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811 blogposts found

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Highlights

HDS11X22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Farthest North

As we set sail, we received a warm welcome and orientation briefing from our Hotel Manager Michael and Expedition Leader (EL) Sara. They gav

PLA11-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Once on board the passengers started to get acquainted with the ship and were soon invited to a general introduction. A safety briefing was

OTL11-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

When we were enjoying our lovely breakfast, we heard the voice of our expedition leader Claudio that there was a Polar Bear on the ice, clos

HDS10X22, trip log, Spitsbergen - Greenland - Jan Mayen - Spitsbergen

Our Arctic adventure began on a grey drizzly afternoon – let’s be honest, it was raining. Happily, the weather cleared as the afternoon adva

In the evening, a hit: three minke whales

Until that day, we had seen very few whales from Plancius, the ship on which we spent a week near Svalbard.

OTL10-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Today was the day! Our long-awaited Arctic adventure was about to begin (a few years wait for some of us!) our story begins in Longyearbyen,

OTL09-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Our first full day of expedition cruising officially began with a wake-up call from Expedition Leader (EL) Pippa at 7:15am, but some excited

OTL08-22, trip log, East Spitsbergen - Arctic Academy

During this expedition scientists and tourists travelled together to one of the most remote places of the arctic region. The primary goal of

PLA09-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

The black mines and muddy hangars of Longyearbyen are certainly not quite as charming as the colorful traditional houses of Oslo, but the ci

Insider’s Expedition: Interview with Toto Vermue

As part of our reservations department, one of Toto’s responsibilities is helping book our guests on the many Antarctic and Arctic cruises w

HDS07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Shortly afterwards everyone attended the last of our mandatory briefings; this one was regarding zodiac operations, which would come in usef

World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2022

It is with great delight that we announce we have been nominated for World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line at the second annual World Cruise A

PLA07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Many of the guest arrived at Longyearbyen on the day of embarkation. Throughout the morning the wind started to pick up but regardless of th

OTL07-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice - Birding

The pull of the Arctic; its varied landscapes, history, the fascination of ice, flora and fauna plagued by a harsh climate, the anticipation

PLA06-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

Many of the guest arrived at Longyearbyen on the day of embarkation. The morning started with drizzle and thick fog. We must wait for our re

OTL06-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Basecamp, Free kayaking, hiking, photo worksh

The Ortelius lays at the old Coal pier close to the airport. The Expedition Team is spread out at several locations throughout town to await

HDS05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Bowhead Whales & Polar Bears in the sea ice –

The Expedition Team were on standby for 5:45 am, zodiacs were lowered, and the staff made their way to meet and greet guests whilst Hondius

PLA05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

Once on board the evening went by quickly as we were busy with familiarisations, safety briefings, cocktails with Captain Torry Sakkariassen

OTL05-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Basecamp - Summer Solstice, Free kayaking, hi

After a long-awaited departure (a few years for some of us) we finally land in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the Arctic Archipelag

HDS04-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice Summer Sols

After a wonderful buffet dinner prepared by the galley staff it was time for the third and final briefing of the evening, a video presentati

PLA04-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice Summer Sols

Once on board the evening went by quickly as we were busy with familiarisations, safety briefings, cocktails with Captain Torry Sakkariassen

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