Hurtigruten is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of famed polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen with an eight-day “Climate Voyage” — a journey to the Northern Arctic lands of the Svalbard Archipelago — made complete with fascinating shore landings, informative lectures and thought-provoking discussions. With stops at the isolated Jan Mayen Island, the University Centre at Longyearbyen and the world’s northernmost community of Ny Alesund – among others – the voyage delves deep into arctic history to provide a greater understanding of the effects of climate change. Early-booking prices for the July 21, 2011 voyage range from $3,010 to $4,443 per person, double, and must be booked by Dec. 31; prices for reservations made after this date range from $3,763 to $5,554.
Following in the oceanographic traditions of Fridtjof Nansen, the MS Fram departs from Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik and heads north in a path forged by the Viking mariners of the 13th century. Guests enjoy a series of lectures on a wide range of climatic and natural themes before arriving at the remote outpost of Jan Mayen Island, where the expedition team does their utmost to facilitate a landing. In Spitsbergen, the Fram stops in Longyearbyen – an Arctic outpost at the center of a climatic struggle and home to the famous University Centre – before heading to Ny Alesund, where guests have a chance to cross the 80th parallel and see walruses, whales and polar bears. A polar barbecue on the shores of Isfjorden, the largest fjord complex in Spitsbergen, provides an incredible finale for the trip before the ship returns to Longyearbyen.
Fare includes the voyage in the cabin grade of your choice; transfers as applicable; flights between Longyearbyen and Oslo, including all taxes and fees; one night in Longyearbyen prior to the voyage, inclusive of breakfast and city sightseeing; all meals on board; and a wind and water proof jacket. International flights and optional excursions – including a pre-voyage extension in Iceland – are additional.