




Important Note: All plans are just for guidance. The program might change based on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings depend on site availability, permissions, and environmental concerns as per AECO rules.
Introduction
This program is for experienced ski mountaineers who are skilled in both climbing and descending in tough, snowy mountain areas. Each day usually includes climbing mountains that are about 700 - 850 meters (2,300 - 2,800 feet) high and then skiing down from those points. You might climb over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in a single day.
Route and Flexibility
We can't set an exact route ahead of time because of changing weather, sea conditions, wildlife, and avalanche risks. The map shows a possible route in the areas of Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and the east side of Forlandsundet, but this is just a rough guide. The expedition leader will make the final call on daily changes. Being flexible is very important for this kind of cruise. Ski mountaineers need to bring their own gear.
Possible Regions
- Kongsfjorden
- Isfjord
- East side of Forlandsundet















- Flights to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Meals ashore.
- Personal health Insurance for Medical, Accident and Repatriation/Evacuating.
- All personal expenses, including but not limited to laundry services, bar beverages, and excess internet usage charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- You need to be in good general health and able to walk several hours per day. Though our expeditions are ship-based, they can be physically demanding. You can choose to stay on the vessel if you prefer, but you will still need to be able to move safely around the ship even in bad weather. Assuming you choose to join landings, you will need to be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs. You must also be capable of getting up and down the gangway. This will become easier with practice, but the gangway is steep and moves with the rocking of the vessel. Conditions on shore can also be rocky, uneven, and slippery, and we will be in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities. You must not join an expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment. Any major health problem or physical condition that requires emergency care must be brought to our attention prior to the voyage. Please fill out our Personal Information Form, which we will send at the time of booking. This form must be completed and returned within one month of your book date. Since we travel in such remote areas, medical evacuation by air is often impossible. We therefore reserve the right to refuse travel or participation in activities to anyone whose health concerns might pose a safety risk to our staff or other passengers.
- This is one of our most common questions, and the answer depends very much on the individual and whether or not you're going to the Arctic or Antarctica. If you are going to Antarctica, you will have to cross the Drake Passage, which can be stormy and turbulent. In this case, we advise bringing motion sickness medication or purchasing it on our vessels, if supplies last. In the Arctic, however, our voyages stay closer to shore, so you may not need seasickness medication as much, if at all. Nevertheless, we encourage you to bring it if you are prone to motion sickness, regardless of whether you're going to the Arctic or Antarctica. Most people recover from motion sickness within a day or two, and we always have a doctor on board our larger vessels (Plancius, Ortelius, and Hondius) should you need additional help with seasickness.
- We accept payment via bank transfer, Wise or credit card (Mastercard and Visa). When paying with a credit card, we have to pass on a credit card fee.
- Aboard Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius, and Rembrandt van Rijn, refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before disembarking, you can settle your bill with the hotel manager and pay by Visa or MasterCard, Diners Club/Discover, Union Pay, or cash (Euro or USD). The prices and standard currency on board all of our vessels is the Euro.
- Svalbard is one of our core Arctic locations, a great place for enjoying wildlife, activities, and scenery. For this reason, there are too many areas we visit to list here. For details on intended routes and landing sites, see the Svalbard page at our website.
- Svalbard is part of the non-mainland Norwegian islands. This West Spitsbergen island was first spotted in 1596 by Wilhelm Barents, and it was originally claimed by the Danish. The Spitsbergen Treaty granted Norway sovereignty over Spitsbergen as of 1920, but anyone who is a citizen of the more than 40 signatory nations has the legal right to settle within Spitsbergen.
- Sailing depends on wind, ice conditions, and the itinerary. When these conditions are right, our sailing ship will usually attempt to sail. In case the wind is not favorable, ship engines will be used. On each voyage, several sailing attempts will be made.
- The vessel Rembrandt van Rijn can accommodate maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. Furthermore, there is an experienced crew of 12 on board including two tour guides.
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