Spitsbergen In Depth

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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  Ann Holgate

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written July 2012

  A trip with Quark expeditions is always a good one. This is my third.However this one far exceeded my expectations,even the guides who had been doing the trip for seven seasons were blown away by some of the things we saw.    

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Spending two hours in the presence of an adult male polar bear .He was on the ice right alongside the ship.

  It was awesome to be so close and observe him relaxing;strolling around;swimming and rolling in the snow to dry his coat.

  I then just watched as he walked slowly away into the distance. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  "Woody" was great.Very friendly ,well organised but adaptable to whatever situation presented.This included dealing with a medical evacuation by helicopter,alongside the wonderful Russian Captain and crew of course.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you decide this is the trip for you be sure to do the 14 days and not a shorter one.

  It can't be as good as our trip!!!!but it will be awesome just the same.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  When we disembarked I wanted to stow away and do it all again------but I couldn't get past Annie (our expedition co ordinator}.

   
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  Kara Thorne

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written July 2012

  A photographic polar pilgrimage of preposterous proportions. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  A plethora of polar bears posing on pulsating pack ice - a photographic paradise.

  Fornicating Phalaropes - positively pornographic!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The sub adult males teased, tantalised and thrilled their captive audience of artic virgins. "Goldstein" with his garrulous gags and nightly nautical nibbles. Wayfaring "Woody" with his witty words of wisdom.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Wear loose fitting trousers to accomodate your newly acquired "Vavilov Belly".

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Whales and walrus, seabirds and seals, bergy bits, growlers and glaciers. An artic orgy of overwhelming opulence.

   
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  Dawn Watts

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written July 2012

  In 2009 I booked on the Arctic trip in search of Polar Bears and surprisingly found myself literally overwhelmed by the scenery.  The sea ice was thick and the Polar Bears were being shy! I returned with no expectations and almost witnessed the Arctic version of the X Factor!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I can almost hear everyone on the trip saying "where do I begin".... it was almost ridiculous, however, 3 things did stand out that inspired me. The young bear 'fronting' up to the ship (hilarious), the beautiful sight of a bear in a snow fall (magical) and finally the bear swimming and overtaking the ship in the middle of nowhere (astonishing).

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Loud, noisy and relentless (and that's just when he's eating!)... had to be said! Paul was on top form and bought so much enthusiasm, knowledge and of course humour to the trip. He worked with everyone on the ship to ensure we were in the right place at the right time BUT without intruding on the natural environment of this beautiful landscape and its inhabitants.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Yes go. Even if you can't go this year, save like mad and go as soon as you can. You will not regret it for one minute, you will only regret it if you don't go.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It's the 6th January 2013 and today I have once again looked at my pictures and finally decided on which ones I want to put in a frame. The reason for the delay, too many to choose from! This really is the gift that keeps giving, my suggestion treat yourself!

   
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  Tony Holloway

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written June 2012

  Having travelled extensively all over the world, we must say that this ranks as the best ever holiday we have ever experienced.  The staff and guides were first class, and we could not find fault with any part of the trip.  Our thanks to all involved. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing Polar bears in the wild on floating ice.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Superb

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make the most of the knowledge and experience of the staff and guides.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Looking forward to our next trip to Tibet!

   
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  Aurelio Martegani

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written June 2012

  An exciting and adventurous trip on a comfortable boat! Despite the lack of ice at sea the team and crew put extra effort to find the polar bears, which were on everyone's wish list. The chefs accommodated for the dietary needs of my partner and the Exodus team was made up of extremely competent individuals. Recommended to all nature and photo enthusiasts. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Being approached by a female bear with two cubs on the pack ice.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Woody and Annie were amazing, as usual. (We may be a little partial as we previously travelled with them to Antarctica).

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It's a wildlife-oriented trip, but sightings cannot be guaranteed and travellers have to be prepared for long, sometimes fruitless watches to reap the benefits. This is not a cruise to a marine park, but an expedition into the wild!

   
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  Duncan Short

  SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written August 2011

  The Arctic can be a place of uncertainty.  But the weather, the ice  and the wildlife (polar bears, foxes and millions of birds) did all the right things at the right time in the right places 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were several.  Seeing a mother bear with two cubs out on the pack ice, miles from land, just after they had eaten a seal.  The birds, the rock cliffs and the resulting scenery at Alkefjellet.  Enjoying the silence and the remoteness, floating motionless in a Zodiac (with ten other adventurers and the engine turned-off) enveloped in fog with the ship out of sight

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Graham 'Woody' Wood is a resourceful, pragmatic and flexible group leader with many years' experience of the Arctic and its many changeable moods and conditions.  Whatever had happened to change last night's plans for today, Woody always came up with a satisfying alternative that filled our day and enhanced our experience and enjoyment of the location - the landscape, the environment, the vegetation, the inhabitants, the sea and the ice - that we were in on that particular day.   His enthusiasm inspired us all, passengers and other team members alike.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go prepared to be surprised.  Whatever happens to change the proposed programme, something else always turns up to fill your day and your senses.  The Arctic and Svalbard in particular is a place like no other on Earth.  Empty your mind of any preconceptions and drink in the special atmosphere and all that it contains, remote from the pressures and chaos of 'civilisation', to refresh your soul and your mind  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Under the influence of Woody and his equally enthusiastic team an atmosphere of camaraderie and social inclusion quickly develops.  The joy of sharing your (new) experiences with like-minded people with shared interests from several parts of the world greatly enhances the pleasure and sense of fulfilment that comes form such an adventure  

   
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  Michael Fleming

  SPITZBERGEN IN DEPTH

  

  Written August 2010

  A true experience 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Arctic and the Svalbard Archipeligo is simply a magical place. The wild life, serenity,and the feeling of "adventure" makes this a very special experience.  Put this on your "Bucket List"

  What did you think of your group leader?

  First Class.  A bit bossy at times but he had to be, especially when our safety was / could be under threat from Polar Bears.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Yes, GET OFF THE SHIP AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY or you will miss a lot of the magic.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  All of the Exodus planning worked well for us ...everything was where it should have been.

   

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