Spitsbergen Family Adventure Norway - Arctic Expedition Cruise

Essential Information

Trip Profile

Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions.

Accommodation

7 nights on the ship

Food

Full board on the ship

Reality Check

Travelling Conditions The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers? wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet / mud room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.

On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of landings are 'wet' which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or something stronger from the bar.

Optional activities

Sea kayaking option On many of our Spitsbergen voyages there is the chance for some members of the party to take regular sea kayak excursions in place of the Zodiac excursions. There are a limited number of kayaks on each ship, and you must book and pay for this option in advance. All kayak trips are guided, and are subject to suitable locations and weather conditions. Should the kayaking not be possible, a place on a Zodiac is always available. Basic kayak competence is required; please ask for the Kayaking Information Sheet for more detail. The price of the sea-kayaking option on all Arctic voyages is ?330 per person.

Normal group size and age

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov takes a maximum of 104 passengers. Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff. Minimum age 10.

Icons explained

Going on a Family Group trip is a fantastic way to meet new friends and create lasting friendships – for parents and children alike! These holidays combine exploration with sociability and fun, as other families will join you. Minimum ages vary across the trip range, but is usually from 5 years old.

Leisurely grade trips are designed for people who are in good health and enjoy the outdoors.

Polar Expedition: At the ends of the earth and far from the madding crowd, the Polar Regions are perhaps the last pristine wildernesses left on the planet.

Wildlife: Trips may be wholly wildlife focused, or contain an element of wildlife viewing within a less specific itinerary.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.

All Exodus trips are active but some may have different activities scheduled every day. Activities we offer include kayaking in Slovakia, trekking in the Drakensberg, cycling in the Tuscan countryside or canoeing along the Zambezi River.