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Rugged & Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun

L2417

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Colourful houses in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Colourful houses in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

12 Jun 2024

Newcastle

14 nights

Balmoral

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

On this exploration of the isolated lands of Spitsbergen, you can witness nature in all its forms, from the surreal phenomenon that is the Midnight Sun to elusive marine life, which you can search for from the comfort of Balmoral with the help of conservationists from wildlife charity OWE, the Ocean Wildlife Encounters group. Experience what life was like in remote Longyearbyen, donning your own miner's helmet as you explore a disused mine, fully immersing yourself in the town's past. Elsewhere you can uncover local Sámi culture and visit the 'Gateway to the Arctic', Tromsø. Marvel at remarkable scenery as Balmoral cruises past Torghatten – a mountain with a hole through its centre, the Seven Sisters mountains, and Tempelfjorden's Temple Mountain.

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Highlights

Mountains of Spitsbergen Longyearbyen Svalbard on a flowers polar day with arctic summer in the sunset

The world’s northernmost permanent settlement

Home to 2, 400 residents from 53 different countries, Longyearbyen is located in true Arctic wilderness. The town has a rich history of explorers who set off to reach the North Pole, as it is situated about 800 miles south of its notoriously harsh environment; and there is a museum dedicated to the stories of the many expeditions. Locals must, by law, ensure they carry a firearm with them to protect themselves against polar bears, although it is to scare them, as it is an offence to kill polar bears due to their endangered species status.

Reindeer, Norway

Sámi Culture

In the far north of Norway, the ancient culture of the Sámi people prospers, where they live alongside the modern world. While the 80, 000 Sámi people are spread over four Northern European countries, over half of their total population live in Norway. Traditionally, most Sámi people supported themselves through fishing, livestock farming, and hunting, along the coast, on the fjords and alongside the large rivers farther inland. Today, a large proportion live outside the traditional Sámi areas and earn their living in the modern service sectors. The reindeer plays a vital role in Sámi culture, together with colourful traditional costumes and Joik folk music.

Whale breaching out of the water

Ocean Wildlife Encounters

Join a team from Ocean Wildlife Encounters on board Balmoral, as they offer guests assistance with spotting many cetacean species. The waters surrounding Tromso in particular, are filled with whales during the summer months, and this cruise has been scheduled for this time to enable possible sightings of these majestic creatures, along with experiencing the surreal phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. The whales coming to this area for the herring-rich seas are mainly orca and humpbacks as their main priority is to feed, although some may travel south to breed.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 02:00 05/10/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 02:00 05/10/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £5,299 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £6,999 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £8,799 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £7,299 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £5,699 pp
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Cruise Offers

Enjoy FREE drinks   Saver Fare
Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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