7 days / 6 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes
VOYAGE FARES 2010 (PDF document will open in new window)
Sail in the wake of the great Norwegian polar heroes, Nansen and Amundsen. Discover how these great pioneers confronted the elements, pushing the boundaries of human endurance to achieve incredible feats of exploration.
As well as breathtaking nature during your voyage you will have the chance to listen to a number of interesting lecturers on board. Possibly the most famous one, Arne Kertelhein, will deliver a number of fascinating sessions about the polar heroes and their voyages, as well as the culture and the inhabitants of the polar region.
On board lecturer - Arne Kertelhein
Arne studied history at the University of Hamburg. For many years he has been interested in the history of the Polar Regions and in the life of the great explorers - both the noted and the unsung. Arne has long been working in different museums and since 2003 has worked as a lecturer on expedition ships and ice-breakers in both the Arctic and Antarctic. He lives on an old farm in Southern Germany.
Your lecture programme will include:
- An introduction to the Polar areas - the geography and the nature of the Arctic and Antarctic - lands and seas, glaciers and ice, wildlife and people.
- 3 Norwegian heroes - De Long, Sverdrups and of course Amundsen. Their voyages, exploration, and lives. There will also be other lectures connected to Norwegian Polar History.
- Flying to the Pole - Andrée's first attempt; Wellman; Amundsen with flying ships and the story of the Italian disaster plus Russians at the Pole?
- The food of polar explorers - the ships; the galley; food for years; christmas menus; light weight for sledge-journeys, hunting, scurvy; alcohol and tobacco; cannibalism!
- The Cartography of the North Atlantic - maps in the middle ages, old beliefs about the north; the golden age of Dutch map-making, phantom-islands; the maps of the Arctic explorers.
- Arctic hunters: the culture of the Inuit - their society, adaptation to the Arctic; hunting; living; myths and art.
- Shortcut to China: The Northeastern Passage - reasons for the search, Bering's great northern expedition, and the northern seaway in Soviet times.
Day 1 : Bergen
Depart from Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords, enjoy the relaxed ambience of life on board and an opportunity to meet fellow passengers as you take in the spectacular landscapes.
Day 2 : Ålesund
An early arrival at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund provides an opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town.
Day 3 : Trondheim - Rørvik
Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture. Excursions include the medieval Nidaros Cathedral or the enthralling Ringve Music Museum. Evening departure towards the land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 4 : Arctic Circle - Bodø - Svolvær
Crossing the Arctic Circle you continue to the modern town of Bodø, from where you can join the Saltstraumen Safari to visit the river with the world's strongest maelstrom. Day's end sees you amidst the glorious Lofoten Islands and their capital, Svolvær.
Day 5 : Tromsø
A relaxing morning at sea precedes your arrival in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Modern shops and cafés provide a vibrant contrast to the stunning stained glass of the Arctic Cathedral, whilst the Polar Museum and Polaria centre explore Arctic life over the centuries.
Days 6 - 7 : Hammerfest - Kirkenes
Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape. The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Sami communities of Northern Finland. Here you disembark.
DEPARTURES 2010 :
11 - 17 October - MS Kong Harald
18 - 24 October - MS Nordlys
VOYAGE FARES 2010 (PDF document will open in new window)
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