Venture close to 80° North and explore the land of the polar bears and the midnight sun
The Arctic expedition cruise includes fascinating talks with Rowan Hooper, daily boat safaris and tundra hikes
04 July 2023 – Intrepid travellers can join New Scientist Discovery Tours on a trip of a lifetime next summer with a 13-day marine expedition to the astounding Arctic Circle.
The Science of the Arctic expedition cruise: Svalbard, Norway experience is perfect for travellers who want to delve deeper into the science of the most northern part of the world with a group of like-minded individuals and leading experts.
Deepening their connection to, and knowledge of, one of the world’s most rugged and remote archipelagos, travellers will have the opportunity to witness the breath-taking sight of polar bears, beluga whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes and so much more.
Spending ten days aboard the 104-metre, purpose-built, state-of-the-art Greg Mortimer expedition ship, participants will have the opportunity to listen to a range of exceptional talks, hike across the tundra, cruise past glacier fronts and marvel at fjords, as well as take to the water on zodiac boat safaris to get closer to some of the world’s most stunning and breath-taking landscapes.
When: 18th June 2024 – 13 days
What: As travellers dive into this 13-day marine expedition cruise, they will truly get to immerse themselves in the best of the Arctic wilderness with an array of activities.
From zodiac boat safaris that help travellers get closer to this wild destination, tundra hikes and informal photography tuition to insightful seminars, drinks receptions and getting hands-on by participating in various Citizen Science activities, adventure awaits all that board this cruise.
Private talks and seminars with New Scientist Rowan Hooper will cover a vast range of fascinating topics, including how to refreeze the Arctic, the geology of Svalbard, folktales of the Northern Lights and Arctic ecosystem engineering.
The ship’s exceptional operational crew will also share a behind-the-scenes look at polar exploration as they talk about how to navigate a polar environment and the weather patterns of the Arctic.
Each day will be specifically tailored by the onboard team, ensuring the itinerary adapts to the prevailing weather and offers travellers the best opportunities to explore this landscape and marvel at its exceptional wildlife. No activity or talk is mandatory so each guest can enjoy the experiences that matter most to them.
Where: After spending a night in Oslo, where travellers are treated to a drinks reception and talk from Rowan Hooper, guests will be flown to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island Spitsbergen.
As the world’s most Northern settlement (located just over 1,300km from the North Pole), Longyearbyen is a fascinating hub of scientific research, and, despite having a population of just over 1,000, has attracted residents from over 53 countries.
After enjoying a night at the four-star Radisson Blu Polar Hotel – the world’s most northernmost full-service hotel – and spending time exploring the beauty of Longyearbyen, travellers will board the Greg Mortimer expedition ship and set sail on their adventure through the Svalbard Archipelago.
Who: Rowan Hooper, Podcast Editor of New Scientist and former features editor, join this exceptional expedition to provide private talks and informal seminars.
Hooper, who has spent more than a decade writing about all aspects of science, has a PhD in evolutionary biology and is the author of ‘Superhuman: Life at the extremes of mental and physical ability’, which was named as a Sunday Times Book Of The Year in 2018.
What’s included: 10 nights aboard the Greg Mortimer, two nights in four-star hotels, half-day exploring Longyearbyen, full-board throughout the marine expedition, Captain’s welcome and farewell receptions, private talks / informal seminars with Rowan Hooper, talks and activity support from the onboard team, all zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team, initial consultation with ship’s doctor, 3-in-1 Polar Jacket, use of muck boots and daily cabin service.
Transfers between airports, hotels and ships, as well as internal flights between Oslo and Svalbard, are included.
Price: From £9,995 per person, based on two people sharing a Porthole Twin Cabin
Full details: www.newscientist.com/tours/science-arctic-marine-expedition-cruise-svalbard-norway
