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Land Of The Ice Bears

Land Of The Ice Bears

Cruise Highlights:

  • Search for the very symbol of the Arctic — the polar bear
  • Take naturalist-led walks, cruise among beautiful icebergs in a Zodiac or kayak
  • Experience the midnight sun
  • Watch for huge walruses, seals, arctic foxes and reindeer

At a glance

Duration: 11 Days, 9 Nights

Coverage: Roundtrip Oslo, Norway

From: $8,240

Season: June - July

Activities: Birding, Hiking, Photography, Sightseeing, Wildlife viewing, Zodiac cruises

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Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic

A remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening. It is carpeted with wildflowers. Ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Walrus raise their sleepy heads to observe us. And everyone holds their breath as a polar bear is spotted and cameras click wildly. Experience nature in its purest form in this High Arctic Island when you join us for one of our unforgettable Arctic cruises.

This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you’ll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition cruise ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife. This Arctic cruise voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery. Nature is full of wonderful surprises and we are guided by her. Our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary below is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this region.

Day-to-Day Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Fly Overnight to Oslo

Fly from Newark to Oslo on an overnight flight aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

DAY 2 — Oslo, Norway/Continental Hotel

Arrive in Oslo, the capital city where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the presence of the King of Norway. Our introduction to Oslo begins with a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures--hudnreds of life-size human figures set in rolling parklands. Next we visit the Polar Ship Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is free to try one of the harbor restaurants or turn in early. Overnight at the Continental Hotel, or similar. (B)

DAY 3 — Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship

Depart Oslo on our private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen. Embark our ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-9 — Exploring Svalbard

Our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design, and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruising in Svalbard’s fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. We take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo

Disembark the National Geographic Explorer and explore Longyearbyen before we fly to Oslo. Overnight in the Radisson SAS Airport Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 11 — Oslo/U.S.

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight to the U.S. aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines, or continue on to other adventures. (B)

Dates & Rates

National Geographic Explorer Categories
2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2 (Solo) 3 (Solo)
June 7, 14, 21, 28 $8,650 $9,230 $9,580 $10,150 $11,990 $13,330 $15,230 $10,980 $11,400

Included in Cruise Fare

  • All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
  • All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
  • Air transportation where indicated as included
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits
  • Transfers to and from group flights
  • Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available)
  • Gratuities (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew)
  • Taxes and service charges
  • Services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff

Not Included in Cruise Fare

  • Air transportation (except where shown as included)
  • Extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees
  • Scuba diving (where available)
  • Meals not indicated
  • Baggage/accident/travel protection plan
  • Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry
  • Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion

Map

Land of the Ice Bears Itinerary Map

Ships

National Geographic Explorer

National; Geographic ExplorerNational Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the latest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. View ship details...

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