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Mammals and Seabirds of the Norwegian Arctic
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| Walrus in the waters around the Svalbard Archipelago |
Cost: $4550 to $7700, depending on cabin selection. Review cost details.
Airfare: Contact us for flight arrangement details.
Leaders: We put together an experienced staff to maximize your experience, including: Ted Cheeseman as the Expedition Leader, with Tim Davis, Vidar Bakken, Rinie van Meurs, Bjørn Frantzen, and the Captain of the M/V Professor Molchanov.
Ship: The Professor Molchanov is a specially designed expedition ship with an ice-strengthened hull and state-of-the-art equipment to navigate safely through the ice and narrow waterways.
Size: 51, not including leaders.
Conditions: A non-smoking charter.
Itinerary updated: April 2008
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The following suggested itinerary depends on the conditions at the time of travel. Flexibility is paramount in expedition travel onboard ship.
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June 23 - 24, Monday - Tuesday Departure choice with night in Oslo
Depart by June 23 to connect from Newark to Oslo via Copenhagen with an overnight at the Oslo Radisson Airport Hotel on June 24 (cost not included). The Radisson at OSL is located within walking distance of the airport, so very conveniently located. On Tuesday you will have time to enjoy some of Oslo's very interesting attractions, such as the Fram and the Kon-Tiki museums. Arrival in Oslo is at 9:35 AM on June 24 if you use the group flights on Scandinavian Airlines.
Optional Lodging: Oslo Radisson Airport Hotel
June 25, Wednesday Fly from Oslo and overnight in Longyearbyen
After breakfast on June 25 fly Scandinavian Airlines (operated by Braathens) from Oslo at 9:25 am and arrive in Longyearbyen at 1:55 pm if flying with the group. Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, has a population of only 2400 people. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, which is administered by Norway. Another 1000 people approximately live in the Russian settlement, Barentsburg, and in two other small settlements. The rest of the island of Spitsbergen, 62,000 square kilometers, is largely pristine. Transfer to the Spitsbergen Guest House (formerly the Nybyen Guest House) on arrival in Longyearbyen. Lunch and dinner on your own today.
Lodging: Spitsbergen Guest House
June 26, Thursday Longyearbyen and embarkation
During and after a leisurely buffet breakfast at the Spitsbergen Guest House, we'll meet for greetings and introductions. Lunch is on our own today. It is worthwhile to explore the colorful small town of Longyearbyen and its environs when wildflowers are beginning to bloom, Svalbard Ptarmigan, a subspecies of the Rock Ptarmigan, and Snow Buntings are nesting on the outskirts. Dramatic mountain scenery surrounds the brightly painted homes and mall. The mall offers excellent sporting goods and book stores, which sell a great selection of everything, including maps and compact field guides to the flora, fauna and geology. The Polar Museum is also well worth a visit. We board the Professor Molchanov by 4 pm and will embark about 6 pm from this northernmost town in the world. The Professor Molchanov will sail out of Isfjorden in the early evening. The waters are very calm compared to the Antarctic and the climate is much milder than one would expect so far north, due to the shallow seas and the northward flow of the Gulf Stream. The Arctic summertime will be in full swing, so bring plenty of sunscreen, as well as the other polar essentials like warm clothes!
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| Polar Bear on the sea ice near Svalbard |
June 27 - July 5, Friday - Saturday Expedition travel
Of course, our itinerary will vary depending on local conditions. We are traveling in the heart of the summer season, a time that is brilliant for the density and vibrancy of bird colonies. We also can expect plenty of ice where we will find bears and seals. We will forge the itinerary around ice and weather conditions. Each day will be filled with landings, zodiac cruising and ship based wildlife viewing, an in-depth voyage dedicated to exploration of the unique and beautiful Arctic environment of Svalbard. Lecturers will discuss wildlife behavior, geology, and High Arctic history, as well as photography, during some of the hours that we cruise looking for the special wildlife of Svalbard.
At this time of year we will concentrate on searching for Walrus and Polar Bears in the ice, as well as making landings. If there is a lot of sea-ice in the North, from Longyearbyen we'll go south into Bell Sund Fjord and Hornsund Fjord down to the sea ice off South Spitsbergen, where Harp Seals congregate to molt, then to Bjornoya (Bear Island) and to the edge of the Continental Shelf west of Bear Island, looking for Rorquals and foraging seabirds. This little dot in the North Atlantic has bird colonies on its west side as dense as anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. The bird cliffs here are phenomenal sea stacks that rise hundreds of feet out of nowhere, packed with birds, some of which breed almost exclusively here. Weather permitting, we will be able to land and hike up alongside the cliffs to look down from above and from the sides. In these waters we have our best chance of seeing some pelagic whale species with hopes of finding a Humpback, Blue, or Greenland (Bowhead) whale. After landings on Bjornoya, we'll sail north along the edge of the Continental Shelf west of Spitsbergen until we hit the pack ice, very good for foraging Polar Bears, seals and seabirds and chances for Bowhead Whales along the ice. We'll continue along the pack ice to the east until the ice brings us to North Spitsbergen, maybe into Hinlopen Strait. We'll sail back along the west Spitsbergen coast with landings until we return to Longyearbyen.
If it is a light ice year and there is not so much ice in the North, we'll carry this voyage out in reverse and not sail out to the Continental Shelf, concentrating rather on the ice along the Spitsbergen coast. We may also sail into the eastern parts of the Svalbard archipelago, which are also very rich in Polar Bears, seals and seabirds. At Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeoya to the east of Spitsbergen, we may land near an enormous Black-legged Kittiwake colony, which occupies both sides of a canyon. A localized archipelago containing a myriad of small islands south of the big island of Edgeooya is named Tusenoyane. Two of the tiny islands, Ziegleroya and Dielitschoya, have lakes where Red-throated Loons (Divers), Oldsquaws (Long-tailed Ducks), King Eiders, Brant (Brent Geese) and Red Phalaropes (known as Grey Phalaropes in Europe) nest. These islands, and nearby Andreetangen, are breeding grounds for Walrus and a favorite hunting area of Polar Bears.
We'll visit some of the fantastic bird cliffs where Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars and several species of alcids breed, including Dovekie, Black Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot (Thick-billed Murre), and Atlantic Puffin. We'll keep our eyes out for Narwhal, which on rare occasions pass through these northern waters in June. There is a decent chance to see Beluga in the southern fjords, and we'll see Polar Bears, seals and Ivory Gulls where ice abounds. We'll get inland a bit to see goose colonies - Pink-footed and Barnacle to be certain, and Brant as well, along with Common Eider, King Eider, Oldsquaw, and Svalbard Ptarmigan.
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| Brunnich's Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes nesting on cliffs |
Unlike Antarctica, Svalbard has terrestrial predators - the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear - so almost all birds nest on cliffs inaccessible to these predators. The wildlife is not quite as approachable as in Antarctica, but because Svalbard never had an indigenous population, its wildlife is less afraid of people than in any other Arctic region. Reindeer, Arctic Fox and Walrus can at times be approached within 20 feet. Polar Bear will also allow such proximity, but we will keep some distance!
While walking, we will stay alert for nesting shorebirds, such as Red Phalaropes, terns and skuas. Arctic Terns and Arctic Skuas are quick to dive bomb if they are disturbed. Ivory Gulls breed on nunataks (peaks poking up through the ice, from an Inuit word meaning "lonely peak"), which are mostly far inland. There is a chance to reach one Ivory Gull nesting cliff on foot, but mostly we'll see these beautiful gulls foraging along the sea ice, as well as seeing Ross' Gull. On land we'll see Arctic Fox and Svalbard Reindeer (an endemic subspecies with very short legs). While on shore, our group will have the time, flexibility and freedom to hike, view bird colonies, explore and photograph. However, we will follow Polar Bear protection procedures, as we stay in groups and keep ours guides in sight as they are prepared to deal with polar bear encounters.
July 6 - 7, Sunday - Monday Disembark and Fights south
We will disembark in Longyearbyen at the dock after breakfast on July 6 and fly to Oslo at 8 am to connect with a flight from Oslo to Copenhagen, arriving in Copenhagen at 2:25 pm, if flying on the group flights. We have reserved rooms at the Quality Airport Hotel Dan, which is about 15 minutes by bus or taxi to the city center if you would like to spend a few hours in the city. On July 6, depart at 12:20 pm, arriving in Newark at 2:45 pm, gaining back 9 hours with time to connect home on July 7.
Lodging: Quality Airport Hotel Dan
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Leaders: We put together an experienced staff to maximize your experience:
Ted Cheeseman (Expedition Leader, Ecologist, Lecturer, Zodiac Driver and Photographer) Ted has traveled with Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris since the early 80's and has led and organized expeditions since finishing his graduate degree in conservation biology at Duke University in 2000. Ted's great passion is making expeditions possible for travelers to spend the maximum time possible with wildlife, believing that by coming to know wildlife and wilderness intimately, travelers will come to respect the value of wild places in their pristine state.
Tim Davis (Professional Photographer, Lecturer and Zodiac Driver) Tim has guided with us on all our previous Arctic and Antarctic charters. Tim is a veteran professional photographer and brings to this voyage in-depth experience that he will share with you through lectures and photography technique sessions onshore. He has written, with his wife, Renee Lynn, excellent articles on nature photography and now lectures on digital photography and the use of "Photoshop."
Bjørn Frantzen (naturalist, ornithologist and arctic ecologist) Bjørn brings us a great depth of Arctic knowledge from his history as a leader of the Norwegian Polar Institute's office in Svalbard, former president of the Norwegian Ornithological Society and current head of the Svalbard Nature Conservation Society in Svalbard. Bjørn has worked with nature conservation in the Russian part of the Barents Region and as a monitor of the oil transportation from the Russian Arctic to Europe and the USA.
Vidar Bakken (ornithologist and marine ecologist) Vidar has worked as a seabird scientist extensively during his employment of 14 years at the Norwegian Polar Institute. He brings a thorough knowledge of Svalbard wildlife to our cruise and was outstanding on our previous charter in Svalbard.
Rinie van Meurs (naturalist and arctic ecologist) Rinie has led hundreds of expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica and has logged more time as an expedition leader and naturalist guide in Spitsbergen than anyone else. He is a leading authority on the wildlife of Spitsbergen, and his field lectures and presentations will leave you with an excellent understanding of the flora, fauna and history of this extraordinary arctic region. Rinie studied forestry and civil engineering before finding his passions for travel, wildlife and photography. He has traveled the world privately-once spending a year in the Falkland Islands photographing and observing seabirds and wildlife-and has been an expedition leader in polar regions for more than 10 years. He has published 2 books of photography including his latest, Polar Odyssey, a photographic documentation of the polar regions in which he has traveled. A native of Holland, Rinie now lives in Krakow, Poland.
Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, fill out our reservation form, and mail it to us with your deposit:
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com
Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send trip materials, including a travel guide with trip essentials, reading list, species lists, and maps. Until 180 days or more prior to departure, payments are refundable except for $300. Refunds given 179-150 days prior to departure will be subjected to a charge of 10% of the tour price, 149-120 days prior to departure, a charge of 40%, and 119 days or less prior to departure, no refund will be made. Trip cancellation insurance applications are available. Trip cost depends on cabin selection. Trip options, if any, are extra.
| Cost | ||
| Third deck triple cabins with shared bath | 110 sq. ft. | $4550 |
| Third deck double cabins with shared bath | 110 sq. ft. | $5150 |
| Fourth and Fifth deck double cabins with private bath | 115 sq. ft. | $6050 |
| Fifth deck mini suite with private bath | 180 sq. ft. | $7050 |
| Fifth deck large suite with private bath | 250 sq. ft. | $7700 |
| Payment Schedule | ||
| Deposit - to reserve your space | $3000 | |
| March 1, 2008 - final payment | remaining balance | |
Possibility of Fuel Surcharge: Please note that the cost of this expedition is set to reflect fuel prices before the big increases in 2007. Fuel prices have fluctuated dramatically in recent years, and as fuel is a major portion of the cost of this expedition, we cannot possibly account for this fluctuation completely. If fuel prices remain substantially higher, we may have to collect a fuel surcharge of $200 - $300 per person.
Single Occupancy: No single cabins are available. Double occupancy cabins may be booked on a single basis at 1.9 times the published rate. If you are willing to have a roommate, there will be no single supplement charge.
Included: Eleven days and ten nights on board the Professor Molchanov, one night at the Spitsbergen Guest House in Longyearbyen, meals from breakfast on June 26 through breakfast on July 6 (except lunch on June 26), five naturalist guides, including resident naturalist onboard ship, landing fees and port taxes.
Not Included: All flights, any separate transfers in Longyearbyen, airport tax and arrival/departure taxes, the gratuity to the ship's crew (We recommend $10 to $12 per day), excess baggage charges, extra overnights in Longyearbyen, personal expenses, such as bar, laundry and shop charges onboard ship . Optional overnights in Oslo and Copenhagen: Radisson Airport Hotel, Oslo, June 24, $281 sharing, with breakfast; and Quality Airport Hotel Dan, Copenhagen on July 6, $284 sharing, with breakfast and shuttle.
Group flights and hotel: (group flight fare no longer available) The group flight schedule follows:
Trip Log: After the completion of your expedition you can look forward to an illustrated expedition log mailed directly to you. This very descriptive trip log includes daily sightings, trip accounts and excellent photography throughout our incredible journey.
Seasickness: The waters of Svalbard are very sheltered and seasickness is not a problem for the majority of travelers. If you are concerned about seasickness, come prepared with seasickness remedies, such as nonprescription Dramamine or Bonine, prescription Scopolamine ('Transderm Scop, or 'the patch') or the electric ReliefBand.
Conditions: Non-smoking policy. Travel to remote places like the Arctic is exciting, but understanding and accepting the risks, both medical and logistical, is important. There is a small infirmary on board the ship and minor medical problems can be treated, but due to the remoteness of most of our itinerary, there can be no expectation for medical evacuation by air or ship, even in cases of trauma. If this fact concerns you too much, do not choose this trip for your vacation. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this trip. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs, including medication or patches for seasickness. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants.
Travel Insurance: The Governor of Svalbard now requires all visitors to purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance for the duration of this expedition. Due to the remote location of these islands, we feel this is a very worthwhile expense. We have had good experience with Access America. Visit their website for complete details and we will also send you their brochure with your trip materials. You can purchase a policy via their website, phone or by mail. If you choose, separate trip cancellation insurance to cover trip costs is also available, but is not required. Whatever insurance you purchase, be sure to review the terms of all available policies carefully in order to buy the policy that you need.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online request form or send us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!
Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.
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