Our North Spitsbergen—Hike, Ski & Sail Expedition is a journey into Norway’s Arctic wilderness, reaching remote corners of a grand landscape, home to whales, walruses and Arctic foxes.
Day excursions from the ship offer the opportunity to experience the Arctic in a way few others will, with options for hiking, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering in this remote and rugged land.
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$3,900 USD
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Sole occupancy: $6,630 USD $ |
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$4,200 USD
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Sole occupancy: $7,140 USD $ |
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$3,900 USD
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Sole occupancy: $6,630 USD $ |
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At the end of a long Arctic winter, spring is starting to awaken but the climate still clings to the cold, with snow blanketing the mountains and freezing the shores. It’s the perfect time of year to experience some of the world’s remotest hiking and snowshoeing adventures in this wild land, and with a little luck, also see some polar bears, walruses and seals.
Our North Spitsbergen—Hike, Ski & Sail Expedition sails from the Arctic town of Longyearbyen in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. From our comfortable sailing ship base, we will explore the best of Spitsbergen with day excursions to the shore for every level of hiker. The expedition also offers opportunities for guided nature cruises and, for the experienced, the option of ski mountaineering. It’s the ultimate way to experience the Arctic tundra in this unique and rarely-visited corner of the world.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to expedition climbing and skiing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our members the best possible chance of a safe and enjoyable trip.
We employ strong and specialised expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities (the vessel), reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Dates 2024
Trip 1: May 15–22, 2024
Trip 2: May 22–29, 2024
Ship Berth Options & Price Details
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Single berth in a shared cabin |
Private cabin, sole occupancy |
Private cabin fully occupied by 2 or 3 passengers accordingly |
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| Twin Interior | Trip 1: US$3,900 Trip 2: US$3,900 |
Trip 1: US$6,630 Trip 2: US$6,630 |
Trip 1: US$7,800 Trip 2: US$7,800 |
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Twin Porthole |
Trip 1: US$4,200 |
Trip 1: US$7,140 |
Trip 1: US$8,400 Trip 2: US$8,400 |
| Triple Porthole | Trip 1: US$3,350 Trip 2: US$3,300 |
N/A |
Trip 1: US$10,050 Trip 2: US$9.900 |
All cabins include private shower and toilet.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a US$510 supplement for those participating in the ski mountaineering programme. Pricing may change due to increases in airfares and other costs outside the control of Adventure Consultants.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip fee is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 120 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition team member may then cancel their participation on the following basis
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' North Spitsbergen—Hike, Ski & Sail Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Our Guides
You will find the guides to be companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Kelly McLaren, Expedition Liaison
Having worked for Adventure Consultants since 2004, Kelly has gained a vast knowledge of AC expeditions and treks. In her role as Expedition Liaison, Kelly will assist with the planning and logistics for your trip, providing useful information, reminders and answering any questions to ensure you arrive well prepared.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
The expedition is ship-based and although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. We travel in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you should be in good general health.
For basic snowshoeing and hiking excursions you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. These day trips usually last between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills.
Those who wish to take part in our ski mountaineering activities should be experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered techniques for both ascent and descent in challenging, snow-covered alpine terrain. Participants must be in good physical condition, as a typical day involves climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 800–1,100m/2,600–3,600ft) and downhill skiing from those points. The accumulated altitude over a given day can exceed 1,000m/3,300ft. Skiers will be asked to fill out a questionnaire highlighting ski mountaineering experience.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Food
All meals, including snacks, coffee and tea are provided onboard and most dietary requirements can be catered for by the chefs if notified in advance.
Clothing & Equipment
Snowshoes are provided but members are expected to bring their own appropriate clothing. Members must also provide personal equipment for specific activities such as ski mountaineering. A full clothing and equipment list will be provided to all expedition members upon sign up for the expedition.
Activities
The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offers good open deck viewing areas. In addition, the following activities are available during the expedition:
Snowshoeing/Hiking: There will be ample opportunity to explore inland from the polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. There are usually a range of walks offered on each landing, ranging from a casual stroll to a challenging day hike. Snowshoes are provided and our experienced guides will be able to recommend an appropriate hike based on your fitness level.
Ski Mountaineering: Our optional ski mountaineering excursions from the ship allow you to explore pristine peaks and majestic mountains in a rugged fjord system. These outings will be led by experienced mountain guides and involve both skiing and mountain climbing in challenging alpine terrain with steep ground and deep snow cover.
Zodiac cruises: Two inflatable rubber crafts (Zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. There will be excursions on land for three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to conditions (weather, ice, etc,) or the passengers’ wishes, the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history. Our knowledgeable guides assist on these outings, providing detailed information. This is supplemented by lectures on board which cover topics such as wildlife, nature and history.
The Vessel
We sail in the Rembrandt Van Rijn, which was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. It was then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994, sailing in Spitsbergen (1994–1996) and the Galápagos (1998– 2001).
The vessel underwent an additional rebuilding and refurbishment programme in 2011, including a complete renewal of communication and navigation systems.
The vessel is is 49.50m/62ft long, 6.65m/22.9ft broad and has a draft of 2.8m/8ft. It can host 33 passengers in 16 cabins with a crew of 12, including 2 tour guides.
There are three types of berth available on the ship and spaces can be purchased as an individual bed in a cabin shared with others, as a private cabin fully occupied by 2 or 3 passengers accordingly or as a private cabin with sole occupancy.
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| Triple Porthole | Twin Interior | Twin Porthole |
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway, board the vessel and sail for Trygghamna. |
| 2 | Day excursion to the seabird cliff at Alkhornet. |
| 3–4 | Sail north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, with opportunities to snowshoe and visit historic sites. |
| 5 |
Head south between Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, possible walrus and seal sightings at Poolepynten. |
| 6–7 | Sail back into Isfjorden, possible outings at Ymerbukta and Ekmanfjorden. |
| 8 | Return to Longyearbyen to disembark, trip ends. |
PLEASE NOTE: A specific route cannot be determined in advance due to variable weather, sea, wildlife and avalanche considerations.
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around the town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. In the early evening we sail out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of our voyage. We head for Trygghamna, where we will see the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which we can visit the following morning.
Day 2
From Trygghamna, we hike to Alkhornet, a large seabird cliff and breeding site. Below the cliff is a common place to spot Arctic foxes and reindeer.
Days 3–4
We head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. The landscape here is wintry, the crags and slopes still blanketed with snow. Here there are rich opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing and visiting places of historic interest, including the remains of early 20th-century marble mining at Ny London and the northernmost community in the world at Ny Ålesund. There are also research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden offers views of colossal glaciers and lofty mountain peaks, but ultimately the extent of fjord ice dictates the itinerary here.
Day 5
Cutting south between the main island of Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, we may encounter walruses at Poolepynten, a common haul-out site. We also have views of St Johnsfjorden, near Gaffelbreen. The winter ice may not have loosened its grip on the water here, and seals (ringed and bearded) could be numerous in the area.
Days 6–7
We now double back into Isfjorden and venture to Ymerbukta, taking time to enjoy this mountainous area. Here we find an expansive tundra with its own avifauna, as well as spectacular geological formations along the coast. Further northeast, near Ekmanfjorden, we have the chance for another disembarkation. There are numerous glaciers here that terminate near or in the sea. In Gipsvika we can go on shore near the cliff of Templet, a mountainous location of eroded sedimentary rock from around 290 million years ago.
Day 8
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. We disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany us wherever our next adventure lies.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Arctic cruise expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm PST +19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for Arctic expeditions?
Adventure Consultants have been expeditioning in the polar regions for over two decades. We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides to that you can relax and enjoy this amazing country. We employ experienced and professional guides, the latest in communications and weather forecasting technology and nutritious and tasty food to ensure you have the best experience on our trips.
What activities are available during expedition?
Throughout the expedition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of hiking and snowshoeing expeditions and Zodiac wildlife cruises. For the experienced, there is also the additional option to add on our ski mountaineering programme.
What are Zodiac cruises?
Zodiacs are rubber boats with shallow drafts and six air-filled compartments which give them impressive floatation and weight carrying abilities. With these safe, durable and dependable boats we can land in normally inaccessible sites such as beaches, shallow river banks, rocky outcrops, coral reef flats, ice floes, etc. as well as more conventional places such as docks, sea walls and jetties. We use these boats to take advantage of wildlife opportunities through landings and cruises. Our knowledgeable guides assist on these outings, providing detailed information. This is supplemented by lectures on board which cover topics such as wildlife, nature and history.
What sort of vessel do we sail in?
The Rembrandt Van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. It was then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994, sailing in Spitsbergen (1994–1996) and the Galápagos Islands (1998–2001). The vessel later underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment programme in 2011. The communication and navigation equipment have been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations. The vessel is is 49.50m/62ft long, 6.65m/22.9ft broad and has a draft of 2.8m/8ft. It can host 33 passengers in 16 cabins with a crew of 12, including 2 tour guides.
Do I need any sailing experience?
Sailing on our sailing-vessels demands no special qualifications besides generally good health. Our sailing vessels are operated by an experienced crew. Passengers are invited to help with the sailing under supervision of the crew.
How often do we sail?
Sailing depends on the wind, the ice conditions and also the itinerary. When these conditions are right our sailing ships will normally attempt to sail. In the event the wind is not favourable for the planned itinerary, the ship's engines will be used. On each voyage, several times sailing will be attempted.
Will I get seasick?
Many people ask us if they will get seasick. This depends very much on the individual. Not everybody is prone to sea-sickness, our experience is that only a small percentage of the passengers get sick on any trip and most of these people are fine after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to sea-sickness then it is a good idea to talk to your local doctor. Bring enough motion sickness tablets or plasters with you and be sure you have eaten enough and feel rested.
What shower facilities will be available?
Each of the cabins on the vessel has its own private toilet and shower.
What food will be available?
Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and are prepared by our onboard cook.
Will I be sharing with others? Is a single supplement available?
It is possible to hire a single cabin for yourself or share with others for the best price.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts?
Please arrange to arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary to allow time for briefings and for any delayed baggage to arrive before we set sail.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask you to wait until the balance payment date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
We highly recommend purchasing an open, fully changeable air ticket given the remote nature of where we are, the weather and possible delays. In today’s world there are few places where the environment still affects our plans and the Arctic is one of them!
Where do we meet?
For our North Spitsbergen—Hike, Ski & Sail Expedition, please plan to meet in Longyearbyen, Norway.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
We can assist you with booking hotel room nights from your arrival date. However, on these trips YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ARRIVE LATE, as we have to adhere to the vessel's timetable and departure date.
What do I wear on the cruise?
In keeping with our expedition's atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and make sure your jacket's never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship—and often cold on deck.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list, as there are very limited options if additional equipment needs to be purchased in your departure town.
Do I need sailing gear?
You do not need specific sailing gear. Normal waterproof cold weather clothing will do, together with sturdy waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots.
Do I need to bring snowshoes?
No, we’ll provide you with MSR lightweight snowshoes that easily attach to rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots. You'll just need to bring suitable clothing for the changeable weather of the polar regions. Layers are your friend! We will provide a full clothing and equipment list upon sign up for the expedition.
Do I need to bring ski mountaineering gear?
If you decide to add on our optional ski mountaineering programme, you'll need to provide your own ski mountaineering equipment. A full list will be provided upon sign up to the expedition.
Who goes on your cruises?
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 30 and 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.
How many staff crew the vessel?
The crew of the Rembrandt van Rijn consists of 9 experienced crew, 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore
How fit do I need to be?
The expedition is ship-based and although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. We travel in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you should be in good general health.
Do I need to be experienced for snowshoeing or hiking?
You just need to be in reasonably good shape and be comfortable hiking for 2–6 hours over rugged terrain. We are usually able to offer hikes of different grades on each landing and our experienced guides will be able to recommend the best option for your fitness.
What experience do I need for ski mountaineering?
Our optional ski mountaineering excursions involve both skiing and mountain climbing in a deep snow cover and challenging alpine terrain, sometimes up slopes that can be steeper than 35°. As such, you would need to have mastered alpine skiing techniques, including ascending and descending off-piste terrain with possibly difficult snow conditions. We will ask participants to fill out a questionnaire in advance highlighting their ski mountaineering experience.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any power source for charging devices on the vessel?
Your cabin will have a power supply of 240V/50Hz. Electrical outlets are for standard European plugs with two thick round pins. Some passengers may need a 220V/110V converter.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
What insurance do we need to get?
In addition to evacuation & medical insurance, we recommend buying trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for your expedition. We also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Contact us for advice or visit our Travel & Rescue Insurance webpage.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely! Evacuation can cost be costly and you need to be insured accordingly, as well as having coverage for repatriation and travel medical expenses.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
You will be sent information specific to your expedition as part of your welcome package and requirements differ depending on where you are travelling and your home location, so be sure to discuss cover with your Client Liaison before purchasing a policy.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay for this expedition by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can, however, recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Is there an additional fee for activities?
Hiking, snowshoeing and Zodiac cruises are covered in the expedition fee. There is an additional US$500 supplement to participate in the ski mountaineering programme.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small groups sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors 'cheaper' trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Do I need to tip?
The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest giving cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
