Zeilendeschips.nl has stopped. We would like to thank all sailing guests for the trust!
For questions about existing bookings are we still available via email (info@zeilendeschepen.nl) and telephone (0517 20 10 23)
For questions about existing bookings are we still available via email (info@zeilendeschepen.nl) and telephone (0517 20 10 23)
Unfortunately, you can no longer book this sailing trip. View alternative sailing vacations or call (0517) 20 10 23.
Friday 02 June 2023 16: 00 t / m Monday 12 June 2023 9: 00
This trip focuses on the discovery of Spitsbergen by Willem Barentsz and the remarkable contribution that the Netherlands has made to the history of Spitsbergen since then. It will first lead you to the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, where Willem Barentsz was inspired to name the land he saw Spitsbergen, and to Smeerenburg, where Dutch whaling had its heyday. On the Isfjord you will visit the mining town of Barentsburg, named after Willem Barentsz, and make a landing at the former Dutch coal mine Rijpsburg
The trips in the Arctic Spring are one of the most beautiful and purest trips on the sailing ship Reade Swan. The landscape is still pristine white and because ice often floats in the fjords, there is a good chance that you will see polar bears, seals & walruses.
From the end of April you will experience the midnight sun in Spitsbergen, which means that there is 24 hours of daylight. The light is phenomenal in the mornings and evenings, making these trips ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
You will arrive at the small airport of Longyearbyen, located about 15 minutes drive from the center of the town. Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen and the world's northernmost inhabited city with over 1000 inhabitants. If you have the opportunity, a visit to the Spitsbergen Museum is an absolute must. Here you can delve into the history of the island, the coal mining industry, the wealth of unique Arctic animal species, scientific developments and the many polar expeditions. After the museum visit you can take a walk to the former mining town where you will find several shops with a collection of unique Arctic products and souvenirs. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which stores the global variety of agricultural crops, is also nearby.
The Reade Swan awaits you at the so-called 'floating pier' where you can embark from 16 pm. After a welcome from the captain, the mooring lines are released and you receive a comprehensive safety briefing from the crew. Afterwards you will enjoy a first delicious 3-course dinner on board, while the ship sets course for Trygghamna Bay, where it anchors for the night.
Day 2: Visit to seabird cliff Alkhornet
The first landing is at Trygghamna. Here one can see the remains of a 17th century whaling station. From here you can hike to the 428m high Alkhornet Cliff, which is home to some 10.000 pairs of different seabirds. After lunch on board, the crew heads for Grimaldibukta Bay.
Day 3: Bird Cliff Fuglehuken & the Gemstone Magdalena Fjord
In the morning the ship sails away from Grimaldibukta in a northerly direction to continue sailing in the Forlandsundet. Due to its shallow draft, the Reade Swan is one of the few ships that can navigate these waters. Weather permitting, the Reade Swan sails to Fuglehuken, the northernmost tip of Prince Karls Forlandet.
Day 4: Center of the Dutch whaling industry: Smeerenburg
Further north is the island of Amsterdam. After landing there will be an extensive lecture about whaling in Smeerenburg and the ship will go to Sallyhamna where it will anchor for the night.
Day 5: The Zeeuwsche uitkijck & 'Pointe mountains'
A landing near Ytre NorkskØya is planned today. You will follow the historic route to the 150 meter high peak of the island. When the ship sails south again to Virgohamna, you can clearly see why Willem Barentsz used the name Spitsbergen for the country he discovered.
Day 6: The glaciers of Kongsfjord and Krossfjord
The next morning the Reade Swan sails to the beautiful Kongfjord and Krossfjord with a beautiful view of the glacier "July 14". If possible, the crew will organize a landing on the Blomstrandhalvoya peninsula.
Day 7/8: Soviet-Style Ghost Town: Barentsburg
The next few days the route heads south, back to the Isfjord. If possible, a stop is made in the sheltered and beautiful bay of St. Johnsfjord. After an adventurous tour in the untouched nature of Spitsbergen, everyone has the opportunity to discover the landscape without the guidance of a guide with a rifle, as is necessary in most of Spitsbergen.
Day 9: Dutch coal mine Rijpsburg
In the morning there is a short walk through Barentsburg where the expedition leader shows the sights of the mining town. Once everyone is back on board, the journey continues to Borebukta. The captain will try to get as close to the northwest end as possible to view the steep glacial front of the Borebreen. Then it continues to the west side of the bay, near the Nansenbreen, where the ship anchors for the night.
Day 10: Sailing towards Longyearbyen
In the morning the crew organizes a final landing at Cape Bohemanflya. The rest of the day is used for sailing back to Longyearbyen.
Day 11: Last day
Unfortunately, the adventure through the Arctic landscape of Spitsbergen has come to an end. After a hearty breakfast, everyone is kindly requested to disembark at 09:00.
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availability, permissions and environmental issues as per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are planned at AECO before the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount in expedition cruises
Food allergies and dietary requirements
If you have dietary requirements or allergies, it is best to discuss this before booking. Often it is not a problem, but sometimes some cooperation is expected from the guests if special products have to be purchased, which will then have to be taken by the guests themselves, for example.
