In the afternoon on the first day, you will join us on board and the crew will be ready to welcome you. After an introduction regarding life on board and safety, the mooring lines are untied, and the voyage begins. The Meander sails out the beautiful Ice Fjords, what a great start. Our journey goes along the west coast of Spitsbergen, either north or south. Always depending on where the wind, weather and ice conditions lead us.
On this 10-day voyage, you will explore the coastal area of Svalbard. Whenever possible, you will sail from one spot to the next along the coast of Spitsbergen. There are daily landings using the two zodiacs present in the fjords, at a glacier or on the tundra. Naturally, under the armed guidance of the expedition leader. We avoid the local polar bears! The expedition leader explains in detail the course of the trip, lectures and answers during a conversation outside on deck.
When heading north:
At Gravneset, you can sail past a historic site… Where Willem Barentsz anchored and gave Spitsbergen its name. At Smeerenburg, you can find the remains of the illustrious whaling village from the 17th century. The numerous graves are a reminder of a dangerous and rough existence. Places like Sallyhamna, Magdalenafjorden, Cross and Kongsfjorden await with fantastic panoramas and unforgettable impressions.
As we sail out of the Ice Fjords heading south, the Bellsund with the beautiful Reserchebreen, lots of history and animals awaits us. Further south is the Hornsund with an incomparable glacier world and beautiful mountain formations. Sometimes it is also possible to visit the South Cape, where beautiful walks and atmospheric spots await us
During our journey along Spitsbergen’s stunning coastline, we pass glaciers and jagged mountain peaks. Occasionally and weather permitting, we also sail through nights to wake up the next day in a beautiful bay and return to shore. The best part is a voyage on Svalbard with enough time to enjoy it and not let the shore sickness stress set in. The evening behind anchor in a beautiful bay with a view of a glacier, a nice glass of wine or a book on the aft deck. That is the magic of Svalbard and a voyage on the Meander. We hope to show as much of the arctic wildlife as possible: whales, polar foxes, walruses, birds and, of course, the polar bear. Our crew will do its utmost to visit the best places for that; of course, we cannot give a guarantee of seeing the wildlife. During your time at sea, you can chat with your fellow travellers over a cup of tea in the warm saloon. When the Meander arrives back in Longyearbyen, it is definitely worth spending some time in Longyearbyen.
We do not work with a daily itinerary of the programme, as we like to anticipate the weather and the location of possible whales and other wildlife. The crew and expedition leader coordinate the itinerary so that the best possible route is sailed. Weather and wind may affect the itinerary.
Weather and wind may affect the itinerary.
