Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

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Title

Start – End

Tripcode

RVR05-26

Language

English

Ship

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Embarkation / Disembarkation

Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen

Nights / Days

7 nights

Important

Ski mountaineering is a mandatory activity

More about

The Arctic cruises

Svalbard cruises

Cabins & Prices

Group request For reservations with more than 15 guests you can contact us directly

Itinerary

2025_OEX_Site_All_Arctic_TripPage-Headers_RVR05-26 © Andy Perkins - Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg

Voyage overview

Day 1 - 8: Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen - Ski & Sail

This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700 - 850 meters (2,300 502,800 feet) and downhill skiing from those points. Accumulated altitude you might climb over a given day can exceed 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).

An accurate route cannot be determined in advance due to variable weather, sea, wildlife, and avalanche considerations. The map outlines a possible (but not final) route in the regions of Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and the east side of Forlandsundet. This route serves as a rough guide only. The expedition leader makes the final decision as to the daily adjustments. Flexibility is paramount in this type of cruise. Ski mountaineers must bring their own equipment.

PLEASE NOTE:

All activities on or off the vessel, such as (but not limited to) ski outings and Zodiac trips, are done at the passenger’s own risk. Oceanwide Expeditions is not liable for any damage, such as (but not limited to) bodily injury, illness, and death unless as a result of gross negligence. Furthermore, with the consent to participate in the ski mountaineering program, the passenger agrees to make no claims for reimbursement for shortened travel days due to reasons beyond the organization’s control, such as (but not limited to) conditions of weather and ice, avalanche threads, polar bears threats, and expedition staff injuries. On all our transactions, the general terms and conditions of Oceanwide Expeditions b.v. apply, registered at the Chamber of Commerce, Middelburg, the Netherlands. File nr.: 50590715. Upon request, a free copy will be provided. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

Included in this voyage

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Free use of snowshoes.
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Highlights you might experience

Ski Mountaineering

Experience some of the Arctic’s highest vistas and snowiest slopes with this exhilarating activity

Kongsfjorden

Also known as Kongs Fjord or King’s Bay, Kongsfjorden is an inlet with the Kronebreen and Kongsvegen found at the head of the fjord.

Shore-Based Walking

Explore the last true wilderness of our planet on foot, and absorb the beauty of the polar regions at your own pace

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Program

By Zodiac you will explore the polar world, getting up close to icebergs, glaciers, and iconic wildlife

What Our Travelers Say

Since we curate unique itineraries for every sailing, these reviews reflect similar past cruises. They illustrate the general atmosphere and quality standards, though specific activities and wildlife encounters will vary.

Excellent

by Joke Sens

The Arctic

Astonishing nature (cliffs, rocks, glaciers, tundra, beautiful plants, mosses, fjords). Arctic silence (except for a few moments completely offline), the sun that never sets. An international crew that thinks along. A fantastic expedition leader Jordi and captain Ismael, 27 pleasant fellow travelers and 2 bird guides. Animals in their own habitat, such as polar bear, walrus, seal, bearded seal, arctic fox, reindeer, graceful belugas, minke whale, colonies of auks, kittiwakes and puffins. History of Svalbard, whaling, mining, the science centre, information about past expeditions to the North Pole, geological background etc. etc. too much to mention. Good food and good weather!

Outstanding trip/guides/ship/wildlife

by sue cobley

The Arctic

A for us once in a lifetime trip to Svalbard. We picked the Rembrandt as we wanted a small boat experience,rather than luxery and wildlife and outdoor walks/rib boat expeditions was our priority without disturbing wildlife. From start to finish the trip exceeded expectations. The boat as described-yes cabins are rather bijou but apart from sleeping /changing we were not in them. The food was wholesome and plentiful. The guides (Jordy & Bill) were fantastic, good humoured and knowledgable. We were exceptionally lucky to see lots of polar bears close up from the Rib boats and ship ( The Rembrandt can get closer than the bigger ships) along with artic reindeer,foxes and lots of birds. The glaciers and scenery were outstanding. We particularly liked that the schedule could be adjusted- we watched polar bears for 3 hours one morning having been called at 4 am for an exceptional sighting and all the ship crew helped make this very special. Please pass our thanks onto the whole team.

Reise nach Nord-West-Spitzbergen

by Michael Popp

The Arctic

Wir hatten 10 unvergessliche Tage an Bord der Rembrandt van Rijn und unsere Erwartungen wurden teilweise mehr als erfüllt. Einen besonderen Dank gilt der Crew um Kapitän Hans Joachim und den Guides Jordi und Fritz, welche mit seemännischem Können und sehr fundiertem Wissen stets für neue Eindrücke und Informationen sorgten. Nochmals herzlichen Dank Bettina und Michael

Trip of a lifetime

by Christian Dreyer

The Arctic

We were a 25 guest birthday trip, it was spectacular and lots of fun! The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is a wonderful ship, charming and comfortable. You get a taste of arctic exploring, somewhat softened by modern comfort. The guides are excellent - very knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. The food is fine, the drinks affordable, and the captain knows his way around arctic waters!! An experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Grandios

by Andrea Schmeinck

The Arctic

Wahnsinnig schön!!!

Greenland experience

by William Francis

The Arctic

We've been waiting since 2020 to do this expedition and almost didn't make this one because of medical issues. I want to take special note of the Service Manager, Alfredo who went above and beyond in making us feel welcome aboard. Also kudos to the chef Khabir for his excellent variety of well prepared meals. Thanks also Captain Joachim for his safe guiding in these pristine waters. Thanks again for a special memory. Bill and Carla Francis

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s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Our three-mast schooner, Rembrandt van Rijn, is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland and Spitsbergen.

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Activities you can participate in

Mountain Ski

550 USD 3 places left

Mountaineering experience, good physical condition and health is essential and must be backed up by a health statement. Participants must be able to master techniques of alpine skiing in off piste terrain (ascent and descent). Each participant is asked to submit a personal questionnaire which should highlight the ski mountaineering experience. Space is limited, first come first serve. Ski Mountaineering must be pre-booked prior to departure.