Spitsbergen Explorer

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Sara Livesey

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  An amazing trip with bears birds, walruses, ice where it shouldn't have been, sunshine at 3am great ship, food and company 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  A bear on a floe in technicolour sunshine at midnight right next to the ship

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul was Paul. As ever very good value

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't think twice just do it

   
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  Charles Robertson

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  The usual superlatives do not do justice to this experience!  It was beyond satisfying on every level.  We shall always treasure the priceless encounters with this wild place! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Without a doubt, it was the encounter with the "midnight bear", when a polar bear climbed onto an ice floe right next to the ship and proceeded to check us out.  We had "point blank" range photo opportunities in the most beautiful midnight sunlight, probably the best light of the trip.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Both Paul Goldstein and Woody (and Annie) are absolute top notch!  They made us feel like we were their most important clients, in spite of what must be a hectic schedule for them. It was a real pleasure to see how well they worked together, and their humorous interactions added a lot of fun to the trip. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are even thinking about doing this trip, go now!  If you are a photography hobbyist or professional, I really think Paul Goldstein's trips will provide more opportunities to make some great images, since he does seem to influence the ship itinerary and positioning, as well as the shoreside activity, and he will freely offer advice (both creative and technical) for improving your images.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The lectures in the presentation room on Arctic life, history, and geology were very interesting during the few "down times" when weather and ice conditions caused a change in our planned activities.

   
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  Kelly Swanson

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  As usual Paul Goldstein delivers... 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The constant frenzy of photographers running about the deck-  it seemed like there was alway room for everyone on the deck and always something to shoot. Nearly everyone was up at midnight shooting a polar bear that came up near the ship and of course the midnight sun was shining bright.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Woody is fantastic - although always safety minded, he always creates a fun trip.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The Vavilov is a great ship no matter where you go. 

  If you book a trip with Paul- your pictures will get better.

   
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  Karen Riddle

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  This was the second time that I have travelled to Spitzbergen and it was thoroughly worth the return journey; we had amazing polar bear sightings and a first class expedition team.  I will definitely be returning! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The number and quality of polar bear sightings made the whole trip an incredible experience, but for me the real highlight was being lucky enough to experience a polar bear walking over an iceberg at close proximity; it was an unforgettable moment and one that I will treasure for a long time.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Quite simply, you couldn't ask for a better team than Woody and Paul.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go with a flexible approach and a spirit of adventure and you will have a brilliant time.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Stop thinking about whether or not to do the trip and go ahead and book it!

   
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  Paul Burns

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  Quite simply this was the trip of a lifetime. I had great expectations of my first polar trip and all of them were surpassed. My only complaint is that it was too short, I would have loved to have spent more time in the midnight-sunlit kingdom of the polar bear. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Where to start? The whole trip was inspirational. Highlights would have to include the profusion of polar bear sighting including a family of three, the inquisitive walruses, the elusive minke whales, the unforgettable sight of the Monaco Glacier, the skies over Alkefjellet darkened with tens of thousands of birds, the incredible icecliffs of Nordlandaustlet, the sculpted icebergs, and in general the stark, majestic beauty of the pristine Arctic landscape in all its manifestations. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul Goldstein was first class, as were all the Quark and Vavilov crew.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go now, you won't regret it. And if you're like me you will soon be planning your next trip. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I honestly don't think this trip could be improved on.

   
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  Barry Dabrowski

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  Excellent Trip with an enthusiastic nutter (Paul Goldstein). Saw loads of polar bears, walrusses, ice. Great crowd too. Improved my photography a lot. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting a super shot of a walrus from very close range - almost piercing the zodiac !

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul and Woody were a great combination.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go before the polar bears disappear.

   
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  Jennie Barton

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  After the Antarctic trip on the Vavilov in 2010, I felt irresistibly attracted to the other side of the planet, and it HAD to be on the same ship, with the same company! Everything was up and beyond my expectations, an unmissable complement to the great South. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Waking up at 5am hearing the ice breaking along the hull, and going up and out on a deserted deck, to an incredible, awesome, extraordinary scenery: ice everywhere, the silence, the cold, and the absolutely incredible feeling of living "the moment"..........

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Woody?????

  Who else????????????????????????????

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  JUST GO!!!!!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  After down south and up north.... where else than in the middle for the next trip? The Galapagos of course, exodus of course....... Can't wait to pack the bikinis!!!!

   

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