Spitsbergen the University of the Ice Floes

DAY 1 | Paris-Longyearbyen

Flight to Longyearbyen (possibility of leaving the day before, hotel night in Oslo covered), the capital of the archipelago. Bus tour of the tundra in Adventdalen (depending on the arrival time) and free time in the city.

DAY 2 | Cross Bay and Lilliehook Fjord

Impressive ice fronts between the peaks of Terre Albert 1er define these coasts and fjords full of history.

DAY 3 | Monaco Glacier

Navigations and excursions in one of the most beautiful fjords of the archipelago, with its large icebergs and multiple forms of land ice. Fjord ice, bird colonies, seals.

DAY 4 | North Spitsbergen

We will sail in the region of the 7 islands, the northernmost part of Svalbard. Walruses and polar bears are likely to be encountered. Walks and zodiac excursions on the ice.

DAY 5 and 6 | Ice floe of Northeast Land

A more compact and chaotic ice floe, caught in the powerful marine currents of the Hinlopen Strait. Depending on ice conditions, we will reach Northeast Land and the North of Svalbard, known for its polar bears and walruses.

DAY 7 and 8 | Ice floe, straight to the North

Studying ice maps, we will head north, beyond the continental shelf, probably encountering the rarest whales and polar bears (?). Return to the archipelago’s lands to find mountains and glaciers, polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, as well as trapper huts and major historical whaling sites.

DAY 9 | Smeerenburg Fjord or King’s Bay

Landscapes of glaciers and peaks carved into lace by frost, in a fJord known for its history and fauna, including walruses, seals, and white whales.

DAY 10 | Longyearbyen-Paris

Free time in the city and return flight to Paris. Arrival in the late afternoon or the next day (hotel night in Oslo covered).

©Photos-Grands Espaces

THE OCEAN NOVA

The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 70 to 75 passengers

✔ Unmatched polar experience in the Arctic and Antarctic

✔ 8 zodiacs on board and nine French-speaking lecturers for a true university of the Far North

✔ A panoramic lounge and conference room that adds to the boat’s reputation

Measuring 73 meters in length and 11 meters in width, with a draft of 4 meters, this robust ship boasts an ice class A1-B1 and is operated by a crew of 38 individuals. Providing exceptional comfort, it combines efficiency and elegance while benefiting from the outstanding expertise of Grands Espaces, making it the benchmark for exploration cruises serving 72 privileged passengers. It features a broad gangway for easy access to the zodiacs.

The ship is equipped with systems that exceed environmental regulations, reducing its ecological impact. This includes state-of-the-art smoke filters, waste treatment on board, propulsion using only light fuel for reduced pollution, and engines that offer the lowest consumption per passenger. This low consumption also enables full carbon offsetting, making the ship carbon-neutral.

THE EXPLORER

The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 12 passengers

✔ Unmatched experience with Christian Kempf, polar expert, and naval architect Marco Coppola specialized in exploration yachts

✔ Exceptional maneuverability

✔ Completely refurbished in 2020-2021 to minimize its environmental impact and provide high-quality service in its spacious surroundings

With a length of 46.5 meters and an exceptional width of 10.5 meters, this sturdy ship is stable and well-suited for high seas and ice. With a low draft of 2.9 meters, a reinforced hull for beaching, and state-of-the-art sonar and communication equipment, it is operational in all seas. Its diesel-electric engines, generating 1700 HP, provide a cruising speed of 8 knots.

Adapted for high seas and ice, the ship allows great flexibility in exploration due to its onboard equipment, combining comfort, refinement, and efficiency. The yacht is served by a crew of 8 people, and Grands Espaces employs 2 expedition guides on board. You will appreciate its spacious panoramic lounge, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness area for relaxation after zodiac outings. The Bridge Deck features a panoramic lounge that opens at the rear to an observation area.

Cabins ranging from 14 to 17 square meters include individual suites, suites, and cabins with twin or double beds. On board, there is minimal packaging, and the use of plastic bottles is limited. Grands Espaces provides a water bottle. All cleaning products are labeled Cosmebio and Eurobio. Strict waste sorting is implemented, and low-sulfur marine diesel (LS-MGO) with a 0.1% sulfur content is used to minimize consumption, thanks to adapted cruising speeds.