NORTH SPITSBERGEN - Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen  7-11 nights / 8-12 days
During this voyage, on board the sailing vessel Noorderlicht, in the early Arctic summer, we focus on the spectacular fjords and islands of North Spitsbergen, which offer abundant bird life and the chance of encounters with Walrus, Reindeer, Ringed and Bearded Seals and with luck, Polar Bears. Of course it is all a matter of luck, especially as we can expect to run into sea ice as we push north and east. Ice conditions permitting, our aim is to reach the Hinlopen Strait and Nordaustlandet, the second largest island in the group, covered in part by vast ice sheets. This frozen world has a lure of its own and our exploration a pioneering feel to it. As well as the seabird colonies of Norskøya, Raudfjord and Lomfjord, we’ll be observing tundra birds like Barnacle Geese and Red-throated Divers, in the surrounds of the world's northernmost settlement, Ny Ålesund. Ringed by high mountains and shimmering glaciers, these northern bays and fjords offer outstanding scenery to complement the wildlife. Smeerenburg and Danskøya are of great archaeological interest with remains of 17th century whaling activities and 19th century polar exploration, which was for a time centered on Spitsbergen. Per Person rate US$ 1,930.00 sharing. SELECTED DEPARTURES

AROUND SPITSBERGEN - Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen  15 nights / 16 days
Depending on ice conditions, our aim on this voyage is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen clockwise or anti-clockwise, with the emphasis on exploring key locations in the east, where Polar Bears abound. Late in the summer, the ice has usually broken up sufficiently to allow passage through Hinlopen Strait or via Kvitøya, a remote island east of Nordaustlandet, to give access to the wildlife-rich east and islands of Barentsøya and Edgeøya. This voyage is wonderful for observing Walruses, Ringed and Bearded Seals and may even yield sightings of the elusive Greenland Whale near Kong Karls Land. While Polar Bears may be encountered on the ice, we also go ashore on the tundra, where Reindeer graze and scavenging Arctic Foxes roam. The chicks are fledging at the seabird colonies and we may witness the spectacular jumps of the young Brünnich’s Guillemots starting their autumn migration. During this voyage we will encounter a lot of sea ice and have a chance to observe impressive calving glaciers at close quarters. Per Person rate US$ 2,480.00 sharing. ELECTED DEPARTURES

LOFOTEN - NORTH NORWAY - Lødingen to Lødingen  7 nights / 8 days
The Lofoten voyages take place in autumn, when the days are getting short in Northern Norway. This is an archipelago to the west in the ocean, north of the Arctic Circle, stretching like a wall of mountains to the southwest in the sea. We can expect the first snow showers, and sometimes temperatures just above freezing. Every autumn the world’s largest shoals of herring migrate into Vestfjord in the north of Norway to spend the winter. In their wake, some of the world’s greatest congregations of killer whales follow. At most, there are more than 600 killer whales concentrated within a relatively small area of the Vestfjord. From our boats you will be able to observe the lords of the sea at close range. In groups of from 5-10, the killer whales hunt in a team – a fantastic show in incredibly beautiful surroundings. The autumn colors will be beautiful during the day time. At night, we will be able to admire the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). In the second half of October and in November we have good chances to meet Orca’s. The Lofoten voyages are very dependent on the weather, which can be quite rough. Therefore the outline of the voyage, is just for guidance. Per Person rate US$ 900.00 sharing. ELECTED DEPARTURES