5 independent reviews for Highlights of Spitsbergen holiday
Reviews for Highlights of Spitsbergen holiday
Karen Blackman review 3 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
scenery wildlife clean air great crew2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be fit3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Support conservation I hope4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent experienceLara Morgan review 27 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing all the wildlife was absolutely incredible!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take waterproof clothing as it is law in Svalbard that you must wear this on the RIBs. Be prepared to be offline/out of range for periods of time whilst you are cruising, you can purchase wifi access but you go out of range pretty soon after leaving shore. Nybern is about half an hour walk from Longyearbyen (for booking accommodation either side of the cruise) so be prepared for a walk, it's not that arduous though. Pack your sense of adventure, this is an awesome trip!!!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly raised awareness with the guests who took notice of the litter and the of the animals who are suffering as a result of environmental changes. We were encouraged to take part in litter picking which I thought was good, there wasn't much opportunity to contribute to the local economy whilst on board as we didn't stop anywhere this could be possible, but staying in the town before and after obviously does offer the chance to shop locally and eat out in the town etc4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a holiday of a lifetime, I cannot give enough praise to the ship team - hospitality/catering was impeccable and the guides are out of this world - a stupendous team!!!! I was thrilled to receive a slide show at the end with the highlights of the trip, and the highly experienced expedition leader Sara was brilliant in how she adapted our excursions around conditions on the day. From Captain per through the guides, hotel and crew members the team are all amazing and they made the trip really special. I felt like I wasn't just another tourist being trawled around the trail; the enthusiasm and expertise are genuine and it's clear that the team all want visitors to experience the arctic landscape and wildlife to the full. I had the time of my life - I only hit home 7 hours ago and if I could go back tomorrow then I'd fling another handful of frozen pizzas at the family and get myself straight back over to Svalbard!! Thank you for recommending this trip - I loved it!Caroline Huxford review 24 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all perfect. The ship, the staff and the wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for Tromso airport. You have to get off the plane and go through border control both ways. Coming back, if you are staying in Oslo you have to also get your bags and check them back in.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Everything was done in consideration of conservation. We collected any rubbish found on beaches. The wildlife was the priority at all times.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding.Steve Bass review 16 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing wildlife - walruses, arctic fox, polar bear.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Weather and ocean conditions play a big part in this kind of travel. Be prepared for plans to change on a dime.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were on a ship that complies with all AECO guidelines4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exhausting, but wonderful.Carol Cronin review 20 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the wildlife in their natural environment. I saw a polar bear, lots of walruses, seals, reindeer and an arctic fox as well as a wide variety of birds.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do all the land activities and walks. They are organised to suit the vast majority of travellers. The guides are very knowledgeable and we saw a lot on the trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Plastic collections were carried out at the beaches we landed at and only smaller boats could land there. We were kept to established trails so we were not damaging tundra. Myself and the other people on the trip spent money in Ny Alesund and Longyearbyen from buying souvenirs, visiting museums, food and drinks and extra excursions.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent. It was really well organised and being on a smaller ship with around 100 passengers meant the stops were not overwhelmed with tourists. It also highlighted some of the damage from climate change that is impacting Svalbard.Holiday Reviews
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