Franz Josef Land Cruise - Russia's Arctic & Svalbard Voyage

Rarely visited today yet significant in the history of polar exploration, Franz Josef Land lives up to its legendary reputation.

A Franz Josef Land cruise is as unique and authentic as the place itself. Franz Josef Land is part of the Russian Arctic National Park which is a nature sanctuary. Starting in Longyearbyen in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, the Sea Spirit cruise ship crosses the icy, wildlife-rich Barents Sea to the Russian High Arctic. This remote wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears. In the surrounding icy waters, it is possible to spot seals, walruses, and the elusive bowhead whale. The archipelago also hosts an abundance of nesting Arctic seabirds such as the rare ivory gull.

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise Trip Highlights:

Upon our arrival in Franz Josef Land, we’ll spend a week exploring this uninhabited archipelago. We’ll navigate the shallow waters of the isles by Zodiac and make as many on-shore landings as possible. It is comprised of 192 islands where glaciers cover 85% of the land, carving out a spectacular terrain of steep valleys, caves and pinnacles

Our mission during our time in Franz Josef Land is to observe (sometimes at an extremely close range) the iconic Arctic animal species that call the islands home, including polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and narwhals

Svalbard Archipelago: Spend two days cruising the coastal islands of Svalbard, enjoying awesome Arctic landscapes from panoramic open decks. Whale species commonly sighted include humpback, blue, fin and minke

This 14-day cruise departs from Longyearbyen, Norway, a tiny but fascinating settlement of some 2,000 people and the administrative centre of the Svalbard Archipelago. From Longyearbyen, we set a northward course towards the Russian Arctic, sailing past the spectacular scenery of the Isfjorden fjord on the first evening. The long days of summer sunlight illuminate the surroundings as the Sea Spirit slips her moorings and carries you ever further from human civilization into an untouched wilderness where wildlife abounds.

A wealth of well-preserved historical sites makes the Franz Josef Land island group a veritable museum of polar exploration. Here, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen. The eerie remains of makeshift dwellings give testimony to the incredible struggles of these early expeditions.

On arrival at Franz Josef Land, weather and sea conditions will greatly determine how we spend our time in the archipelago; however, your expedition leader and captain will try their best to make the most of the near 24-hour daylight to maximise wildlife sightings and landing opportunities on the islands.

Frequent trips on the Zodiac (a small boat) tenders will offer the best chance to get close to colonies of walrus in their hundreds, reindeer, Arctic fox and the king of the Arctic, the polar bear. Scree slopes and cliffs form a habitat for enormous numbers of nesting seabirds including black guillemots, northern fulmars and little auks. Arctic Skuas, purple sandpipers, ivory gulls, Arctic terns and snow buntings nest in the tundra.

Back in Svalbard, you have the opportunity to explore beautiful fjords and islands on the northwestern coast of Spitsbergen. Here we seek the full range of Arctic wildlife in one of the world’s most impressive polar desert environments.

Our faithful steed on this two week Arctic cruise will be the ice-strengthened expedition vessel the Sea Spirit. The ship provides luxurious suites for 114 passengers and the friendly atmosphere of a small cruise liner. A fleet of 10 Zodiacs, an experienced crew and a set of retractable fin stabilisers for smoother sailing will make your polar cruise all the more enjoyable.

Dates	Availability	Price	Single sup.
Jul 16 - Jul 29, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0	Reserve
Jul 28 - Aug 10, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0	Reserve
Aug 9 - Aug 23, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0	Reserve

Dates	Availability	Price	Single sup.
Jul 16 - Jul 29, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0
Jul 28 - Aug 10, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0
Aug 9 - Aug 23, 2023 Guaranteed Departures	Available	US $11,395	US $0

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Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise Trip Highlights:

Itinerary View map

Day 1 Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Day 2 Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Day 3-4 Across the Barents Sea

Day 5-11 Exploration of Franz Josef Land

Day 12-13 Along the coasts of Svalbard

Day 14 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

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Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Day 2: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Day 3-4: Across the Barents Sea

Day 5-11: Exploration of Franz Josef Land

Day 12-13: Along the coasts of Svalbard

Day 14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

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