Russian Arctic & Franz Josef Land
DEPARTING FROM:LongyearbyenFINAL DESTINATION:Longyearbyen
DURATION:13 Days/ 12 NightsREGION:ArcticSHIP:Hondius
The Russian island group of Franz Josef Land is not only one of the more scenic and wildlife-rich locations in the Arctic Ocean, it is also steeped in expedition history. The 192 islands that make up the archipelago are mostly glaciated, covering 16,134 square kilometres and divided by the British Channel, Austrian Strait, and Markham Strait. The largest island in Franz Josef Land is Prince George Land.
This ambitious 13-day expedition aboard the state-of-the-art expedition ship Hondius gives you the opportunity to spot such exotic Arctic wildlife as polar bears, Greenland whales, and an assortment of seal and seabird species, while also visiting the remains of historic 19th-century expeditions. Limited departures ensure this expedition always sells quickly!
Hondius
Operated by: Oceanwide Expeditions
Launched in mid 2019, the 174-passenger Hondius is the latest addition to the Oceanwide Expeditions fleet of polar ships. Engineered for flexibility above all else, Hondius is optimised for maximum engagement with nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities – because a dynamic environment demands a dynamic vessel, and there is no environment more dynamic than the polar regions. The agility of the Hondius design gives you this opportunity, delivering you to shore as fast as possible so you can enjoy these spectacular landscapes as much as possible.
FORTIFIED POLAR CLASS 6 TECHNOLOGY
Being flexible and fast does not make Hondius frail: It is one of the first civilian vessels in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation, the most advanced category of polar cruise ship to date. When you set foot on Hondius, you are indeed choosing the best of modern marine science.
Key Facts
Your cruise price includes:
- 12 night expedition voyage aboard the Hondius in selected room grade
- 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
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Your cruise price does not include:
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended - SAVE 20% on nib travel insurance when purchased with your expedition - Australian residents only)
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
- Gratuities at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard - The cruise line recommends $8-10 per passenger per day