intheTRAVEL
intheTRAVEL
Cruise the
Svalbard Archipelago
on board the
National Geographic
Explorer
It is a privilege to visit the Arctic, one of the planet’s most pristine places,
and to this privilege, National Geographic Explorer adds the luxury of
comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit.
Svalbard is the best place on the planet to see polar bears—wild, majestic, in their native habitat: the sea ice. And see them you do—during the
season in Svalbard, you observe all manner of behaviour from hunting for
seals amid the floes to frolicking cubs—all viewable from the proximity
and safety of the ship’s deck rail.
See upclose a polar bear looking for food
The view from the deck of the ship
Over the past 30+ years, their ace spotters have given guests multiple
opportunities to experience close sightings. In 2009, they had a seasonal
record of 105 bears in Svalbard. In 2010 they observed a staggering total of 229 bears. And in 2011 and 2012, they saw seasonal totals of 156
and 210, respectively. But it’s not the number of bear sightings that count,
it’s the quality, and the fact that you can count on them to d eliver this
extraordinary experience. In addition to the bears, you will have the opportunity to see and observe walrus, fascinating creatures and wonderful
photo subjects. Herds of reindeer, elusive arctic foxes, fur seals, and a glory
of birds—they’ll nose up to rock wall rookeries teeming with thousands
of birds, see pelagic birds from the ship’s rail when you’re underway, and
Zodiac cruise near a cloud of feeding Arctic terns.
With scenery of almost inexpressible beauty, and the possibility of an
once-in-a-lifetime wildlife, scenic or portrait photo op at any moment, the
Arctic is a magnet for the world’s top photographers and photo enthusiasts of every stripe. You’re able to get remarkably close to polar animals
and iconic landscapes, and you’ll have the benefit of top professionals as
travelling companions. The deck of National Geographic Explorer makes a
great platform for up-close whale viewing in the Arctic or up-close sights
of a polar bar as it cruises the Svalbard Archipelago, all in the comfort of
a cruise ship.
Offered By: Lindblad-National Geographic
Length: 11 days
Price: From $8,990 to $16,630
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The grand National Geographic Explorer
A killer whale snaps up the penguin
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