A Taste of North Spitsbergen - Compact Arctic Adventure — 6 Days | Gvoya
Arctic
A Taste of North Spitsbergen - Compact Arctic Adventure
A compact, streamlined, and accessible adventure around Spitsbergen
This 5-night voyage packs great value into a condensed time period, providing superb opportunities to encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, seals, and walruses, without the need for extended vacation leave! Venture to the edge of the pack ice, and discover vibrant seabird colonies as you explore historical remains and wildlife haul-out spots. For time-conscious adventurers, the trip of a lifetime awaits!
This 5-night voyage packs great value into a condensed time period, providing superb opportunities to encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, seals, and walruses, without the need for extended vacation leave! Venture to the edge of the pack ice, and discover vibrant seabird colonies as you explore historical remains and wildlife haul-out spots. For time-conscious adventurers, the trip of a lifetime awaits!
Voyage Highlights
Pack Ice
Formed when broken shards of sea ice freeze together, pack ice is also known as “ice pack” or simply “pack,” and is characterized by collective areas of free-floating ice
Walrus
Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers
Polar Bear
Awe-inspiring icons of the circumpolar north, polar bears are majestic to behold, terrifying to confront, and as essential to the Arctic as ice and snow
Also known as "great-winged newfoundlanders" for their wing-like flippers, these cetaceans earned their more contemporary name by the way they bow their backs before a dive
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Ship
m/v Ortelius
Oceanwide Expeditions
Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.
Children under 3 are not permitted on expedition voyages. Children 3-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Children: 3–15 years
Child discount: 75%
Third Person Policy
We offer a 25% child discount for one child when at least two full-paying passengers share the same cabin. The third person must share existing bedding, as no extra bed is provided in standard cabins. Triple cabins are available upon request.
Child discount: 75%
Single Supplement
Default rate: 1.7×
Inside: 1×
Single supplement (1.7x the shared rate) applies to all twin cabin categories.
Cancellation Policy
120+ days before departure: 20% penalty
90–119 days before departure: 50% penalty
0–89 days before departure: 100% penalty
Cancellation must be received in writing. Refunds processed within 14 business days.
Name change fee: $100 USD
Gratuities
Excluded: The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (suggest USD10-12 per person per day).
Wi-Fi & Communications
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi in public areas. Premium plans available onboard.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
