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...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ?

• 

  Hugh Nimmo

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written August 2012

  This was just a fantastic experience; every day different, every day fascinating; the outside world forgotten in the enormity and beauty of the Arctic. But with a tinge of sadness at the thought that it's being destroyed. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Travelling north into the sea ice, reaching 81°47' N; vast, remote, beautiful, constantly changing. Then watching a polar bear stalk a seal.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Woodie was really excellent - enthusiastic, approachable, informative, humorous. He chose a really good balance of excursion sites and provided a superb experience for the passengers.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you're a keen photographer take a computer or tablet so that you can check on each day's progress. But take a film camera too for a different record of the beautiful colours when the sun shines. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We had been to the Arctic once before,  earlier in the seaon (late June / July). It's well worth going twice at different times - the flowers and birds are at different stages.

   
• 

  Patricia McKenzie

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written June 2012

  Fantastic experience!  Awesome trip - would highly recommend - journey of a lifetime! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Highlight not only spotting Polar Bears on the Ice pack but a Polar Bear swimming close to the ship!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The whole of the staff were incredible. they were so experienced and their knowledge was outstanding!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a trip of a lifetime - something not to be missed!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Outstanding holiday and a wonderful company to travel with!  Their knowledge and experience is first class!

   
• 

  Patricia Harrison

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written June 2012

  The ship on which we travelled was totally fit for purpose allowing access to areas of the Svalbard Archipelago in the far north of Norway that are not navigable by larger vessels. We were able to explore fjords and the landmass of the Arctic Circle by means of the zodiacs on board and thus really experience the wildlife, the terrain and the ice formations that make the region unique.  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Of the course the most wished for spectacle is to see a polar bear close up and although they are elusive we managed to see three - two at a distance via binoculars but one obligingly swam towards the Vavilov and then alongside so that we had a real close up of this amazing creature. It was also magical to see the magnificent structure and colour of icebergs close up and the pattern of the ice mass on the water as the ship swept through it. Then there was the occasion when we temporarily lost sight of the ship when a fog came down and the ice floes closed around the zodiacs creating an eerie atmosphere that was a reminder of the wilderness that is the essence of the region and the challenge faced by early explorers.      

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was excellent. He and his team provided a varied programme that reflected the weather conditions and the desire to provide passengers with the best opportunities to see and experience the diversity of landscape, flora and fauna that is particular to the area.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for the cold and be patient. The wildlife can be hard to locate and a good pair of binoculars are essential to join in with the challenging and exciting task of spotting whales, bears, seals and other creatures that thrive in the Arctic.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Vavilov (and similar sister ships) is comfortable, manoeuvrable and with a small enough passenger group to create a friendly atmosphere onboard. The crew are ever helpful and enthusiastic and knowledgeable and there is a communal atmosphere of expectancy as each day brings its share of new vistas and weather conditions and challenges for the excellent sailors on board due to the fact that much of the water ways are uncharted. It is a unique experience to visit the locality and with the Exodus team you are in good hands. 

   
• 

  Nicola Cullen

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  A photographic expedition that exceeded all expectations! Beautiful weather, great sea ice and the most memorable wildlife encounters ever!  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Having been to Spitsbergen on a photographic trip previously with Paul ( and seeing some of the magical bears featured in Exodus' PR literature) I was slightly apprehensive that the wildlife sightings may not have been as good. However, from day one we saw bears, in completely different environments, reminding us of the versality of these creatures. Having seen polar bears did not dampen my exitement and ectsasy at viewing them again. Without giving too much away, I will just allude to a Midnight Bear and Iceberg Bear, and say that these are now in my top 3 all time wildlife experiences!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Being a photographic departure, Paul Goldstein was the driving force for our itinerary. He and Woody (Quark) worked extremely hard with the Vavilov's Captain to give us the best wildlife viewings, but taking into account our safety at all times. When the weather deteriorated, interesting and varied presentations were delivered by the Quark team. When I book my next trip, I will endeavour to ensure that Woody and Annie (his extremely kind and capable First Lieutenant) are the leaders. There is not a more inspirational and hard working duo in the Poles!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Remember! It is a photographic trip so don't expect to stick to the itinerary! Paul and Woody will take you to the places where you will get the opportunities to see wildlife, and that won't be the most northly post office, where the floating carbunkles dock!

  Have all your camera kit ready to go, even at 2am in the morning - if a bear is sighted , you will be up on the bow watching in the midnight sun! Don't expect much down-time.....you may only push out a few zzzzzz in your bunk!

  Take layers and handwarmers. Also think about how to operate your camera with gloves on and potentially invest in some neoprene gloves.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Whatever you see, you will not be disappointed. The Quark team make you feel welcome from the moment that you cross the gangway, and have an fully packed itinerary even if the weather takes a turn for the worst and you remain ship bound. There is always something to do. You will make some great life long friends, swap wildlife experiences, add to your "must-do" list, but most importantly you will have visited one of the most beautiful places on the planet and will have had the privilege to see the most interesting wildlife in the last true wilderness. 

   
• 

  Christine Shaw

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  This was not just a holiday - it was a privilege. First class ship (A S Vavilov), crew, Exped Team, Leader (Paul Goldstein) and a group of travellers that were as interesting as they were fun. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The unbelievable polar bear that got 'up close and personal'. When he finally left our proximity I went up onto the Bridge to find a Russian crew member with as big a grin as I was wearing. There was no need for words. The entire ship was 'hyper' for the next couple of hours; midnight, and bright sunshine.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul, as photographic mentor, gave every minute of every day his full attention, using his Nautical Views to enliven many an evening bar session. Woody, Exped Team Leader Extraordinary, is a dedicated professional who always has time for any passenger. They are a pair who work so well together and their enthusiasm and sense of fun are infectious. Annie, Woody's 'second in command', deserves a mention, too. She is a 'spotter' without parallel, her charm apparently working as well on the bears as it does on the passengers and crew.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are booked on a photographic charter, bear in mind that the object of the expediation is to find wildlife and photographic opportunities. You will not be joining the massive cruise ships calling in at the world's northernmost Post Office; thank goodness. Go prepared to wrap up warmly. Go prepared to carry a few more pounds home - the food on board is superb. Go prepared for anything. You will be well rewarded.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Mine was an exceptional journey. Was I just lucky? Well, of course luck comes into it. Wildlife and weather perform for no man. There are so many magic memories, though: the bears - of course; the walruses; many thousands of birds; fog and sea ice; brilliant sunshine and the Monaco Glacier; the bar talk about the Irish Kayak Team(!); the friendliness of all on board, from Exodus passengers through crew and Exped Team; an icy cold backside when my waterproof trousers weren't (think sideways - wear a plastic laundry bag). I could go on and on and on ......  The best? Possibly. One of the best? Definitely.

  Now where did I put the new brochure?

   
• 

  Rebecca BRADSHAW

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  Wow! This expedition is an incredible journey through one of the most beautiful and spectacular places on Earth. Words and photographs do not do justice to the Spitsbergen Explorer, you will just have to see for yourself! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were so many magical moments but I don't mind admitting that the bear now affectionately known as 'Midnight Bear' brought a tear to my eye!  Watching the magnificent sea bear swim and cross the ice in the late night sunshine was an incredible experience.  Sharing that experience with such a wonderful group of people made it all the more special.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  What can I say that hasn't already been said?!  Paul and Woody are a match made in heaven!  They work tirelessly and diligently with the rest of the amazing team to maximise every opportunity in the 24hr daylight. Their enthusiasm is infectious!  Great anecdotes and jokes, I can't speak highly enough of the entire expedition team on board the Vavilov.  To listen to their knowledge and amazing, entertaining stories is a great privilege.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you get a new camera or lenses for this trip, please read and inwardly digest the instructions before you set off! I had anticipated learning how to use my DSLR during the trip but when you want incredible photos on your first experience out in a zodiac, it helps to know what you are doing!

  Take plenty of layers and liner gloves for under mittens so you can still operate your camera.  You will want to take advantage of the daylight so expect long vigils at the bow of the ship to get the best wildlife sightings.  As you might expect in the Arctic, the weather conditions change quite rapidly so be prepared.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A truly life changing experience!  Where do I start?!  From the moment you step on board the Vavilov, the expedition team welcome you.  The ship facilties are first class and the food is abundant and fantastic.  The zodiac excursions and landings are exhilarating and the presentations are interesting, thought provoking and informative. I was very fortunate to be with a great crowd of fellow explorers and the expedition team and ship crew are second to none.  We utilised each and every hour yet I found the trip energising and invigorating. My expedition was marvellous, mind blowing and mesmerising and I am sure yours will be too!

   
• 

  Sara Morton

  SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

  

  Written July 2011

  The trip exceeded all our expectations, the weather,the wildlife,the ship and the crew the whole experience was amazing. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The polar bear that approached the ship at midnight has to be one very special moment, one we will never ever forget.What a privilege.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul is one of the most enthusiastic people we have ever met and his enthusiasm is infectious,his Nautical Views were awaited every evening with baited breath,along with Woody (and his amazing team)they are professional wonderful people a joy to travel with.The trip wouldn't have been so special without them.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go with an open mind,read the trip notes but don't expect to follow the itinery.Be prepared for what ever the weather and the wildlife have to offer,be flexible and you won't be disappointed

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  What can we say,it was  a life changing trip. Perhaps we were lucky with the wildlife encounters but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

   

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ?