brrrrrrrr, so cold, but so nice

Many of my customers called me after all the snow this winter to tell me that they liked the snow and ice so much that they would love to go on a cruise to snow areas.
I agree, next to sports, there is nothing as nice as walking outside in gale force winds at -10C.
I have looked into cruises to arctic areas a bit closer and I suggest the Spitsbergen cruises.

Have a look below what can be expected when you are on such a cruise.

Spitsbergen
Explore Svalbard’s Arctic landscapes under the midnight sun on board the luxurious expedition ships. Spitsbergen is part of the archipelago in the Arctic Ocean woven between the North Pole and Norway.In Spitsbergen massive glaciers cover 60 percent of the land, and fjords are lined with steep cliffs and rugged mountains. Polar bears, wild reindeer, Arctic foxes, walrus, whales, seals and many species of migratory birds are encountered in this wonderland.

What you will see in Svalbard
Svalbard is the archipelago located between the North Pole and Norway. Svalbard is one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. The goal is to explore the islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, as well as the northwestern sections of Svalbard plus the dramatic Spitsbergen. Svalbard is home to approximately 5,000 polar bears and you should encounter a good number of them during the trip.

Cruises will trek along beaches blanketed with walruses, get to know the indigenous reindeer, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be our constant companions as you admire their playfulness and grace. You might even encounter a few whales. A variety of known species frequent the area, in particular the Minke and Beluga.
You will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs. Each day our Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife you encounter. In the true spirit of adventure cruising, the Expedition Leader will provide daily updates. Here is a list of places that might be visited:

• Edgeøya – Enter the realm of the polar bear on the third largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Conditions permitting, you will go ashore at the hard to get to Diskobukta, where you will discover interesting fauna and flora and take a walk amongst thousands of Kittiwakes and Arctic foxes. The coastal waters often provide fantastic opportunities to see walrus and polar bear on the ice flow.

• Barentsøya – Just north of Edgeøya lies the fourth largest island in Svalbard. Here you are immersed in a wide tundra and distinctive landscape, perfect for long hikes and short walks. You may encounter polar bears and discover the ruins of 15th-century Russian Pomors.

• Hornsund – The southernmost fjord on the rugged west coast of Spitsbergen Island. Jagged mountain peaks tower above glacier-filled bays. Listen for the crash of white thunder as huge chunks of ice fall into the fjord. Amidst floating icebergs jewels, watch for bearded seals, the rare Beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sightings are fairly common as the polar bear’s favourite food, the Ringed seal, breeds in the fjord. The surrounding bird cliffs are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little auks. You may visit the Polish research station or the remains of whaling stations and trappers’ huts.

• Liefdefjorden – Basement rocks south and west of Liefdefjorden feature scenery with high, jagged mountains and strong glaciations, which culminate in the large calving front of the Monacobreen (Glacier of Monaco).

• Ice Cruising – With the strengthened hull of the cruise ship, you have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as you devote at least one day to exploring the pack ice around Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, the Expedition Leader may choose to take you out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.

• Kongfjord or Kings Bay – Cutting into the west coast of Spitsbergen and reaching inland about 15 miles (24 kilometres) and spanning up to 6 miles (10 kilometres) wide, Kongfjord is a splendid place to behold. Together with an onboard geologist, you will explore its complicated geological formations and visit the 14th of July glacier. You might land at Blomstrand, a name not referring to a flower-covered Svalbard beach, but rather in memory of a Swedish chemist.

• Magdalenafjord – This majestic fjord is normally accessible year-round because of the influence of the West Spitsbergen Current or Gulf Stream. Landing via Zodiac, you discover the alluring fjord and search for wildlife.

• Prins Karls Forland – Off the West coast of Spitsbergen, you encounter the island home of Forland National Park with cragged mountains, massive glaciers and remarkable wildlife. The entire island and the surrounding seas make up Forland National Park. Members of the Expedition Team takes you a shore at Poolypnten, a well-known walrus haul out, where a marine biologist explains the habits and habitat of these amazing creatures.