Departures:
07/18/2013
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Learn from leading scientists and glaciologists on this climate change-themed expedition with spectacular fjords, isolated settlements, and polar bear sightings.
Summary: The Climate Voyage follows the oceanographic traditions of Fridtjof Nansen, the most prominent of Norwegian explorers. Join a journey to the high Arctic lands of the Svalbard Archipelago, making a visit to Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands on the planet. Shore landings, lectures and discussions give a better understanding of this topical issue. The goal of this expedition is to create ambassadors of the sublimely beautiful nature of Arctic Norway and Svalbard and the wildlife that in many ways are threatened by the drastic changes in climate.
Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is the starting point of the climate pilgrimage. The route for this particular voyage is an inaugural homage to the journey the Vikings pioneered more than 800 years ago. Set sail for one of the most diverse and isolated islands on Earth, Jan Mayen.
Day 2: At Sea
Heading north, you cross the open sea and follow the ocean currents that form part of the Thermohaline Circulation (more commonly known as the global conveyor belt). You have an opportunity to enjoy a series of lectures on a wide range of climatic and natural themes. As you follow the warmer waters of the equatorial Atlantic as they head north towards the cooler polar regions, you are party to a phenomenon that is of immense importance to the global climate and the worldwide changes in temperature.
Day 3: Jan Mayen
The closest land mass to Jan Mayen Island is Iceland, located some 372 miles to the southwest. Without doubt Norway’s most secluded piece of real estate, Jan Mayen rarely sees visitors of any kind, making today’s visit a real experience of a lifetime. The crew of the MS Fram and your resident expedition team will endeavor to do their utmost to facilitate a landing on this remote outpost.
Day 4: At Sea
A day at sea affords an opportunity to reflect on yesterday’s incredible experiences and anticipate the highlights that await you in Spitsbergen. A series of lectures and discussions on seabirds and marine mammals will help to highlight the rich diversity of these waters. A chance to learn a little more about Spitsbergen itself will illustrate why the region has become such a strong global thermometer in the ongoing debate about climate change.
Day 5: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
An Arctic outpost that has embraced some of the modern comforts of the outside world, Longyearbyen is at the center of the struggle to find a compatible balance between man and nature. The University Center is the northernmost institute of higher education anywhere on Earth, with its core research focusing on the natural sciences. One of the university’s most prestigious projects is an attempt to find a viable method of storing CO2 in the geological layers that lie beneath the permafrost, a far reaching vision that will ultimately make Longyearbyen climate neutral.
Day 6: Ny Ålesund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Situated at 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is one of the world’s most northerly permanently-occupied communities and an important field station for climatologists. Weather and ice conditions permitting, you will attempt to cross the 80th parallel today, so keep your eyes open for walrus, whales and polar bears.
Day 7: Isfjorden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Isfjorden is the largest fjord complex in Spitsbergen, almost slicing the island in half. Sailing into the fjord, you are presented with the spectacular site of towering cliffs that lie beneath a moving blanket of seabirds. This afternoon there is a fitting finale for your incredible journey, a final expedition landing and onboard festivities on the deck of the MS Fram.
Day 8: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
The voyage has come to an end and you bid farewell to one of the last large European wildernesses as you return home.
2013 Itinerary: Please note the 2013 Climate Voyage follows the route above, except on day 5 and 6. In 2013, explore Ny Ålesund on day 5 and Northwest Spitsbergen National Park on day 6.
Included:
Cabin accommodations; coffee and tea; wind and water-resistant jacket; CD log; suites include a range of additional complimentary amenities such as drinks with meals and a welcome gift.
Not Included:
International and local flights; travel insurance; luggage handling; passport and visa expenses; optional excursions and gratuities; fuel surcharge may apply.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.