Marine expedition around Svalbard: polar bears, icebergs and fjords
SVALBARD
July 9 - 20, 2024
marine expedition to Antarctica cruise Drake strait Antarctida iceberg pinguin whale tour to Antarctica
We invite you on an expedition cruise with a visit to the legendary islands and glaciers of the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A journey beyond the Arctic Circle is not only about amazing icy landscapes, but also countless fjords, midnight sun and encounters with numerous representatives of the Arctic wildlife. While you are relaxing on board, the ship, often accompanied by white whales, is gliding smoothly through the calm waters, surrounded by glaciers, icebergs and sparkling fjords. The secrets of the distant Norwegian archipelago are truly revealed when you step ashore. With the help of the expedition boats of the Zodiacs, you will land on the pristine shores of the islands of the archipelago, pass through the most beautiful fjord in Svalbard and you will be surprised how noisy the sea bird colonies can be. Unparalleled Arctic landscapes, unique wildlife and famous historical sites await you... all surrounded by gigantic glaciers, ice fjords and colorful tundra.
Discover "your" Arctic in the atmosphere of comfort and elegance of an expedition vessel of a higher ice class. Its small size and maneuverability will allow you to visit the most secluded corners! After all, it can reach the small bays and gulfs that the probability of close meetings with representatives of the animal world is high.
SH Vega is a real art boutique hotel in the water. Services on board: an outdoor infinity pool with a view of the open sea and icebergs, gourmet restaurants with dishes from famous chefs, stylish interiors made of natural finishing materials, cozy and spacious cabins with fireplaces and panoramic balconies.
Discover "your" Arctic in the atmosphere of comfort and elegance of an expedition vessel of a higher ice class. Its small size and maneuverability will allow you to visit the most secluded corners! After all, it can reach the small bays and gulfs that the probability of close meetings with representatives of the animal world is high.
SH Vega is a real art boutique hotel in the water. Services on board: an outdoor infinity pool with a view of the open sea and icebergs, gourmet restaurants with dishes from famous chefs, stylish interiors made of natural finishing materials, cozy and spacious cabins with fireplaces and panoramic balconies.
A Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny" discovered Antarctica on January 28, 1820.
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Travel dates: July 9 - 20, 2024
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Cost per person*:
- Cabin with window M4, 18 sq m - from$10 481 $7 110
- Cabin with balcony M5, 18 sq m - from$ 13,330 $8 835
- Junior suite SU 24 sq m - from$ 16,534 $11 160
- Suite SU 30 sq m - from$ 19,194 $11 685
- Premium Suite PS 30 sq m - from$22,324 $12 885
* The price is indicated for 1 passenger with accomodation in the DBL cabin and may change. Availability of cabins please check with the manager.
Estimated cost of a flight to Tromso: 1,000 - 1,500 euros.
For citizens of the Russian Federation, an open Schengen visa is required along the route.
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO svalbard
Day 0. July 9, 2024. Flight to Tromso
The journey begins with a meeting at Tromso Airport. Swan Hellenic representative will meet you. An organized transfer will take you to the hotel. You will have free time to rest after the flight and perhaps for a walk around the city.
*Recommended flight:
- with AirSerbia with a layover in Belgrade, departure from Moscow to Belgrade at 4:15 on July 9th, layover in Belgrade for 4 hours and 27 minutes, departure to Oslo at 6:05, arrival in Oslo at 9:00 on July 9th, then departure with Scandinavian Airlines from Oslo at 21:50 on July 9th, and arrival in Tromsø at 23:40 on July 9th
- or any other flight arriving in Tromsø no later than July 10th.
Meals: no
Accommodation: hotel
Day 1. July 10, 2024. Tromso
The Arctic gateway - Tromso locates at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 2. July 11, 2024. Exit to the sea
The greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, Svalbard's southernmost island. Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls, great skuas, black-legged kittiwakes, little auks, common guillemots, and Brünnich's guillemots, nest on the steep cliffs near Kapp Kolthoff, south of Sørhamna. The ocean has sculpted sea stack rock columns, sea caves and tunnels, with a notable tunnel at Perleporten.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 3 - 8. July 12 - 17, 2024 Exploring Svalbard
The next 5 days we will explore the islands and glaciers of Svalbard. A cruise around the archipelago can be called a real expedition, because the actual route depends on weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain can adjust the course, sequence and duration of stops in real time based on the weather forecast and the advice of an expedition leader to offer travelers the best options for active exploration of the Arctic and to show as much as possible of the wildlife of Svalbard.
The vast polar archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean is a real Arctic fairytale! Colorful tundra, endless glaciers (more than half of Svalbard is covered with glaciers!) and fjords, blue sea ice, majestic mountains - incomparable arctic landscapes, rich wildlife and famous historical sites. The seasonality is especially felt here.
The polar night with the famous northern lights is replaced by bright winter months, which, in turn, give way to a wonderfully mild summer with its midnight sun. The Arctic silence here creates a unique atmosphere. You will experience peace, which is practically unparalleled on Earth. The history of the archipelago dates back to the 16th century, when Svalbard was discovered by an expedition of a Dutch explorer. For centuries, the history of Svalbard has been associated with mining, hunting, and whaling.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 9. July 18, 2024 Skarsvåg (Nordkapp)
Skarsvåg, Europe's northernmost fishing village on Magerøya Island, is a short journey from Nordkapp (North Cape)—Europe's northernmost point above the Arctic Circle, marked by a striking globe monument. Only Svalbard stands between here and the North Pole. Along the coast, Atlantic puffin colonies and over a million seabirds nest, including arctic skuas, razorbills, northern gannets, white-tailed eagles, common eider ducks and great cormorants.
North Cape (Nordkapp), the northernmost tip of Europe in Norway, where the Arctic Ocean meets the rugged coast, is a majestic headland that has fascinated explorers for centuries. Cruising to North Cape promises an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's grandeur and a glimpse into the Arctic's captivating allure. In summer, North Cape basks in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, a surreal phenomenon where the sun never fully sets.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 10. July 19, 2024 . Alta
Alta, the city of Arctic light at 70° N above the Arctic Circle, basks in the midnight sun from mid-May to late July, with no darkness, yet temperatures rarely exceed 10°C. The distinctive Alta Church, known as the Northern Lights Cathedral, symbolises the aurora borealis. Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings lie at the head of Alta Fjord. Hjemmeluft, the largest accessible area, hosts the World Heritage Rock Art Centre - Alta Museum.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 11. July 20, 2024 Tromso. Back flight
Our ship is returning to Tromso. After breakfast, the transfer will take you to the airport.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
* Recommended flight:
- with Scandinavian Airlines from Tromsø on July 20th at 20:50 to Oslo, and then with AirSerbia from Oslo on July 21st at 21:00, layover in Belgrade, departure to Moscow on July 21st at 5:50 am
- or any other flight departing from Oslo no earlier than July 20th.
* Please do not purchase tickets without prior approval from us.
** The program is subject to change due to weather conditions.
Travel dates: July 9 - 20, 2024
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Cost per person*:
- Cabin with window M4, 18 sq m - from
- Cabin with balcony M5, 18 sq m - from
- Junior suite SU 24 sq m - from
- Suite SU 30 sq m - from
- Premium Suite PS 30 sq m - from
* The price is indicated for 1 passenger with accomodation in the DBL cabin and may change. Availability of cabins please check with the manager.
Estimated cost of a flight to Tromso: 1,000 - 1,500 euros.
For citizens of the Russian Federation, an open Schengen visa is required along the route.
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO svalbard
Day 0. July 9, 2024. Flight to Tromso
The journey begins with a meeting at Tromso Airport. Swan Hellenic representative will meet you. An organized transfer will take you to the hotel. You will have free time to rest after the flight and perhaps for a walk around the city.
*Recommended flight:
- with AirSerbia with a layover in Belgrade, departure from Moscow to Belgrade at 4:15 on July 9th, layover in Belgrade for 4 hours and 27 minutes, departure to Oslo at 6:05, arrival in Oslo at 9:00 on July 9th, then departure with Scandinavian Airlines from Oslo at 21:50 on July 9th, and arrival in Tromsø at 23:40 on July 9th
- or any other flight arriving in Tromsø no later than July 10th.
Meals: no
Accommodation: hotel
Day 1. July 10, 2024. Tromso
The Arctic gateway - Tromso locates at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 2. July 11, 2024. Exit to the sea
The greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, Svalbard's southernmost island. Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls, great skuas, black-legged kittiwakes, little auks, common guillemots, and Brünnich's guillemots, nest on the steep cliffs near Kapp Kolthoff, south of Sørhamna. The ocean has sculpted sea stack rock columns, sea caves and tunnels, with a notable tunnel at Perleporten.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 3 - 8. July 12 - 17, 2024 Exploring Svalbard
The next 5 days we will explore the islands and glaciers of Svalbard. A cruise around the archipelago can be called a real expedition, because the actual route depends on weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain can adjust the course, sequence and duration of stops in real time based on the weather forecast and the advice of an expedition leader to offer travelers the best options for active exploration of the Arctic and to show as much as possible of the wildlife of Svalbard.
The vast polar archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean is a real Arctic fairytale! Colorful tundra, endless glaciers (more than half of Svalbard is covered with glaciers!) and fjords, blue sea ice, majestic mountains - incomparable arctic landscapes, rich wildlife and famous historical sites. The seasonality is especially felt here.
The polar night with the famous northern lights is replaced by bright winter months, which, in turn, give way to a wonderfully mild summer with its midnight sun. The Arctic silence here creates a unique atmosphere. You will experience peace, which is practically unparalleled on Earth. The history of the archipelago dates back to the 16th century, when Svalbard was discovered by an expedition of a Dutch explorer. For centuries, the history of Svalbard has been associated with mining, hunting, and whaling.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 9. July 18, 2024 Skarsvåg (Nordkapp)
Skarsvåg, Europe's northernmost fishing village on Magerøya Island, is a short journey from Nordkapp (North Cape)—Europe's northernmost point above the Arctic Circle, marked by a striking globe monument. Only Svalbard stands between here and the North Pole. Along the coast, Atlantic puffin colonies and over a million seabirds nest, including arctic skuas, razorbills, northern gannets, white-tailed eagles, common eider ducks and great cormorants.
North Cape (Nordkapp), the northernmost tip of Europe in Norway, where the Arctic Ocean meets the rugged coast, is a majestic headland that has fascinated explorers for centuries. Cruising to North Cape promises an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's grandeur and a glimpse into the Arctic's captivating allure. In summer, North Cape basks in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, a surreal phenomenon where the sun never fully sets.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 10. July 19, 2024 . Alta
Alta, the city of Arctic light at 70° N above the Arctic Circle, basks in the midnight sun from mid-May to late July, with no darkness, yet temperatures rarely exceed 10°C. The distinctive Alta Church, known as the Northern Lights Cathedral, symbolises the aurora borealis. Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings lie at the head of Alta Fjord. Hjemmeluft, the largest accessible area, hosts the World Heritage Rock Art Centre - Alta Museum.
Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 11. July 20, 2024 Tromso. Back flight
Our ship is returning to Tromso. After breakfast, the transfer will take you to the airport.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
* Recommended flight:
- with Scandinavian Airlines from Tromsø on July 20th at 20:50 to Oslo, and then with AirSerbia from Oslo on July 21st at 21:00, layover in Belgrade, departure to Moscow on July 21st at 5:50 am
- or any other flight departing from Oslo no earlier than July 20th.
* Please do not purchase tickets without prior approval from us.
** The program is subject to change due to weather conditions.
SH Diana
Expedition ship of the new generation with an enhanced polar class. Commissioned in April 2023.
SH Diana – is a true art boutique hotel in the waters of the Southern Ocean. At your service, there is an open infinity pool with a view of the open sea and icebergs, high-cuisine restaurants featuring dishes from renowned chefs, an open observation deck, a SPA center, and a beauty salon. Additionally, it offers a panoramic sauna with 2 jacuzzis, a gym, stylish interiors made of natural finishing materials, cozy and spacious cabins with fireplaces and panoramic balconies. The ship is equipped with a safe autopilot function and an air conditioning system using ultraviolet light.
All cabins feature:
- Interactive TV
- Mini-bar
- Safe
- Air conditioning system
- Pillow menu
- Babyliss hairdryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Coffee machine
- 24/7 cabin service
- 24-hour self-service laundry on Deck 4
- Window CabinArea: 19 sq.m. Maximum occupancy: 2 persons Additionally, 5 window cabins are equipped with a sofa and have a maximum occupancy of 4 persons.
- Balcony CabinArea: 28 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 6 sq.m. Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
- SuiteArea: 44 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 12 sq.m. Maximum occupancy: 4 persons. Upon request, accommodation for up to 5 persons is allowed. The suite can be combined with an adjacent balcony cabin, resulting in a total area of 72 sq.m. The bedroom is equipped with a Superking-size bed.
Cost includes:
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
Take with you:
- All transfers: from the airport/hotel to the port on the day of boarding, from the port to the airport at the end of the cruise (group transfers);
- Accommodation in a hotel before the cruise in Tromso (1 night with breakfast), as well as on board in a cabin of the selected category during the cruise, tips on board and port fees;
- In-flight meals and room service, 24 hours a day, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, except premium brands;
- Lecture programs of expeditionary experts and invited speakers;
- All Zodiac landings and shore excursions are led by our experienced expedition team;
- Equipment: Swan Hellenic Expedition branded parka, waterproof backpack, reusable water bottle will be delivered to the cabin on the first day of the cruise;
- Rubber boots are provided for disembarkation;
- Basic WiFi package
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
- International flight to Tromso and back at the end of the cruise;
- Сompulsory health insurance;
- Travel insurance;
- Private Zodiac boat tours and kayaking during the cruise;
- Premium brand alcoholic beverages, Spa & beauty treatments, laundry service, onboard retail shopping
- Shengen visa (if required)
Take with you:
- Shoes and clothing for the cities where your cruise starts and ends;
- Waterproof trousers;
- Wool sweater or fleece jacket;
- Vest or sweatshirt;
- Thermal underwear (2 sets);
- Turtleneck and shirt;
- Several T-shirts;
- Jeans or other comfortable trousers;
- Sportswear for sports on board;
- Swimwear for visiting the SPA and the pool on board;
- Mittens, waterproof gloves and glove liners (2 pairs);
- Warm windproof hat;
- Warm shirt or scarf;
- Balaclava;
- Warm socks (several pairs);
- Comfortable waterproof boots with ribbed soles (trekking boots);
- Optional tourist foam-hoba for comfortable riding on the Zodiac;
- Sneakers or comfortable boots in which you will be comfortable on board;
- Sunglasses with UV protection;
- Sunscreen for face and lips, hand cream;
- Camera, additional memory cards and flash drives, interchangeable batteries and lenses;
- Laptop or tablet for taking notes and uploading photos;
- Chargers for equipment, adapters, power bank;
- Waterproof sealed case for the camera and other equipment;
- An extra pair of eyeglasses or an extra set of contact lenses;
- Medicines prescribed by a doctor with a margin for a few extra days;
- Documentation
KEY FEATURES:
Tour to
SVALBARD
Best season: June - September
• Following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers, discover the High Arctic and the real Far North;
• You will be amazed again and again by the beauty and grandeur of giant glaciers and magnificent icebergs in the ice fjords of Svalbard;
• Experience firsthand what the polar day and midnight sun are like - after all, in the summer in this region the sun does not set below the horizon around the clock;
• Admire the many wild flowers of the arctic tundra, including saxifrage soddy and arctic white doze;
• You will be able to see walrus, polar bear, arctic fox, common seal, ringed seal, bearded seal, white whale, slender-billed guillemot and little auk in their natural habitat;
• Experienced members of the expedition team and the best invited experts in geology, glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and history will accompany the cruise with lectures, presentations, scientific facts and amazing stories.
Possible activities depend on weather conditions, their availability and safety is determined by the captain, based on the actual situation.
SVALBARD
Best season: June - September
• Following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers, discover the High Arctic and the real Far North;
• You will be amazed again and again by the beauty and grandeur of giant glaciers and magnificent icebergs in the ice fjords of Svalbard;
• Experience firsthand what the polar day and midnight sun are like - after all, in the summer in this region the sun does not set below the horizon around the clock;
• Admire the many wild flowers of the arctic tundra, including saxifrage soddy and arctic white doze;
• You will be able to see walrus, polar bear, arctic fox, common seal, ringed seal, bearded seal, white whale, slender-billed guillemot and little auk in their natural habitat;
• Experienced members of the expedition team and the best invited experts in geology, glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and history will accompany the cruise with lectures, presentations, scientific facts and amazing stories.
Possible activities depend on weather conditions, their availability and safety is determined by the captain, based on the actual situation.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are tested by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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