum age is 16 years of age. There is no upper age ceiling, however prospective travellers should be aware that this is an adventurous exopedition rather than a conventional cruise.
High quality cold weather gear is essential, including parka, scarf, thick woollen sweaters, hats, socks, mittens and warm trousers, waterproof rubber boots. Your day sack should include sun protection, sun block, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. A full kit and equipment list is supplied on booking together for warm clothing suggestions and advise.
This venture can easily be combined with extra travel plans in Spitsbergen including dog sledding trips in and around Longyearbyen
