Spitsbergen Spitsbergen, the jewel of the high Arctic, is
a large island situated between the north coast of Norway and the North
Pole. Our journey is a ship-based, full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen
and its off-lying islands, taking us within 600 nautical miles of the
Pole. This polar wonderland is the
Iceberg cruising. (Antarctica - Photo by Greg
Mortimer)
breeding home for walruses, polar bears, reindeer
and millions upon millions of migratory land and sea birds. Sixty per cent
of the land mass is covered by a crevassed ice plateau and sparkling glaciers,
yet more than 165 species of plants somehow survive in the great expanses
of tundra. The land is a bewitching combination of towering mountains in
the west and fossil-rich polar desert in the east. Almost everywhere we
visit there is a chance of seeing polar bears, as Spitsbergen supports one
of the world's densest populations of these magnificent animals.
The light in the high Arctic is unlike that in Antarctica
- it is soft, and it seems to soak into the mountains, glaciers and tundra.
There is a subtlety to the land, especially during summer's full flight
when the ground explodes with flowers and the rocks are filled with nesting
auks. But perhaps the greatest joy is found in walking in the high Arctic..
The tundra is soft and smooth, carpeted in rich green moss, and you can
stride out across the vast flats left by retreating glaciers or up easy-angled
ridges between sweeping glaciers.
Wahlenburg
Fjord Wahlenberg Fjiord is a deep gash on the coast
of Spitsbergen, about 600 nautical miles from the North Pole. Just to
the north is the edge of the Arctic pack ice - the ice is two to seven
meters (7 to 23 feet) thick, covering the entire ocean from Spitsbergen
to the other side of the world in the Canadian Arctic. It is a haunting
world where the polar bear is king and tens of millions of migrating birds
find a summer home.
Iceland Characterized by vast glaciers, rumbling volcanoes,
hot springs, towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, Iceland's landscape
is unique. Vast tracts of tundra and grasslands tempt hikers, who may
encounter reindeer and the Arctic fox. A fantastic array of seabirds and
fish and a wealth of marine mammals frequent coastal environs. The island's
capital, Reykjavik, translates as 'Smoky Bay,' a reference to the geothermal
springs that provide power, thus making this city one of the world's cleanest.
A Polar Day Antarctic and Arctic summers are blessed with
18-24 hours of daylight, enabling us to maximize our time ashore as well
as aboard our Zodiacs. Our knowledge and experience enables us to
Zodiacs are the secret weapons for getting
from ship to shore. (Arctic - Photo by Sue Werner)
work with opportunities as they arise, rather than
being servant to the clock, so one of our climbing parties might set off
at 6 p.m. to scale an unclimbed mountain. We sometimes go ashore for a midnight
bath in thermal springs, and if whales are spotted after dinner, we'll postpone
bedtime and board our Zodiacs for a closer look at these gentle giants.
Generally, however, our days are more routine, with
regular meals prepared by our on-board chefs who are wizards at their
craft. Our time at sea is filled with interesting lectures, bird spotting
and relaxation opportunities. Once we reach our destination, the Zodiacs
are launched for forays ashore to view wildlife or points of scientific
or historical interest. We use our Zodiacs as landing craft, which permits
us to get closer to icebergs and wildlife. Our expert polar naturalists
accompany us onshore in addition to sharing their knowledge through shipboard
lectures, videos and seminars.
The overall pattern of expedition
cruising is a relaxed one, punctuated by enthralling views and
Kayaking. (Arctic - Photo by Greg Mortimer)
exciting excursions. You can participate in the
way that suits you best - some days you might like to remain on board, or
even stay in bed. A great place to relax is on the ship's bridge, chatting
with fellow passengers or sitting quietly and watching the ever-changing
scenery.
Please remember that we travel in remote and wild areas
with an unpredictable climate, albeit in comfort and safety. These are
expedition-style journeys that benefit from flexibility among staff and
passengers alike - in Antarctica a last-minute change of plan can mean
that we end up 100 miles from where we expected. This is the essence of
the adventure.
We take pride in our experience in Antarctica and the
Arctic and feel confident that you will gain the best possible value from
every day.
Polar Bears Polar bears are a highlight on our Arctic voyages.
Here are a few first-hand accounts of these
Polar bear. (Arctic - Photo by Greg Mortimer)
magical animals:
"Bears seem to be everywhere this year. Every time
we find a large area of fast ice we have seen bear. But Wahlenberg Fjord
was the best by far. It was just outrageous because we went into the
fjord not knowing what we would find. It was a risk taking the ship
into poorly chartered waters, but the captain was quite comfortable
as long as we cruised in slowly. In the back of the bay there was a
horseshoe-shaped harbour full of ice, with three bears strutting around
on it! A moat of water surrounded the edge so we decided to get out
of the Zodiacs and on to the shore. As soon as we did that the biggest
bear came straight towards us, so we had to dive back into the Zodiacs.
He was a monster - nose stuck in the air, sniffing at us hungrily.
We were only 10-15 metres away and when we moved towards
him he would tread on the little bits of broken ice at the water's edge,
trying to get out to us. Wow, it was electrifying stuff. My whole body
was rigid and my heart was galloping, and looking around at the intense
gazes, I realised that everyone else in the Zodiac was feeling the same."
From Greg's diary, Spitsbergen voyage,
18 August 2000.
"Rinie spotted another bear. Everyone was into the Zodiacs, off
to view our first real contact with a polar bear. He seemed to be slighly
amused by our presence, while we sat anxiously in the protection of
the Zodiacs. He wandered along right in front of us, a twinkle in his
eye as he tenderly stepped into the shallow water, our hearts were pumping
with adrenaline as we stared in disbelief. The excitement was like a
chain reaction as we mingled back on board over hot apple pies."
From Sue's diary, Tuesday 20 July 1999.
Sue Werner is our Arctic program director
Temperature/Weather Antarctica is the coldest continent. The air temperatures
in the Antarctic Peninsula range from +5°C to -5°C (41°F to
23°F) during the Antarctic summer months; however, the water is close
to freezing and, when combined with winds which sweep off the glaciers,
the wind chill can be severe. Antarctic temperatures are generally 50°F
colder than the Arctic. Antarctica is a continent 1.5 times the size of
the US and is 98% ice. With such a large body of ice the temperature is
generally quite low. These average temperatures apply to the areas that
we visit on the vessel and are not intended to be indicative of overall
mean temperatures.
Reading
List
In order to make the most
of your trip to the Arctic, the following reading lists which will help
you gain a better understanding of the landscape, culture and people.
Here you can also purchase any books you might need for your Global Adrenaline
trip!
Polar
Pioneer Polar Pioneer is not a luxury ship. She was built
to be a working vessel and was later refitted to satisfy a comfortable
passenger standard. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we
are totally self-sufficient. The days flow by while we travel snugly in
our cocoon. A favorite pastime on board is to stand at the stern watching
for seabirds, including graceful Ivory Gulls, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Auks
and Guillemots. They will rise and fall skillfully, using the air currents
created by the ship to gain momentum.
Polar Pioneer was built in
Finland in 1983 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many
Guillemots, the penguins of the North. (Arctic
- Photo by Greg Mortimer)
years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's
northern coast. In 2000, she was refurbished in St. Petersburg to provide
comfortable accommodation for 54-56 passengers. There is a combined bar/lounge
and a dedicated lecture room/library area (stocked with a good collection
of polar books and videos).
This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar
expedition cruising, due to its strength, maneuverability and small number
of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space.
The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced
ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. The spacious
bridge (always open to us) and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs
are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian waitstaff.
Polar Pioneer is our most popular ship for travel to
the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the
meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs
with outboard motors enables us to travel from ship to shore.
Triple Cabins: Triple
cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth, a desk, a small
washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers
and toilets are close at hand and are shared with other main deck
cabins.
Twin Share Cabins: Twin
share cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, a small washbasin, ample
storage and hanging space and portholes. The nearby showers and toilets
are shared with other main deck cabins.
Twin Private Cabins:Twin
private cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, windows, and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Two cabins have upper
and lower bunks.
Mini Suites:Mini
suites have a separate small bedroom with a three-quarter bed, a couch-bunk
in the main room, a desk, a video player and TV, windows and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
The Suite:The
suite features a large lounge area, a separate small bedroom with
double bed, a couch bed in the main room, a video player and TV, a
refrigerator, large forward and side facing windows, and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Why Travel with Us? The following are a few reasons you should travel
with us to the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic:
Quality Journeys
Our ship was recently refurbished.
We run comfortable ship-based tours to the Arctic,
generally from Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen.
Our small group size (limited
to 54-56 passengers) allows us to enjoy the maximum time
Orca whale. (Photo by Sue Werner)
ashore. We aim to make two to three landings per
day, depending on weather and ice conditions.
We give you the freedom to enjoy this magnificent continent
in your own way. You can explore the coastline, hike up a snow slope,
or sit and observe the wildlife. Or, if you prefer, you can simply take
in the views from the ship's deck.
With 15 years' experience, our partner is a recognized
leader in the Arctic field, the first company in the world to offer camping,
mountaineering, glacier walks, iceberg climbing, sea kayaking and scuba
diving on Arctic ship-based expeditions.
Our Passengers
The Arctic attracts people from all walks of life
and all ages - our clients have varied in age from 6 to 92! You don't
have to be a hard-core adventurer to enjoy our voyages.
While the trips are not physically demanding, there's
plenty of opportunity for exercise ashore, including the thrilling option
of sea kayaking. Some of our passengers have camped for the first times
in their lives while in the Arctic.
The Best Ships and Crew
The best way to experience the grandeur of the Arctic
is to travel there on board special ice-strengthened ships.
We use Russian vessels and crew - the undisputed
masters of ice navigation. Russia's large fleet of powerful ships
has unlocked the secrets of the polar regions, and yet our vessels
are small enough to allow us to maneuver close to shore.
More Options and Flexible Itineraries
We offer exciting options such as sea kayaking,
climbing and diving. Our goal is to introduce an element of adventure
into every voyage.
Much of our success is due to our flexibility -
we make the most of our time, without rushing.
Our staff and crew's exploratory experience gives
us the expertise to set courses based on the prevailing weather and
ice conditions, tempered by our passengers' interests.
Travelling without a rigid timetable adds spice
to expedition cruising!
Expert Staff
Travelling to the polar regions is our life. Our
staff - at home and on board the ship - is our most valuable asset.
Their credentials, experience and enthusiasm are second to none.
Polar
Expeditions Q&A The following is a list of answers to the most
commonly asked questions about our polar expeditions:
How many people on the ship? On our Antarctic and Arctic voyages we take a
maximum of 54-56 people. We believe that you can best experience these
polar regions with small groups of people.
Are there private facilities in cabins? Deck 3 cabins have shared facilities. Deck 4 and
5 cabins have private facilities.
What is the berth configuration? All cabins have lower berths and a porthole or
window.
How much room is there for luggage? There is storage space for empty luggage in the
cabins. Alternatively we stow your baggage safely elsewhere on the ship.
There is ample space for your clothing in cupboards and drawers in your
Why on earth is the the walrus like it is. (Arctic)
cabin.
Does the crew speak English? The crew is largely Russian. They are undoubtedly
the ice-masters of the world. Some of them speak English, but a number
of them may not. It is certainly a fascinating time in history to be in
contact with Russian citizens, and it is an exciting facet of our polar
journeys.
Is the ship heated or air-conditioned?
What is the temperature? The ship is heated and air-conditioned and the
temperature ranges from 15° C to 25° C (59°F to 77°F).
We like to keep a good flow of fresh air flowing through the ship by keeping
some of the main doors open to the outer decks. You can control the temperature
in every cabin if you want it warmer or cooler to suit your personal taste.
How do we dry any wet clothing? Clothing dries very quickly inside your cabin.
The ship doesn't provide a passenger laundry for you to do your own washing,
but a laundry service is available. Costs are listed in your cabin. The
Russian waitstaff collects your washing and returns it to your cabin.
Can we get off the ship? We get off the ship as much as possible, usually
two or three times a day when cruising coastal areas. We spend anywhere
from two to six hours at each location, depending on prevailing conditions.
We come back to the ship to sleep every night. In the height of the Antarctic
and Arctic summers, the days are long and we make the most of them. We
divide passengers into groups for walks of varying degrees of difficulty.
How much time do we have in Ushuaia
or Longyearbyen? The time available to you in Ushuaia or Longyearbyen
depends on your personal itinerary. Many people like to extend their stay
in South America or northern Europe. Our staff can assist you with extra
arrangements.
Can you give a few hints on how to protect
my skin from the cold? The Arctic air is very dry! We recommend that you
take good moisturizer and sun-protection cream (SPF+30). A lip protection
stick is useful to carry in your pocket when outside. A scarf is a very useful
item for keeping the cold wind at bay. It is a good idea to put sun screen
on your face
Explosions of flowers give a softness to the
high Arctic. (Arctic - Photo by Sue Werner)
each time you go ashore.
How do I keep my cameras dry? When ashore, you won't find it difficult keeping
your cameras dry; however, when travelling from ship to shore, you should
be aware of the risk of water splashing from the sides of the Zodiac.
A camera bag or suitable plastic bag is highly recommended. A small cloth
or pack towel to dry your lens is also a handy item.
Should I take one camera or two? It is not a bad idea to take two cameras - particularly
between a couple. If one camera breaks down or gets wet, you will be happy
that you have a spare. The Antarctic and Arctic presents rare opportunities
for photography and you wouldn't want to miss out on any of them just
because your camera is broken. Bring plenty of film and extra batteries.
Tipping People often ask for our advice on tipping. Recognizing
that tipping is a very personal matter, we might recommend US$7.00 per
passenger per day aboard the ship. The crew prefers that any gratuities
be offered in US dollars cash.
Can I look at my video footage on a
monitor on the ship? There are TV monitors on board where you can view
your video footage. You will need to bring your own connections for your
particular brand of video camera.
How much film should I bring? The amount of film that you bring depends on your
photographic habits. But, as a rule of thumb, you are likely to use two
to three times more film than you do on your usual holiday. Professionals
commonly use 10 - 20 rolls per day! The average person will use one to
three rolls per day. Lower ASA film works better in high light environments
such as the polar regions. It is worth taking some faster film such as
200 ASA for shooting inside the ship. As for video cameras, we suggest
an average of 20 minutes of tape per day.
In the Arctic, will we see polar bears? We can not guarantee that you will see polar bears.
They are wild animals. However, we will be looking very hard, and we almost
always sight polar bears on our trips to the Arctic.
Will I have problems with sea sickness? Many people ask us if they will get sea sick.
It is a difficult question to answer because susceptibility varies so
much from individual to individual. Our experience is that a small percentage
of people will occasionally become sea sick on any trip, and most of those
are fine
The bird cliffs of Hinlopen Strait (Sue Werner).
after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you
are particularly susceptible to sea-sickness, it would be a good idea
to consult your physician before embarking on the voyage. Those susceptible
to sea-sickness should come armed with motion sickness tablets. There
will be a doctor on board, and the ship is equipped with a small medical
clinic. The waters around Spitsbergen and the Antarctic Peninsula coastline
are generally very calm.
What clothes do I take to wear on the
ship? Ship-board clothing is informal and casual. Jeans,
slacks, casual shirts and deck shoes or running shoes are the normal garb,
but you should remember that the temperature on board typically averages
20°C (68°F) and you should plan your wardrobe accordingly. Some
people like to take a good dress or coat and tie for the Captain's welcome
and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is by no means necessary.
How many pairs of gloves do I need? It is best to take at least two pairs of gloves.
It is important to have a spare pair of dry gloves in case one pair gets
wet. Some people like to take rubber washing-up gloves to keep their hands
dry, particularly in the Zodiacs when going from ship to shore. Light
woollen or synthetic gloves in combination with heavier ski-gloves or
mittens also work very well.
Do I need to take a big jacket? You will need something along the lines of a padded
ski jacket or down parka. You will find this a useful item to wear while
standing out on the bow watching seals and walrus. On longer walks a day-pack
is useful.
What sort of electrical adapter should
I take for my battery charger, my razor or my hairdryer? The electrical supply on board is 220 volts 50
Hertz. You will need a European two (round pin) plug adapter, available
at duty free or electrical supply shops.
Global Adrenaline, Inc.
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1458
Chicago, Illinois 60602
USA
Tel: +1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA)
Tel: +1-312-863-6300 (outside USA)
Fax: +1-312-873-4440
Email: info@GlobalAdrenaline.com
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