Amazing Boat, Amazing Guides, Amazing Hotel service- Everything was absolutely Incredible
by john nilsson
Departure in July 2022
by john nilsson
Departure in July 2022
Region: Arctic
Destinations: Svalbard
Ship: m/v Ortelius
Highlights: Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Blue Whale, Polar Bear, Atlantic puffin, Walrus, Brünnich's Guillemot, Svalbard reindeer
It was like an absolute dream! The activities were action packed, flexible, and we always felt incredibly safe. The ship and hotel crew were incredibly kind and helpful, catering to our every need. The guides were amazingly knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. I would like to highlight two specific guides - Jakub Malecki and Hazel Pittwood. Hazel's enthusiasm for wildlife truly enhanced our experience, to the point that we were always seeking her out to ask questions and discuss the days activities. She was always welcoming of our questions and excited to talk with us. Jakub introduced us to the amazing world of glaciology. His knowledge of glaciers gave us an intimate look into a whole new world and really made our experience feel like an adventure. His passion for icebergs, glaciers, and the like was truly enamoring. We always hoped Jakub would be our days hiking guide or zodiak pilot so we could soak up every word and each amazing insight. Jakub hooked us early in the trip when we saw a glacier calve together. He looked at us and said, "that is the ice saying hello". My wife and I will always be thankful for meeting Jakub and consider him to be a lifelong friend.
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