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Science of the Arctic
Discover the secrets of magical Svalbard, with AE Expeditions and New Scientist, deeply exploring magnificent fjords abundant with wildlife. Zodiac cruise past enormous glaciers, spot beluga whales surfacing in the crystalline waters and witness thousands of guillemots nesting in dramatic cliff faces. Enter the pack ice to spot seals and the iconic polar bear. Walk through the tundra’s beautiful microflora, keeping watch for reindeer and arctic fox, and discover long-lost exploration camps and old trapper huts.
Your onboard expedition team will help you experience a range of activities including Zodiac boat safaris (investigating coves, glaciers and wildlife), guided hikes (exploring pristine beaches and stunning wilderness) and photography (helping you to improve your skills with a camera). They will aim to deliver two shore excursions every day.
Onboard Expert
On this unique expedition cruise, you'll be joined by Rowan Hooper, podcast editor of New Scientist and previously features editor, where he spent more than 10 years writing about all aspects of science. He has a PhD in evolutionary biology and worked as a biologist in Japan for five years, before joining The Japan Times in Tokyo as science editor. Two collections of his long-running column for the paper have been published in Japan, and his work has also appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Wired and The Washington Post.
His first book, Superhuman: Life at the extremes of mental and physical ability, was named in 2018 as a Sunday Times Book Of The Year. He has recently published his second book How to Spend a Trillion Dollars.
Your Arctic Expedition is carefully curated with a mixture of incredible landings, Zodiac cruises, and insightful talks on board. Helen will accompany you on the activities and will give a series of private talks, as well as fireside chats covering a broad range of polar science such as:
- How not to freeze: the science behind ice-proof fish and how other polar animals survive
- The Arctic deep-sea: exploring the Gakkel Ridge, Loki's Castle and the world's most northerly black smokers
- Climate change and the future of the Arctic ecosystems
- The role of local indigenous people in Arctic research
- Arctic whales: how the lives of great cetaceans are changing
- The science of rejuvenating cold water therapy
- Under the ice: What ice cores tell us about the world's history and future
Highlights
- Search for polar bears, seals and walrus in the Arctic pack ice venturing 80° north
- Zodiac cruise past spellbinding glaciers and through stunning fjords
- Discover wonderful wildlife including guillemots, puffins, seals, reindeer, arctic fox, seabirds and whales
- See historic exploration camps, whaling sites and trapper huts
- Experience a kingdom full of varied terrain and wildlife, discovering polar desert, ice caps and arctic tundra
- Travel with a team of experts from New Scientist
Price Includes
- 10 nights aboard the polar expedition vessel, the Greg Mortimer.
- Full board throughout your marine expedition including snacks, tea and coffee. Plus beer, house wine and soft drinks at dinner.
- Captains Welcome and Farewell receptions.
- Private talks and informal seminars from Rowan Hooper.
- Talks and activity support from the onboard expedition team.
- All zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team.
- Free wi-fi onboard.
- Initial consultation with the ship's doctor.
- 3-in-1 AE Expeditions polar jacket.
- Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage.
- Photo log of the expedition by the onboard photographer.
- Daily cabin service.
- Half-day exploring Longyearbyen.
- 2 nights at four-star hotels.
- Transfers between airports, hotels and your ship
- Internal flights between Oslo and Svalbard.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Gratuities.
- 24-hour support.
Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here
Itinerary
Day 2 - Osto to Longyearbyen
You will arrive in the Northernmost city in the world and have some time to explore the city before boarding your ship, Greg Mortimer.
Day 3 - Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Days 4-12 - Svalbard Archipelago
Day 12 – Disembark in Longyearbyen
Departures and Prices
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From your first booking with us, you’ll become a member of My Routes Rewards and begin collecting points for every holiday you book!
ABOUT US
We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.
Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.
All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.
Why book with Polar Routes?
CHOICE
- We can compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators.
- From former Russian research vessels to larger and luxurious ships - there is an expedition cruise to suit you.
- Our Polar Specialists will help you choose the perfect expedition cruise for your requirements.
SPECIALISTS
- We are the expedition cruise specialists and know all the polar destinations inside out.
- Our expert team of Polar Specialists have extensive knowledge of all the expedition ships & operators.
- All of our Polar Specialists have first-hand experience of expedition cruising to the polar regions.
VALUE
- Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
- All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.
- As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.