Expedition Cruise in the Realm of the Polar Bears

Sea Ice and Wildlife on North Spitsbergen Explorer!

80° North – Sailing Under the Midnight Sun, Norway

June 14- 23, 2025

Price listed below the daily itinerary

The ethereal realms of the High Arctic await as we venture forth on our stunning Spitsbergen 9-day expedition odyssey. Bathing in the perpetual daylight in the land of the midnight sun, we’ll experience the summer solstice by land and sea, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the polar regions of Norway.

This is an experience like no other in a region that is almost other worldly. Here is where sea ice stretches to the horizon and wildlife reigns supreme. We’ll experience it all with our spectacular polar vessel, cruising through polar ice and exploring the numerous islands.

Any summer in this northern wonderland is a spectacular array of awe-inspiring sites and adventures, but we’ll be there in the heart of Arctic summer for the 2025 summer solstice—a celestial spectacle offering 24 hours of solar embrace. As we celebrate this astronomical marvel in Longyearbyen on June 21st, the longest day of the year, witness the sun’s grand halt in the sky, marking a time where day never ends and night is but a memory.

Best news – all your shore excursions are included! With each adventurous landings and shoreline hikes, opportunities abound to observe whales breaching, polar bears traversing, and seabirds soaring above. Prestigious walruses and sea lions reveal glimpses of their communal bonds while Svalbard reindeer, triumphs of conservation, graze amongst the dramatic backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for bearded seals, different whales, the rarest sea birds, and elusive narwhale! And you’ll learn so from each evening’s lecture from our naturalist guides.

Available at no additional cost, step into a pair of snowshoes and traverse across varied terrains that lead from icy shores to snowy plains. For those seeking an aquatic perspective, you can glide across tranquil waters enclosed by glaciers with our kayaking options.
Our home for the voyage is the incomparable MS Hondius. It is the same vessel our AFS Antarctica group sailed on, and they just raved about it. It was built specifically for polar exploration and allows easy access for our zodiac adventures. The Artic guides will astound you with their knowledge and know how to help you make the most of each adventure… and the food is amazing!!

Embrace this stirring journey where each stunning fjord tells a tale as old as time and every encounter edges you closer to nature’s grandeur. It’s not just a voyage; it’s an expedition through a pure archipelago of islands in Svalbard’s heart—where adventure meets tranquility, and life-long memories await.

https://youtu.be/XrjGN8oQO0M

Why is this cruise vacation already waitlisted? Here’s what Janice said…

“Hey Suzy, I can’t say enough about our fabulous Oceanwide cruise, the people, the ship, the expedition leaders, and everything! Got me thinking. All our 2024 Antarctica group agreed – how about a cruise to the Arctic to see the walruses, polar bears and more?

The beautiful Hondius spends the summer months in the Arctic region. It leaves Antarctica in March and heads north as the perfect vessel for polar exploration. It was built just for this and easy to get in and out of the zodiacs. The ship itself is the perfect size – not overcrowded. Our expedition leaders we had head north with the ship, so we know that they are knowledgeable and are so much fun. They showed us videos of the Arctic cruises, all the wildlife and remote areas and we’re all ready to sign up! This will be an awesome trip. Anyone who’s done Antarctica with you would want to get this on their bucket list too.”

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

Tap for a printable PDF Itinerary

Short description: This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes.

Solstice: The midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs during the Arctic summer, when the sun is visible for a full 24 hours in fair weather. The summer solstice in Longyearbyen falls on 21 June, when the sun reaches its highest altitude of the year above the northern horizon at midnight. It will not be until late August that the sun fully goes down again, and then only for a few minutes. Join us in experiencing this fascinating phenomenon during our voyage through the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.

June 14 – Depart USA to Norway

Your international flight destination will be Oslo, Norway with a connection to Longyearbyen. A dozen major carriers fly to Oslo from major U.S. cities. Airlines that fly to Longyearbyen, Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe Airlines, and Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. Check Trip Tips for suggested options or look up dates through Google Flights.

Everyone must arrive the day prior on June 15 to embark on the cruise ship June 16.

June 15 – Welcome to Spitsbergen! (Tour officially begins)

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it.

Pre-night and transfer to ship: For any cruise, it is imperative to arrive a day early to ensure you don’t miss the boat. Because the hotels are limited here and group needs to be together, we have pre-booked and included a pre-trip night at the Vault Hotel in Longyearbyen for our group. So, we added $245 to the cruise package. We will add this to your final invoice.

Check-in at hotel on own. Overnight at Svaldbard Hotel Vault

Experience the best of Svalbard from our ideal location – Our hotel combines stunning location, comfortable amenities, and exciting activities all in one place. Welcome to Svalbard Hotell | The Vault, your perfect base for exploring the wonders of Longyearbyen. The hotel is nestled in the heart of Longyearbyen, just 1.1 km from the iconic Svalbard Church. This means you’re within easy reach of the town’s main attractions, restaurants, and shops. But it’s not just about being close – our location also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape that will make your stay truly unforgettable. At breakfast savor local specialties and international favorites to give you the energy to take on the day.

JUNE 16 – Expedition Cruise Begins, Embark from Longyearbyen B/D (included meals)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer our bags to the pier where our cruise staff can tag it to be taken to our ship. It will be placed in your cabin prior to your arrival. We should have some free time to explore the wonderful harbor area before group can board our vessel. We’ll need to be aboard well before 4pm before the spectacular MS Hondius sets sail.

You’ll have a hearty welcome by the crew with introductions followed by a full briefing of your 8-day program. You’ll want to be on deck as the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Overnight: Hondius

JUNE 17 – 22: SPITSBERGENS NATURAL BEAUTY, WILDLIFE, AND PACK ICE B/L/D

This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Your crew will keep you informed of daily navigation and tours by zodiacs or hikes. It all depends on the weather 80° north. Places we might visit include the following:

Raudfjord – On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Monaco Glacier – Depending on the weather and sea ice, we could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent us from sailing here early in the season, we may sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Highlights of Hinlopen – We aim to sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance, there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjord in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here we may see reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. We can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

The Seven Islands – The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet at Chermsideøya or Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands. Here we may reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

Sailing the continental shelf – While retracing our route west, keep watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet – Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet at Sarstangen or Poolepynten. Alternatively, we might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.

Overnight: Hondius

JUNE 23: There and back again B

All good things must come to an end. We say goodbye to the Hondius in the morning and disembark in Longyearbyen. Spend your final hours in this unique town, perhaps visiting the Svalbard Museum again or exploring the local shops and cafés. In the evening, bid farewell to your ship and companions, carrying with you memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Arctic wilderness

Transfers to the Longyearbyen airport will be arranged through the Hondius. Disembarkation begins at 9 AM on June 23.

Flight schedule JUNE 23 are for suggestions. Plan flight out after 1pm

SK4491 LYR-OSL 2:45PM – 5:40PM
SK44923 LYR-OSL. 4:55PM – 7:50PM
DY391 LYR – OSL 7:45 – 10:40PM

PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage will be by zodiacs. You must be reasonably fit to board these rubber boats. Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes on board.

Cabins with deposit and payment schedule. Note, Oceanwide cancellation terms apply- all payments from Oct 15 onward are non-refundable. Travel Insurance recommended

Special notice of cruise line terms apply. Initial deposit – nonrefundable deposit of $800 is due upon initial reservation. However, a partial refund of your initial deposit may be granted if cancellation occurs before October 1, 2024. The refund amount will be determined in accordance with Oceanwide Cruises refund group policy. Please note that failure to comply with Oceanwide cruise payment terms may result in the cancellation of your reservation. It is your responsibility to review and understand these terms prior to booking.

Payment schedule – to align with Oceanwide payment schedule, the following nonrefundable payments will be due – Oct 15, 20% of package total. December 15, additional 20% of package total. February 14, additional 20% of package total. March 14, final balance due. Auto bill reminders will be emailed to you a few days before payment is due.

$5795 shared cabin (5) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6040

* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 160 ft.²

$6195 shared cabin (5) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6440

* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 150 ft.²

$6695 shared cabin (1) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6940

* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 225 ft.²

Single cabin – Because some will ask… a single cabin is only available with the Twin Deluxe at a surcharge of $4760 extra. If you’re worried about finding someone to travel with, no problems we have you covered. Finding a match is our specialty. The single cabin is only available upon request

Your Program Includes :

8 nights’ accommodation at a Cruise. (M/v Hondius)
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.
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Not Included: pre-post land arrangements, gratuities avg $12 per day

Have you read the Trip Tips yet?

AFS Realm of the Polar Bear Trip Tips 2025

Prepare to be thrilled by pure polar perfection of Svalbard! On our expedition cruise focuses on visually stunning tundra landscapes, vast sea ice and opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, reindeer, walruses and more. Each day, enjoy adventurous zodiac landings for fun shoreline walks. Our past groups loved the Hondius expedition ship and great crew on board Oceanwide. And you’ll love the phenomenon of the midnight sun during Arctic summer, with visible sun averaging 20 to 24 hours a day. The highlight is Isfjord, largest of all on the island of Spitsbergen. We have a wonderful group of 31 travel lovers. Connect now on your group Facebook page. Link below. Print these trip tips. More cruise details and documents will come as we near departure.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

PAYMENT DATES: Dec 12, Feb 13, Mar 13 (Payment amount is dependent on your category)

Payment made by check electronically there is no fee. You can do it online directly at this link or pay by credit card, but Wetravel, our booking service, charges a percentage that’s displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the registration payment page.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly).

GTL Janice was an early AFSer and has traveled with Suzy since almost the beginning. She has visited more than 96 countries and all 7 continents both on her own and in her job as a writer and television producer! She has actually been to Antarctica TWICE – once with the legendary Jacques Cousteau and a second time with Prince Albert of Monaco. Imagine that. While she currently works mostly with ABC News, she spent 20 years with CNN, reporting news across the globe.

A prolific writer, Janice has written 17 books on travel and history. She also has an independent production company called J-Mac Productions, which has afforded her the opportunity to do independent documentaries as well as producing marketing, training and commercial materials. She has won numerous awards including 6 Emmys and three Edward R. Murrows for her work.

Trip Prep:

Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email. Also good to scan any docs, Covid test, trip tips, etc.
To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.
Visa – none

General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. Britney Carter, [email protected], (305) 390-4132 or [email protected] or ali@business–class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Group Air: None because we will not meet the minimum required to make a group air booking since this is a small group. See below on how to do your own air which gives you more flexibility.

Important Air Dates: June 14-23 Round-trip USA to Longyearbyen (LYR)

June 14 – fly the Oslo to LYR.
June 15 land begins in LYR! Transferred to Svalbard vault hotel to overnight.
June 16 – Group transferred to board ship at 2 PM.
June 23 departure, see below.

Doing Own Air – some of you already bought air and are extending some free time in Oslo.

1. You can buy a ticket round-trip to Oslo on 12 different airlines from USA and then separate ticket round-trip to LYR on SAS or Norwegian. (We were quoted group air for you to buy but the price was way too high and you could get at half on your own).

2. By roundtrip from USA directly to LYR.

Departure home to USA – June 23, disembark shipped at 9 AM. Ship transfers you to airport for your flights, most via Oslo. Note that SAS offers three flights per day to Oslo at 2, 5 and 7 PM. Connect from Oslo to your US flight home. If your times miss connect, enjoy a day in Oslo with its countless attractions. Connect with your group to see what others booked and perhaps share a room. It seems complicated however oceanwide polar cruises sell out each year and people find a way

We like Google Flights. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. If you need help air, our guy Delhi can help, email [email protected] with your exact air dates, destination, passport name and details with birthdate.

Airport Transfers– (With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs. Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like. If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up With Group- June 15 at Svalbard hotel in LYR at 3 PM.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing- Google weather in Spitsbergen Norway. We’ll have nearly 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun, which means long days and short nights. June can be a bit wet, with average precipitation around 1-2 inches. Rain is more common than snow, but occasional snowfall can still occur. In general the weather can be quite variable, with sunny days interspersed with cloudy and brief rainy spells. Overall, June is one of the milder months in Spitzbergen, making it a popular time for visitors and outdoor activities. However, it’s always wise to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Bring: Light down jacket or fleece. Warm pants and tops. Gloves or mittens. Light and warm socks. Wool scarf. Thermal undergarments. Sturdy walking shoes. Regular clothes like jeans and T-shirts as weather will change. Bring sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm and day pack. Note, ship provides you MSR lightweight snow shoes that attach to your own shoes, as well as rubber boots for free. More details coming in your cruise docs.

Dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins.

Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – You may need some cash for personal tipping. $300 cash should suffice as you’ll be charging anything you buy mostly from the ship. There’s a tip box were you can put it upon departure

Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.) The US dollar is stronger than ever before now in Sri Lanka for your exchange to the Sri Lankan rupees!

Currency Exchange Rate $1 = 11 NOK (Norwegian kroner)
The ship will charge your card in euros $1 = .94 EU
Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash or you can charge gratuities to your shipboard account.

Communication– Internet is available. The Hondius ship typically offers Wi-Fi on board. However, the availability and quality of Wi-Fi can vary depending on the ship’s location and the surrounding conditions, especially when navigating remote areas. It is advisable to check with Oceanwide Expeditions to review the specific details provided during your booking for the most accurate information regarding internet access on the Hondius.

On shore – With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Fitness – The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky.

Retail Therapy – Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of stores and souvenir options. Key places include the Svalbard Museum Shop and the Longyearbyen Global Store, which feature local handicrafts, clothing, and literature. Visitors can find unique souvenirs like reindeer leather products, local art, and Svalbard-themed apparel. The Polar Night Shopping Centre also offers practical items for your stay. Most shops accept Norwegian krone (NOK) and credit cards, making it convenient for tourists to explore and support local artisans.

Leisure Time – Enjoy a range of activities during your free time. Take in the diverse wildlife, including polar bears and walruses, and capture the stunning Arctic landscapes through photography. Participate in guided shore excursions to explore the unique environment, or kayak through serene waters. Expand your knowledge with onboard lectures about the region’s ecology, history, and culture. Relax and take in the views, or socialize with fellow travelers. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s amenities. Check your itinerary for specific excursion and free-time options.

Optional – each night you will be briefed on next days activities. Experienced guides will lead snowshoe treks along the shore. For extra charge, you can book on board the polar sea kayaking and skills camp.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Click the 360 box for a virtual tour

Hotel comfort, expedition class

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere.

Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding are that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.

The fast, flexible, friendly heart of the polar regions

Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 70 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained.

Age and nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

What to wear

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Your physical condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.