| |
In the Realm of Fjords and Glaciers: Tromsoe to
Cuxhaven
MS Bremen August 18 - September 4, 2012
Voyage BRE1216
Thundering waterfalls, deep fjords, glittering glaciers - nature proves to be breathtakingly
beautiful en route from Spitsbergen via the Arctic Circle and on to Norway. Whales glide through
the water, seals can be seen time and time again, and with a little luck, the white fur of a polar
bear will suddenly become visible against the backdrop of an ice floe. A Nordic dream. |
| Date |
Destination |
|
18-Aug-12
|
Charter flight from Hanover to Tromsoe, Norway. Embarkation
on the MS Bremen. Departure at 21.00 hrs. |
|
19-Aug-12
|
Relaxation at sea |
|
20 Aug - 25 Aug-2012
|
Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen (incl. Longyearbyen , Ny-Alesund ,
Moellerhafen , Magdalenefjord , Moffen , Liefdefjord , cruising through the
Hinlopen Strait and Freemansund, passing Bear Island) |
|
26-Aug-12
|
Skarsvag/Norway, from 16.00 to 23.00 hrs |
|
27-Aug-12
|
Relaxation at sea |
|
28-Aug-12
|
Stokmarknes/Vesteralen , cruising in the Trollfjord/Lofoten |
|
29-Aug-12
|
Leknes/Lofoten |
|
30-Aug-12
|
Relaxation at sea |
| 31 Aug - 01 Sep-2012 |
Norway's fjord world (Geiranger/Geirangerfjord , Vik/Sognefjord ,
Flam/Aurlandsfjord ) |
| 2-Sep-12 |
Bergen/Norway, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs |
| 3-Sep-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| 4-Sep-12 |
Cuxhaven/Germany, arrival 7.00 hrs Individual travel arrangements
from Cuxhaven |
|
For Genuine Expedition Ships Only - Circumnavigating Spitsbergen More polar
bears than people - Spitsbergen's untouched wilderness will inevitably captivate
you. Equipped with the highest ice class for passenger ships, the BREMEN sets sail for the
archipelago known as "Norway's cold coast". Among the ice floes drifting in the sea, the crew
members have plenty of opportunities to reap the benefits of their many years of experience in
travelling the polar regions. For instance when the captain spontaneously changes course to enable
you to marvel at bizarrely shaped glaciers or surfacing whales from a better perspective. Depending
on the weather and ice conditions, several Zodiac rides and landings per day are envisaged during
the circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. For example in Longyearbyen, which offers you
an exciting excursion into polar history. Ny-Alesund is also historically relevant
- it was from here that Amundsen set out and reached the North Pole by airship. In
Moellerhafen, you can visit the little "Lloyd hotel" in the company of an
experienced polar bear guard, because traces of "ursus maritimus" are frequently to be found around
the former refuge. When the sun bathes the icy setting in shades of gold and yellow, the atmosphere
will be perfect for preparing for the next highlight on deck - the small
Magdalenefjord with its impressive glacier backdrop. Following a Zodiac landing,
you will discover the historic graves of whalers in the mystic landscape. As the BREMEN approaches
the island of Moffen shortly afterwards, you can watch imposing walruses on the
shallow pebble beach from the deck. Arctic fulmars accompany your Zodiac ride in the
Liefdefjord which, at a safe distance, takes you to the ablation zone on the edge
of the Monaco Glacier - a spectacular sight. With the passage through the Hinlopen
Strait, you will experience the next highlight. Only an expedition ship such as the BREMEN
is capable of making its way to a region like this, where polar bears and seals are regular
visitors. At the heart of the strait we will see the cliffs of Alkefjellet, the
brooding ground of tens of thousands of thick-billed murres. After the passage through the
Freemansund, we will have succeeded in circumnavigating Spitsbergen - a truly
moving moment. The BREMEN will subsequently set course for the coast of Norway and pass
Bear Island.
Landscapes for Eternity - Norway's Fjord World The coast of the Norwegian
mainland is characterised by countless deep fissures. With the small and manoeuvrable BREMEN, you
will experience the most beautiful of these fjords intensively. To begin with, you will set out
from Skarsvag on an excursion to the North Cape*, where you can enjoy magnificent
views across the North Atlantic from the steeply ascending slate plateau. Further south lies the
Vesteralen archipelago; Stokmarknes is considered the birthplace of "Hurtigruten". A museum
offers exciting insights into the history of the mailboat company. With a little luck, sea eagles
hunting for fish may catch your attention in the spectacular Trollfjord, which separates the
Vesteralen from the Lofoten. The latter are one of the most picturesque destinations along
the Norwegian coast. On various excursions, you will experience this unique landscape very
intensively, for instance in Leknes prior to and following our drive through the underwater
tunnel to the island of Flakstad* or while fishing on the coast of the Lofoten* . The
Geirangerfjord is another Norwegian miracle of nature. The deck of the BREMEN is your
front-row seat from which you can admire this Unesco World Natural Heritage Site - its narrow
bends, the steeply rising mountains and the famous waterfalls Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil. To
experience the full glory of this fjord, you have two attractive excursions to choose from: opt for
the peak experience Dalsnibba* or a kayak tour*. From the little municipality of
Vik on the shore of the Sognefjord, we will set out on a journey through the land of
fjords to Flam*. Norway's fantastic landscape provides the setting, the Flam railway delivers
the crescendo. You will also experience this legendary railway route setting out from Flam -
an incredible train journey* reveals panoramas that are sure to make a lasting impression on
you. The final stage of your eventful expedition takes you to charming Bergen - stroll
across the fish market in the historic centre or visit Bryggen's colourful wooden houses. On the
excursion of Churches and Composers*, you will visit the Victorian villa of Edvard Grieg and
the Fantoft stave church with its ornate carvings. Alternatively, you may wish to round off your
cruise by experiencing the former Hanseatic city from a bird's eye view - on a seaplane flight
over Bergen*.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The
shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to
changes.
A change in itinerary may become necessary on this expedition to the Arctic. The captain will
decide on the best possible alternatives depending on weather and ice conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
|
|