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HDS12-22, trip log, North Spitsbergen - Farthest North
As the day drew to a close there were dolphin and whale sightings, and eventually the sun got low enough in the sky to give dramatic “sunset
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Svalbard’s Texas Bar
Texas Bar is one of the historic areas we visit on certain Svalbard trips, and it always proves to be a cherished landing site among both ou
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PLA12-22, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
It was a beautiful evening as we sailed out into Isfjord and we hoped this weather would be with us for the next 9 days. As we began our nav
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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
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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
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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.
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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