The intimate three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland, and for a Northern Lights itinerary in the Arctic.
Photo by: Phillip Schaudy
Sailing Spitsbergen
The Arctic awakens on these 8- to 11-day Sailing Spitsbergen expeditions aboard the 33-guest Rembrandt van Rijn sailing schooner. Spot Arctic animals and absorb history while snowshoeing, hiking, Zodiac riding and sailing the Svalbard archipelago.
May
Jun
Jul
FROM
$4,250
USD
PER PERSON
/
At the end of a long winter, Arctic spring begins to awaken on North Spitsbergen. The climate, however, still clings to the cold, with snow-covered mountains, snow-swept shores and temperatures around 25°F (–4° C). It’s a good time to experience the last of winter scenery and with luck, see Arctic animals like polar bear, walrus and seals.
The 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen small ship cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway. Highlights include visiting the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen, a former mining town and now administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Spot minke whales while sailing Isfjorden and tour historic whaling and hunting stations at Trygghamna. Witness large seabirds decide upon their breeding site along the cliffs of Alkhornet and gawk at the foraging animals like arctic foxes and reindeer grazing below.
Snowshoe around historic Ny London to see the remains of early 20th-century marble mining and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. Hike the tundra of Ymerbukta and glaciated Ekmanfjorden, depending on when spring arrives, otherwise view the fascinating geological coastal formations by Zodiac and ship. Delight as walrus haul out to sea at Poolepynten and ringed and bearded seals hunt in the icy water near Gaffelbreen.
This unique Arctic sailing is aboard the 3-masted, 33-guest Rembrandt van Rijn. This schooner is well suited for Arctic adventures while sailing the Svalbard archipelago. Hoisting traditional sails while exploring remote areas in search of Arctic wildlife, geology and history makes this ship an ideal accommodation. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her adventurous nature and intimate size.
In addition to the main 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen Arctic sailing voyage, there is an 11-day North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer itinerary that sails to the north coast of Spitsbergen when the icepack allows. And Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail departures generally follow the main itinerary with regular ski mountaineering opportunities. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations to learn your best options for sailing Spitsbergen.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard & Spitsbergen Cruises and Arctic trips.
11-Day North Spitsbergen Arctic Summer Itinerary
Longyearbyen, NorwayLongyearbyen, Norway
The 11-Day North Spitsbergen Arctic Summer voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway, and sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition offers the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of arctic birds including the little auk, and polar bears.
Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Stroll 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 plants have been recorded in it. Early this evening, sail out of Isfjorden and perhaps spot the first minke whales of the voyage. Then sail for Trygghamna to see the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which are visited the next morning.
Foxes, seabirds & Grazing Reindeer
From Trygghamna you walk to Alkhornet, a large seabird cliff where the birds are scouting out breeding places. Below the cliffs is a common place to spot arctic foxes, and you may also see reindeer grazing on the lush vegetation if there’s not too much snow.
Remains of the Whalers
You sail into Fuglefjorden amid views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, both breeding areas for great skuas as well as likely spots to see a polar bear. The aim is to visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island that served for many years as a Dutch whaling lookout. Here you can still follow the whalers’ tracks to the summit of the island, passing popular bird cliffs on the way. On shore are the remains of more 17th-century blubber ovens, while arctic skuas and common eiders breed among the graves of some two hundred Dutch whalers.
Glaciers & Raudfjord Geology
Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, is a fine place for gazing over the glaciers. It’s also a favorite hangout for ringed and bearded seals, colonies of seabird, and the occasional polar bear and beluga whale. Alicehamna and Buchananhalvøya are fine places for gazing over the geology of the land.
Wide Open Tundra
If ice conditions permit, you may land on the northern side of Graahuken, an extensive tundra area of Spitsbergen, and walk from there to Hyttesletten. The plain is a popular grazing area for reindeer, and several species of waders also breed here. Similarly, the lakes afford you a good chance of spotting red- throated divers and king eiders.
Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather and sea ice, possibly sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar and cruise within sight of the 3.1-mile-long (5km) 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 the ship from sailing here early in the season, she may sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen.
On to the Little Auks
You then sail south to Magdalenafjorden, one of the glacier-filled highlights of Spitsbergen. A shore visit at Gravneset shows you the remains of 17th-century English whaling, and you can also see large colonies of little auks.
Earth’s Northernmost Community
You head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. Aim to visit places of historic interest: Ny London, where you can see the remains of early 20th-century marble mining, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. There are also research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden offers views of colossal glaciers and lofty mountain peaks.
Walruses Ashore
On your journey south, the goal is a landing in Forlandsundet at Sarstangen, a walrus haul out. Alternatively you could land on the coast of Engelskbukta. The tundra here is a fine place for a walk to Hornbaekbukta. Also at Poolepynten is a walrus haul out.
Wide Tundra, Towering Mountains
The next stop is Bohemanflya, an expansive tundra with its own avifauna (depending on when spring arrives) and spectacular geological formations along the coast. In Gipsvika you can go on shore near Templet, a mountainous location of eroded sedimentary rock from the Upper Carboniferous period – around 290 million years ago.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Included
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; 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 snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotel 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.
Exclusions
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges, telecommunication charges and personal gear; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 11-Day North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Transfers in Longyearbyen are provided on specified group flights. Travelers arriving on independently arranged flights should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 6:00am on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Depending on itinerary, season and weather conditions, adventure activities may include hiking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, glacier viewing, whale watching and polar animal observation. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.
Families & Children
Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in triple cabins (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
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The three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords and icebergs, and for experiencing the sublime beauty of the northern lights. Ideal for spotting whales, cruising among small islands and exploring remote locations, this 33-passenger sailing vessel appeals to travelers and avid sailors alike.
Rembrandt van Rijn Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Rembrandt van Rijn review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our Rembrandt van Rijn review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Rembrandt van Rijn other small cruise ships and yachts sailing Arctic cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Rembrandt van Rijn for an authentic sailing ship experience with great decks for wildlife and scenic viewing. Guests aboard Rembrandt van Rijn typically have experience exploring remote regions, making for a spirited and adventurous passenger complement.
History of Rembrandt van Rijn
S/V Rembrandt van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1747. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-masted passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994-1996) and in the Galápagos Islands (1998-2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program in 2011 before returning to Arctic waters. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.
Common Areas Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
S/V Rembrandt van Rijn has large open deck spaces that offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. The dining room is comfortable and relaxed. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship but there are designated places on deck to smoke.
Dining Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
With a spacious restaurant on board, the vessel serves three daily meals of international cuisine, which are served buffet style. There is a separate bar and an area with a reading table. In keeping with the expedition atmosphere, dress on board is informal.
Activities Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
Two Zodiacs enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. Every day there are expected excursions on land, weather and ice permitting, which take place three to six hours per day over untracked areas. The expedition style voyages devote ample time to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history, which attracts independent, like-minded travelers from around the world who enjoy camaraderie and spirit while aboard. The Rembrandt van Rijn crew consists of 12 experienced crew members, including two expedition guides and a cook.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
The Rembrandt van Rijn ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 twin cabins. Each cabin contains a shower, toilet and ample storage. The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
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