Basecamp Kongsfjorden Arctic Sail Cruise
BASECAMP SPITSBERGEN KONGSFJORD ARCTIC CRUISE is a 5 day cruise along the west coast of Spitsbergen to Kongsfjorden aboard the schooner Noorderlicht. The cruise starts in Longyearbyen, continues out Isfjorden and follows the west coast of Spitsbergen through the Forland Strait to the magnificent Kongsfjorden; known for its rich animal wildlife, beautiful scenery and the home of Ny-Ålesund – the worlds northernmost settlement. Early in the season the winter is slowly giving way to summer and nature is at its most beautiful. We’ll see the return of the birds and first flowers of the short Arctic summer.
The ‘Noorderlicht’ is a two-masted schooner celebrating her 100th birthday this year. In accordance with the strict safety rules from the Shipping Inspection, ‘Noorderlicht’ has the license to sail all around the world with passengers. The elegant hull and the well-balanced rigging make her into a fast sailor. The comfortable two- master schooner, equipped for both warm and cold areas, is the ideal ship for those who are into adventures. The deckhouse and saloon below deck are spacious. Here you find ten twin-cabins. Every cabin is equipped with 80x200cm bunk beds, hot/cold running water and a 220V power point. Five toilets and four showers are for shared use. The Chef prepares tasty meals in the galley. In the deckhouse you find an excellent selection of books about Spitsbergen and Norway. The crew consists of five members: Captain, 1st Mate, 2nd Mate, Chef, and Expedition Leader.
Basecamp Kongsfjord Arctic Cruise, 28th May - June1st, 2010
Price: From NOK 11.900,-
For booking please contact us at:
Mail: svalbard@basecampexplorer.com
Phone: +47 79024600
This cruise can be combined with “Bellsund Arctic Cruise” into a 10 day cruise from NOK 19.900,-
Included: Transfer to and from airport, 5-day cruise aboard the Noorderlicht, land arrangements during the sail and guiding.
Not included: Drinks and souvenirs, meals in Longyearbyen, airfares.
Special offer on accommodation at Basecamp Trapper’s Hotel, price per person per night, incl. breakfast
NOK 890,- Double room (ordinary price NOK 1.130,- )
NOK 1.590,- Single room (ordinary price NOK 1.990,-)
Clothes/ equipment: We recommend warm and windproof clothing, small backpack for camera etc. solid hiking boots, hat, gloves, wool socks and underwear, long underwear, a warm sweater and hiking trousers. Slippers are nice to have onboard the ship. Remember to bring your camera and binoculars!
Please note: The ice-conditions and Arctic weather will determine the final sail plan. The route might change and or some landings might differ. We will have a land and boat based back – up program to meet unknown ice–conditions.
ITINERARY: KONGSFJORDEN ARCTIC SAIL CRUISE
Day 1, On arrival at Longyearbyen airport you will be met by a Basecamp Spitsbergen guide. We’ll then transfer to the harbor and embark on the ship. In the afternoon we sail out Isfjorden towards Blomstrandhalvøya in Kongsfjorden.
Day 2, In the morning we wake up in the beautiful Blomstranbukta. After breakfast we make a landing in Ny-London where we’ll learn about the fascinating story of the marble quarry. In the afternoon we sail further into Kongsfjorden to Ossian Sarsfjellet bird sanctuary. In the evening sightseeing of Kongsbreen Glacier and then on to Ny ålesund – the world northernmost settlement
Day 3, After breakfast visit of Ny Ålesund. Once a mining village, Ny-Ålesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese and Arctic Terns. There are several Arctic Fox dens in the area. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will find Ny-Ålseund very interesting. In the afternoon we make a landing at Fuglehuken – the northern most point of Prins Karls Forland and the site where Wilhelm Barents first set foot in 1596. We then continue south toPoolepynten where we’ll visit a Walrus colony.
Day 4, On Kapp Linné, at the mouth of the fjord sits the old radio communications-station Isfjord Radio. We’ll visit the station. After lunch we continue to the bird cliffs of Alkehornet where we’ll make a landing. Early in the season there might still be some sea-ice in front of the glaciers and the chances of spotting Ringed and Bearded Seals are good. In the evening we sail into Ymerbukta and cruise the glacier front of Esmarkbreen. We sail to Longyearbyen in the night.
Day 5, Breakfast and disembarking. Possibility for sightseeing and shopping in Longyearbyen. Transfer to the airport at 13.00. Departure for Oslo at 14.45.
