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The next frontier in polar expedition cruising
is the High Arctic known as Franz Josef Land. Few have ventured here in recent
decades. In fact, because of the ice, access by ship is possible only a few
weeks each summer.
 Poseidon
Expeditions is the only company offering dedicated cruises from Longyearbyen,
Svalbard to this archipelago of 191 uninhabited, volcanic, mostly glaciated
islands that since 2012 are part of the Russian Arctic National Park. The seal
industry drove the first explorers here in the mid-1800s. They were followed by
others searching for the North Pole.
A limited number of travelers can now explore these islands aboard two different
Poseidon vessels, the Sea Spirit and the 50 Years of Victory. And, depending on
the ship chosen, guest can extend their discovery further, through the use of
kayaks or helicopters, to venture where the ships themselves cannot. Franz Josef
Land is an archipelago in transition, both vibrant and dynamic while clearly
positioned on the frontline of global climate change.
Depending on seasonal sea ice conditions, scheduled visits in Franz Josef Land
may include Alexandra Land, Northbrook Island, Hooker Island, Rudolf Island,
Champ Island and other historic or wildlife-significant areas of the uninhabited
polar archipelago. These islands are blessed with more than 140 days of midnight
sun each summer, leaving plenty of hours in the day for passengers to experience
the scenery and wildlife while ashore or from the deck. While winds here are too
intense for most shrubs and all trees to root, the Arctic poppy and assorted
mosses thrive, along with polar bear and birdlife. Because of a rich
biodiversity, the region is a marine mammal sanctuary with walrus, varieties of
seals and whales commonly found here.
Aboard the Sea Spirit, limited space remains on July 7-20 and July 30-Aug. 12,
2016 departures, with rates starting at $7,295 per person for the 14-day
program. Guests embark and disembark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and can expect up
to seven days of intensive discovery of Franz Josef Land, including historic
sites where early explorers made their marks or met their fates. For the August
14-29, 2017 departure, Poseidon is offering an early booking discount up to 15%
off the regular rates for the Aug. 14-29, 2017, “Arctic for Explorers”
departure. Discounted rates start at $8,096 per person.
Guests may opt for a $595 per person membership in Poseidon’s Sea Kayak Club in
advance of their Sea Spirit cruise that offers interpretive kayak expeditions to
a maximum of eight participants utilizing ultra-stable sea kayaks, led by one or
more qualified sea kayak guides. A dedicated safety Zodiac accompanies the group
who receive a comprehensive Sea Kayak Club orientation before the first paddle
and safety briefings throughout the voyage. On any given outing participants may
paddle for up to three hours, covering six nautical (10 kilometer) miles. Levels
of fitness and prior experience are required for membership.
For the 2016 summer season, 50 Years of Victory is offering a 10 percent
discount off regular rates for 14-day cruises, July 10-23 and August 1-14, 2016,
with discounted rates starting at $24,995 per person. Approximately three days
are spent in the archipelago, but the program also include a visit to the
geographic North Pole, 90º north latitude and sightseeing tours by helicopter.
Rates for the two 2017 summer departures – July 14-27 and June 25-July 8 – begin
at $27,995 per person. Departures are round trip from Murmansk, an Arctic
city celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. |
