Gane and Marshall announce early bird savings on new Arctic cruise

Gane and Marshall have announced early bird savings on a new Arctic cruise itinerary ‘Voyage to the Frozen North’. Newly launched for 2015, the six-day cruise provides an overview of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago.

If the weather is favourable, passengers will venture to the 80^th Parallel, as far north as it is possible to get on open water. There will be regular departure dates from 7 June to 24 August 2015.

Prices start from £1,345pp, including early bird booking discount, until 31 October, for travel in June – August 2015. The cruise begins in Longyearbyen and continues to Barentsburg, Ny-Ålesund and Magdalenefjord.  Price rises to £1,445 if booked after 31 October. 

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Clean up the Arctic with Gane and Marshall

               

Gane and Marshall  has a  seven-day cruise where passengers take part in a clean-up operation of the Arctic shores, whilst enjoying a thrilling adventure through fjords dominated by spectacular glaciers, spotting polar bears and harbour seals along the way.

The “Cleaning the Shores – Special Arctic itinerary” departs from Longyearbyen (above) on 28 August 2015 and guests will benefit from a 20 per cent discount on the price of the standard North Spitsbergen itinerary.

Cleaning will take place on four days of the seven night cruise, with passengers being split into two groups; one half will clean in the morning, whilst the second half enjoys an excursion, and the two groups will switch roles in the afternoon. 

The cruise departs from Longyearbyen, and passengers have the opportunity to explore the town and its sights before embarkation. The ship visits Raudfjord and Lingbukta on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, where sea polar bears can often be spotted, and also the island of Moffen, where a big herd of walrus can be found.

The ship will sail 81 degrees north and barely 500 miles from the North Pole, this is the northernmost area the cruise will reach during the expedition. Prices for Gane and Marshall’s seven-night “Cleaning the Shores – Special Arctic itinerary” itinerary start from £2,550 per person (including the 20 per cent discount), including return flights from London Heathrow to Longyearbyen, transfers to and from the ship and seven nights full-board accommodation on Oceanwide Expeditions’ Ortelius ship, plus excursions.

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Quark New Arctic Season Offers 14 Arctic Circle Voyages

The new edition of World of Cruising has a feature on Arctic adventure cruising. Incredible wildlife, legendary routes, ice-filled fjords, culture and history all feature prominently in Quark Expeditions Arctic 2015 expedition line-up. The company begins its Arctic season May 28, 2015, at the onset of the Arctic summer, on three ice-strengthened small expedition ships.

New destinations include:   

Northwest Passage: Franklin’s Legend – Aboard the nimble small ship the Sea Adventurer, Quark returns to the fabled Northwest Passage in August. This 18-day voyage visits Thule and Inuit communities of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. 

Iceland Circumnavigation: Ultimate Fire and Ice – This 11-day voyage features all the highlights of the island of fire and ice. Departing from the capital city of Reykjavik.  Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and the island’s birdlife also feature largely on this itinerary. Prices start from £4,245 departing 18^th August  2015. 

Greenland’s Far North: Ultimate Thule–A 14-day voyage that explores the Thule region, synonymous with ‘the true Greenland’ for its untouched icescapes and sparsely populated Inuit communities. Prices start from £5,455 departing on 4^th August^, 2015.


Book by  May 30, and receive up to 25% saving as an early booking incentive.  

More info: 0808 120 2333  www.quarkexpeditions.com  

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The Arctic's The 'Hot' Destination

Travel experts and many major publications globally have declared Arctic destinations among the most desirable places to head for in 2014, and this summer season to regions north of the Arctic circle looks like being a bonanza year.

It is why we at World of Cruising have made it our Adventure Cruising focus for the forthcoming new edition (publishing Mar 15), with our adventure-cruise expert Steve Newman producing a round-up on the myriad of options.

Polar adventure experts Quark Expeditions are also predicting an exceptional year for Arctic tourism, with increased accessibility and tour options, plus greater awareness of polar destinations and activities all grabbing the attention of adventure-hungry travellers, and they have flagged up Iceland and Polar Bear safaris as the particularly 'hot' topics.

Iceland has made several top tourism destination lists recently, including The Guardian’s Where to Go in 2014 guide. The volcanic island has earned the nickname ‘Hollywood of the North’ thanks to several films shot there recently, including Oblivion, Prometheus, The Secret Life of Walter Misty and upcoming releases Interstellar and Noah.

Quark president Hans Lagerweij explained: “Iceland has always been recognized as a prime destination for Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) viewing, but our ‘Iceland Experience’ package has become an incredibly popular choice for an add-on among photographers and those in search of an authentic cultural experience.” said Lagerweij.

Climate change concerns and the melting of polar ice caps have also resulted in increased interest in Arctic wildlife. “Spitsbergen is one of the greatest places on earth to observe polar bears in their natural environment,” said Lagerweij. “Demand is great and we now offer three Spitsbergen expeditions of varying lengths, each with ample opportunity to observe and photograph walrus, polar bears, reindeer and other species indigenous to the increasingly popular Svalbard archipelago.”

Lagerweij also notes that options like kayaking are skyrocketing in popularity, as these activities allow tourists to explore Arctic coastlines and waterways in a guided, safe manner. He added: “2014 is shaping up to be a record year for travel in and around the Arctic Circle, as travellers and mainstream media are eager to explore and share their adventures at the top of the world. This year, we expect to welcome aboard more old friends and new passengers than ever before.”

More info: visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333.

 

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Saga's 'Last Chance' Arctic Explorer

Feb. 12.- It's Day Two of Saga Week on World of Cruising magazine, with a series of stories, features and special offers from the classic British cruise line. Today - a rare chance to visit exclusive Arctic destinations... 

Magdalena Bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are no cars, no shops, no houses and no roads in this pristine, glistening fjord. The only trace of human life comes in the form of centuries-old whalers’ graves and the remains of whaling vats in this north-westerly region of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago (above, at sunrise).

And Saga Cruises' Saga Pearl II will dock here for the last time during its Arctic Explorer voyage, departing June 22, when passengers will wake up surrounded by snow-capped mountains and giant glaciers.

The ORCA charity team will also be on board to help passengers watch for wildlife and record sightings. On the ship’s last visit to the region, more than 400 mammals were seen, including blue whales and humpback whales.

Nearby Ny-Ålesund will also become a final port of call, also as a result of the heavy oil ban from January 1, 2015, which means no conventional ships can sail within the borders of Svalbard’s national parks on the east and west coast of the archipelago. Polar bear

numbers equal people in Ny-Ålesund’s shimmering, icy landscape, which is the world’s most northerly inhabited settlement. Wildflowers clothe the landscape in June as warmth from the midnight sun brings them to life after the long, dark polar winter nights.

Saga Pearl II will also call in at Longyearbyen, the largest and oldest settlement on Spitsbergen, where passengers can join a glacier hike or dog-sledding trips. During the sailing to Spitsbergen, the ship will visit the Lofoten Islands, where sea eagles make their home and Tromso, with the world’s most northerly botanic garden, as well as Stavanger, Geirangerfjord and  Bergen on a historic cruise, which promises holiday memories that can never be repeated.

This amazing 15-night cruise costs from £3,099 per person, departing Dover on June 22, and includes Saga's standard VIP door-to-door travel service, all meals, 24-hour room service, all gratuities, porterage, travel insurance and cancellation cover.

More info: call 0800 056 8986 or click on this link.

For a longer version of this story see our News pages at the World of Cruising website, presented by Saga Cruises, on this link.

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Two Favourites Return To Quark's Arctic Fleet

By Editor Simon Veness

It's not often I beat our resident adventure cruise expert, Steve Newman, to the punch with a story on his favourite subject, but I did pick up this latest news from Polar expedition specialist Quark Expeditions, and thought it had some great ideas for 2015.

As we know full well at World of Cruising, adventure cruising now has a large and rapidly increasing following, hence it is a regular part of our feature line-up, and we also think it is worth highlighting on a regular basis as it truly offers that off-the-beaten-track experience.

Cruising to the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans is a sensitive issue, as there remain serious environmental concerns about large numbers of people visiting these parts of the world, especially by ship. But Quark have established a peerless reputation for handling these issues and still providing an amazing voyage into these unique regions.

And their big news for the Arctic season the year after next seas two popular vessels return to the fleet for the June-October period:

M/V Sea Adventurer

Currently part of Quark’s Antarctic fleet, Sea Adventurer (above) will undergo a refurbishment of cabin interiors before sailing during the Arctic 2015 season. This ship is a customer favourite because of its intimate size and ample public space. With a 1A ice-class rating and its operational range, this ship is well-equipped to navigate some of the more ice-laden regions visited by some of Quark’s Arctic itineraries. Formerly known as Clipper Adventurer, Sea Adventurer has an active stability system which helps steady the ship when sailing through rough waters. With a maximum occupancy of 117 and plenty of outdoor deck space, she offers a comfortable journey with plenty of opportunities for up close and personal viewings of the wildlife and scenery.

Sea Adventurer will operate eight itineraries in Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage during the 2015 summer season.

M/V Ocean Nova

Originally designed to take on challenging ice conditions as a year-round Greenlandic ferry, the Ocean Nova is a 1B ice-class vessel with a small draft that allows her to navigate in shallow waters and reach places larger ships are unable to access. Last used by Quark during the Antarctic 2011/12 season, there are few expedition vessels available these days with fewer than 100 passengers, hence Ocean Nova offers a unique and intimate experience while offering full private facilities and public spaces. The top deck observation lounge affords fabulous views of the incredible ice, fjords and wildlife. With a maximum of 84 passengers, this will be Quark’s most intimate ship.

Ocean Nova will operate 11 itineraries through Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen, the UK and Norway during the 2015 season.

Quark president Hans Lagerweij said: “We’re thrilled to have both of these nimble and capable vessels in the Arctic season. The high ice class of both will allow for easier navigation through Arctic ice, enhance our passengers’ expedition experience and provide unprecedented access on our northern itineraries.”

Arctic 2015 Season Details

Quark’s 2015 Arctic season is scheduled to be announced in February. For more information, visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333.

 

NB: Be sure to see our March edition (and don't forget we will have SIX issues each year starting in 2014, instead of 4) when Steve Newman will be previewing the 2014 Arctic cruise season.

 

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link! 

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Zegrahm's New Iceland Explorers

Small-ship expedition specialists Zegrahm Expeditions are offering two special new voyages to Iceland in 2014, with the chance to experience the Land of Fire and Ice in extraordinary close-up. 

Since nearly 75% of Iceland can only be reached by ship, travelling aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Island Sky offers an ideal opportunity for personal exploring, with her small size and fleet of Zodiacs allowing guests to get closely acquainted with the sheer cliffs and isolated fjords that larger ships simply can’t access to view the country’s phenomenal bird and marine-life.

Departing on June 13, the 14-day Circumnavigation of Iceland also allows travellers to explore the country in depth. Highlights include exploring the fabled Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Center; taking an exhilarating snowmobile ride across Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier; and photographing Iceland’s stunning landscapes, from bubbling hot springs and glittering glaciers to soaring volcanoes and plunging waterfalls. This expedition is priced from $10,970 per person.

Alternatively, Zegrahm’s 20-day Across the Arctic Circle: Iceland & Svalbard voyage departing June 24, will spend six full days exploring Iceland before venturing up to Svalbard, crossing the Arctic Circle en route. 

Travellers will receive a great introduction to the wonders of Iceland on this cruise and then be treated to more than a week of true Arctic exploration. Seeking out Svalbard’s iconic polar bears will be the main goal while exploring this Norwegian archipelago. Additional highlights include visits to historic research and whaling stations and opportunities to spot thousands of breeding seabirds such as kittiwakes and puffins. This expedition is priced from $13,970 per person.

For bookings, follow this link to our sponsors The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists.

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Quark's Spitsbergen Expeditions

Quark Expeditions are renowned for their high-quality Polar explorations, and they have two notable expedition programmes this summer that journey around Spitsbergen, the largest island within the Svalbard archipelago, with Zodiac to get up close to the coastline and animals with their onboard experts. 

What is also great about these cruises are the opportunities to get to grips with wildlife photography and filming. Quark always carries experts to help spot the animals as well as advise on photography of these wonderful creatures. A photographic journal is also produced by Quark over the course of the journey and given to travellers on a DVD upon return.

The "Spitsbergen Explorer" is the classic Arctic adventure, taking in colonies of sea birds, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, plus the animals already mentioned as the ship sets sail from Longyearbyen exploring the coastline north and south. As well as the sights, the sounds are something to behold and something that doesn’t often spring to mind, particularly that of the walrus. The slightly longer "Spitsbergen Circumnavigation" programme circles the whole of this remarkable island and, with continuous light prevailing in the summertime, wildlife can be viewed whenever adventurers are awake.

Two departures (June 14 and 24) are available for the Spitsbergen Explorer, with prices starting at £3,170 per person, based on accommodation in a triple cabin. The expedition lasts 11 days touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Spitsbergen and includes accommodation on the very comfortable Sea Spirit, all meals and snacks, Zodiac landings, expert presentations and guiding, photographic journal and transfers. Similarly, the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation includes the above but lasts 13 days, with prices starting at £4,120 per person based on accommodation in a triple cabin. Departures for the latter are July 4 and 16.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventuire-cruise specialists.

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Hurtigruten Helps Protect Fragile Arctic

Protecting the fragile environments they sail in is of paramount importance to Hurtigruten. Its philosophy of ‘take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’ is one supported by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), who will increase their number of guidelines for specific sites in Spitsbergen from 9 to 21 for 2013. They aim to ensure the continued protection of this vulnerable destination and to ensure guests can continue to enjoy visiting it in years to come.

This year, AECO extended its site inspection expedition and took a team of specialists, including biologists, an archaeologist, a botanist and other tourism experts, to the East Svalbard Nature Reserves. The work of the scientific team was to conduct biological, cultural heritage and botanical observations in order to derive practical guidelines for environmentally friendly field landings that AECO members are required to follow. 

This includes areas where Hurtigruten sails during its circumnavigation of Spitsbergen itinerary. This project is funded by the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund, a fund that all visitors, including Hurtigruten guests, contribute to via a fee incorporated into their airfares.

Hurtigruten offers three itineraries in Spitsbergen on various dates in July and August 2013.

In the Realm of the Polar Bear – This nine-day voyage offers a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. Prices start from £3,896pp and include seven-nights full board on MS Fram, a night pre-voyage in Longyearbyen, with breakfast and lunch, a city tour, island landings and lectures by expedition team (based on two sharing).

Flights from London to Longyearbyen via Oslo are extra and a package including flights, taxes and transfers, costs from £792pp. Departs 14, 21 and 28 August 2013.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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The Quad Berth Expedition

Following recent reports that the price of cruising in the Antarctic is set to rise, adventure travel specialist G Adventures has announced the introduction of its brand new - and better value - quad berths onboard their M/S Expedition.

The new quad berth cabins will be available for the 2012 Arctic and Antarctic season providing more capacity for travellers onboard, welcome news at a time when industry prices are set to rise, due to the recent introduction of new fuel regulations banning the use of heavy oil in this region.

Here's a typical G Adventures Arctic voyage:

Realm of the Polar Bear

Price: £2269pp; category 1A Quad; departure, July 6, 2012; duration, 8 days.
Description: Spot whales and polar bears, explore incredible scenery, brave the Arctic waters swimming, encounter Ny-Ålesund, birdlife and glaciers, discover breathtaking ice-covered fjords, glimpse herds of Svalbard’s many species of reindeer and take in daily lectures.

For more information, visit www.gadventures.com or contact the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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An Unexpected Encounter with Spitsbergen Reindeer

(Continuing the day-by-day look at my recent Spitsbergen cruise with Hurtigruten)

It's today that our voyage on Hurtiguten's M.V. Fram brings us to Kongsfjorden, one of the most beautiful areas of the cruise and one of the most spectacular places in Spitsbergen.

The bay of Fjortende boasts magnificent scenery, a glacier that calves into the sea and a cliff on the north side that's alive with breeding seabirds.

Svalbard reindeer - as you can see - are stockier than their Norwegian mainland cousins with distinctly shorter legs. They tend to live in small groups of five or six and feed off the moss and willow on the tundra.

Tomorrow we will be going on a Polar Circle boat cruise deep into the ice field of the glaciers in another bay.

More information about the cruise can be found on www.hurtigruten.co.uk or from the specialist adventure-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Blogging from the Arctic

From Steve Newman in Longyearbyen

Well hello! Here we are in Spitsbergen deep inside the Arctic Circle. We board Hurtigruten's MV Fram in about two hours so I'm writing this in the hotel. It's snowing! But the scenery is fantastic - wild reindeer are grazing outside our hotel but we can't go out to the end of the road as there are polar bears about!

Amazing last night sitting in the bar at 1am with the locals in broad daylight. Well, we have a meeting with the expedition staff now so I'll write again tomorrow (Internet connection permitting) and hopefully have some pictures for you.

(NB: Pic added from Hurtigruten via World of Cruising editor)

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Noble Caledonia's New Arctic Cruises

Svalbard is a remote and spectacular archipelago of immense glaciers, narrow fjords and abundant wildlife, somewhere we have featured several time in World of Cruising in recent issues. And here's a new opportunity to visit it in style and comfort:

Let Noble Caledonia's small but comfortable sister expedition ships, the MS Quest and the MS Ocean Nova, take you on a memorable journey into the realm of the polar bear. In Spitsbergen, there are twice as many polar bears and walrus as there are people. The polar bear population is estimated at more than 3,000 and we hope to encounter some of them during our summer voyages.

Our guests will witness a vast geological spectacle of soaring mountains and immense glaciers. A photographer’s paradise unfolds before us: black basaltic islands rise from shimmering waters punctuated with gleaming ice sculptures, and lush tundra blazes with purple saxifrage and moss campion. Within this dramatic landscape resides a wealth of wildlife: seals, walrus, whales, Arctic foxes and, our ultimate goal, polar bears. The area is also home to hundreds of thousands of breeding seabirds, including kittiwakes, murres, dovekies, puffins and rare ivory gulls.

Guests will take full advantage of the long daylight hours and embark on numerous Zodiac excursions to view the profuse wildlife up close.

In the beginning of the season, Spitsbergen’s flowers are in full bloom and the bird colonies are bustling with life. In the latter part of the season we have very good possibilities of exploring the eastern parts of the archipelago when the ice is slowly starting to lose its grip.

Our expedition ships have the highest ice class and can carefully break through the pack ice, which is also home to seals, walrus and the king of the Arctic, the polar bear.

For more info, visit Noble Caledonia or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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2011 the ‘Year of Nansen and Amundsen’

The Norwegian Government has declared 2011 the ‘Year of Nansen and Amundsen’ to mark two major anniversaries and specialist cruise company Hurtigruten will play its own role in the celebrations. This year is 150 years since polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen was born and 100 years since polar hero Roald Amundsen and his four men were the first people in history to reach the South Pole. Special voyages themed around the anniversaries have been created, plus onboard celebrations in Antarctica on the day of Amundsen’s centenary.

There is no better expedition voyage operator to lead the celebrations than Hurtigruten. Named after Nansen’s vessel which sailed the original journey, Hurtigruten’s explorer ship MS Fram (above) will be embarking on many of the celebratory voyages in 2011.

‘Climate Voyage’ on the MS Fram 21 July, Reykjavik-Longyearbyen – from £2333pp

This year’s Climate Voyage celebrates the 150th anniversary of Nansen’s birth with an eight-day voyage from Reykjavik to Svalbard. As well as making an inaugural visit to Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands on the planet, the voyage includes fascinating climate-related lectures and discussions on topics such as the work of Nansen. The voyage departs July 21 and is priced from £2333pp to include seven nights full board on the ship and flights from Longyearbyen to Oslo, based on two sharing. International flights are extra.

The Polar Bears, Islands and Fjords voyage on MS Fram 7 September - from £3196pp

This new itinerary has been created especially for the year of celebrations, sailing in the wake of Fridtjof Nansen. This unique sailing from Spitsbergen to Bergen follows a similar route to that travelled by Nansen in 1896 on his return journey to mainland Norway after three years in the polar ice, during which he reached the northern-most point any human had ever been. Nansen sailed with Captain Otto Sverdrup and they received honour and glory in every port they visited on the way down the Norwegian coast. These ports form the backbone of the Hurtigruten service, which launched in 1897 with Captain Sverdrup at the helm. The voyage departs on September 7 and costs from £3196pp, including 11 nights full board on the ship, flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen and one night’s pre-cruise accommodation in Longyearbyen, with breakfast and sightseeing, Price is based on two sharing. International flights are extra.

Centenary of Amundsen reaching the South Pole, MS Fram 4 December – from £4904pp

On December 14, 1911, Roald Amundsen and his men reached the South Pole, having set off from Fridtjof Nansen’s polar ship Fram and the Framheim camp. The expedition captured the imagination of the world. On the day of the centenary, Hurtigruten’s explorer ship MS Fram will be in Antarctica, where the anniversary will be marked with on board celebrations. Be part of this memorable day and join a 17-day ‘Chilean Fjords and Antarctica’ voyage departing on December 4. The 14-night full board voyage costs from £4904pp and includes a variety of landings, one night’s B&B in Buenos Aires before and after the voyage, return flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and transfers. Based on two sharing. International flights are extra.

For more information on these and other crusies, visit http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or visit the UK's adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Great Arctic Early Booking Deal!

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If it’s your dream to see polar bears, walrus, reindeer and whales in their natural habitat, then look no further than Gap Adventures M/S Expedition. Gap Adventures is offering an early booking bonus of 25% off expeditions to Norway and Spitsbergen in May, June and July 2011.

Terms & Conditions: Promo code is ArcticEBB. Discount is 25% off Arctic expeditions for 2011. Excludes Arctic Highlights (XVAHNX) tour. Valid for new bookings only in a category 2 and higher cabin only. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. Does not apply to air fare, hotels, transfers or other in-country services or on-board ship charges.

The offer is available until January 31.

Realm of the Polar Bear is just one of the amazing deals Gap Adventures has on offer for travellers.

Now: £2339 pp (was £3119 – save 25%) Departs: July 10.

Highlights: Svalbard Islands and Longyearbyen, Isfjorden, whales, Spitsbergen, Hinlopen Strait, polar bears, incredible scenery, Arctic swimming, Ny-Ålesund, birdlife and glaciers.

Enjoy an eight day trip from just £2339 per person. Price includes seven nights aboard the M/S Expedition, all meals onboard, Zodiac excursions with expert expedition team, lecture and educational programmes, Longyearbyen airport transfers depending on passengers flight details, live evening entertainment, waterproof boots supplied and Arctic destination guide.

For full details, visit: http://www.gapadventures.com/. For more great ideas on adventure cruising and the Arctic North, look up the Adventure Cruise Collection.

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Polar Bears and Canaries

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If you think of cruises along the Norwegian coast and the high Arctic, then there’s normally one name that springs to mind first. Now Hurtigruten have announced their new 2011 brochure and the details for their two specialist ships for polar exploration, MS Fram (above) and MS Polar Star.

Polar Star is the first former ice-breaker to be fully converted to expedition cruising, whilst Fram has an ice-classed hull to reduce the risk of grounding and oil spill. The ship has 128 stylish and comfortable cabins and many high standard suites. What you have here is a vessel that was built to handle polar waters but also provides a luxurious cruise holiday environment.

Where Hurtigruten score is the combinations they offer, from classic Norway cruises to 'polar bear discovery' and the breathtaking beauty of Svalbard (where the company actively participates in the eco-friendly ‘Clean Up Svalbard’ campaign).

Spitsbergen, also known as the Svalbard Archipelago (immediately north of Norway) is only 800 miles from the North Pole. The Svalbard wilderness is spectacular, untouched and virginal - almost. Unfortunately, there are beaches which are littered with empty plastic oil drums, fishnets and other waste. Hence guests are invited to take part in volunteer action by collecting rubbish.

New cruises are also on offer to Greenland, Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords and the company have also extended their range closer to home now with voyages in the Baltic, British Isles and even a cruise along the west coast of Europe and North Africa, from Denmark to the Canary Islands, also calling at Casablanca.

Why not find out more at The Cruise Line website?

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