Scotland to Spitsbergen 11% Advantage

This expedition voyage travels from Aberdeen in Scotland to Longyearbyen on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, combining cultural stops in the North Atlantic with an exploration of Arctic sea-ice regions. The journey begins with the island groups of Orkney and Shetland, whose landscapes are home to both significant Neolithic archaeological sites and large seabird colonies. You then cross the Norwegian Sea to the remote island of Bjørnøya (Bear Island), located between mainland Norway and Svalbard. From there the route continues to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. In the southern and western regions of the island, fjords, glacier fronts and sea ice shape the landscape. Throughout the voyage you will be accompanied by members of the expedition team as well as a guest ornithologist and a historian, who provide lectures and background information on nature, history and geology. Landings, Zodiac cruises, and guided or independent walks form part of the programme where weather and ice conditions permit.

Itinerary: Scotland to Spitsbergen

Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen, Scotland
You arrive independently in Aberdeen, Scotland, and make your way to the group hotel included in the charter flight and hotel package. If your arrival time allows, you may wish to explore the city on your own, for example with a walk through the centre or a visit to a museum or gallery.

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Day 2: Embark Ultramarine
The morning is free before a transfer takes you to the harbour, where you board the expedition vessel. After embarkation you receive an introduction to life on board, including information on safety procedures, landings and Zodiac operations. You then have time to familiarise yourself with the ship as the voyage north begins.

Day 3: Orkney: Neolithic sites, birds and close knit communities
The Orkney Islands lie north of the Scottish mainland and are known for their archaeological sites. Among the most notable is Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic settlement dating from around 3100 BC and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney”. Along the coast there are also good opportunities to observe seabirds such as puffins, northern gannets, common guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and Arctic terns. Depending on weather and local conditions, Zodiac cruises, kayaking and paddling excursions, as well as guided or independent walks, may be possible.

Day 4: Shetland: Sheer cliffs, white sandy beaches and 5,000 year old ruins
Further north lie the Shetland Islands, whose culture reflects both Nordic and Scottish influences. One possible destination is Sumburgh Head with its cliffs rising to around 100 metres, where numerous seabirds nest. Puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes are frequently seen here. In the surrounding waters white-beaked dolphins and minke whales may occur, and occasionally orcas or humpback whales. Another possible visit is Jarlshof, an archaeological site with remains from several periods including the Neolithic, Iron Age and Viking Age. As on many days of the voyage, activities depend on conditions and may include Zodiac cruises along the coast, possible landings and, weather permitting, kayaking and paddling programmes. From the ship’s outer decks there are also good opportunities to observe birds and marine mammals.

Day 5 to 7: At sea: Sailing toward the Norwegian High Arctic
During the sea days it is worth spending time on deck to observe seabirds and migratory birds or to enjoy the view from the large observation windows. The route follows a comparatively warm current northwards, which also contributes to the relatively milder conditions along parts of the Norwegian coast and the western side of Svalbard. On board you deepen your understanding of the regions visited through lectures and discussions with the expedition team, covering topics such as ornithology, biology, history and geology. Time is also available to make use of the facilities of Ultramarine, including the spa and sauna, fitness area, library and lounges. These days also provide an opportunity to adjust to the Arctic conditions that increasingly shape the following stages of the journey.

Day 8: Bear Island: Spectacular seabird habitat
Bjørnøya lies about 400 kilometres north of the Norwegian mainland between the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea and forms part of the Svalbard archipelago. The island is known for its large seabird colonies. Among the species breeding on the steep cliffs are little auks, common guillemots, thick-billed murres, kittiwakes and northern fulmars. If weather and sea conditions allow, a Zodiac cruise along the coast may take place. In sheltered bays a landing may also be possible. Arctic foxes are occasionally observed on land.

Day 9 and 10: Storfjorden: Into the realm of ice
In Storfjorden you reach the southern part of Spitsbergen. This wide body of water is often characterised by dense sea ice in spring. The route is adjusted flexibly to the current ice conditions. Travelling along the ice edge can provide opportunities to observe wildlife adapted to this environment, such as polar bears, walruses and various seal species. If conditions permit, it may also be possible to step onto stable ice floes.

Day 11: Hornsund: Mountains, glaciers and icebergs
After the first days in the region of open sea ice, the voyage continues along the west coast of Svalbard, where fjords and coastal landscapes offer a different perspective on the Arctic environment. Hornsund is characterised by mountains, glaciers and drifting icebergs, with several tidewater glaciers flowing directly into the sea. The fjord may be explored by Zodiac and, where possible, on foot during landings. Arctic foxes are frequently observed in the region, and several seabird colonies are also located here.

Day 12: Bellsund: Fjords, glaciers, birds and snow capped mountains
Further north you reach Bellsund, a large fjord system with several branches that offer different possibilities depending on ice and weather conditions. One possible highlight is a colony of little auks that becomes active in late spring. Svalbard reindeer are also frequently seen in the area. If conditions allow, short walks ashore may take place.

Day 13: Krossfjorden: Dramatic tidewater glaciers
Overnight the ship reaches Krossfjorden on the west coast of Spitsbergen, about 660 nautical miles from the North Pole. A cruise towards the tidewater glacier Lilliehöökbreen may take place, where seals are often seen resting on drifting ice. King eiders occur in the region, and Arctic foxes may occasionally be observed. Nearby lies Ny-Ålesund, an international research settlement.

Day 14: Smeerenburgfjorden: Sea ice, walruses and a whaling past
The northernmost part of the voyage leads into Smeerenburgfjorden in north-west Spitsbergen, around 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole. If conditions permit, a landing at a walrus haul-out site may take place. Arctic terns may also be observed in the area. On land there are historical remains from the European whaling era of the 17th century, including tryworks used to render whale oil.

Day 15: Isfjorden: Mountains, bird cliffs and wildlife
The final expedition day takes place in the region of Isfjorden, the fjord system surrounding Longyearbyen. One possible landing site is Alkhornet, a well-known bird cliff. In addition to numerous seabirds, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer are frequently observed here. Whales may also occur in the waters of the fjord during the summer months.

Day 16: Disembark in Longyearbyen and travel to Helsinki
After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, you are transferred to the airport. From there you fly to Helsinki as part of the charter flight and hotel package. After arrival you are taken to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Depart Helsinki
After breakfast the journey comes to an end. You travel independently to the airport or may take the opportunity to explore Helsinki on your own.

Additionally included:

• Transfer to the port and embarkation
• Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki, plus one hotel night in Helsinki as part of the Charter Flight and Hotel Package
• Group transfers as per programme

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