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Arrival to Longyearbyen, Capital of Svalbard – possibly the northernmost ‘real’ town in the world. Our vessel, the Ocean Albatros, is docked close to the town center. After boarding and a welcome drink, the Expedition Leader will provide information about the voyage, the ship's daily routines and the various security and safety procedures. Before sailing, there will be a mandatory safety drill. The Captain then takes the ship out of Advent Fjord and our Arctic adventure commences.
During the 'night' (what is night, when the sun never sets?), we have passed PrinsKarlsForland and have arrived in the magnificent Kongsfjord. Our visit to Svalbard is in the early summer and this is both the challenge and gift of this special voyage. Winter ice will possibly block the inner waters of many fjords, but this will give us the best opportunities to observe the omnipresent – but still elusive – polar bear, hunting for seals in its prime habitat. At this time of year, the migrating birds have just arrived. They are all eager to settle and feed to get the best start for the coming hectic summer months. Our first landing will be at Ny Ålesund. This settlement is in fact further north than Longyearbyen, making it THE northernmost town. But… is a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours a real town? You will have to judge for yourself. The setting is nice, the scientific projects are very interesting, and so is the town history. The captain will try to get docked alongside, so we can enjoy an easy walk through the area. In the afternoon, we continue further north into the fjord system, and depending on the ice situation, we may do a Zodiac cruise along the Lilliehöök Glacier front… or enjoy a lecture.
We have now entered North West Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a cruise in Danskergattet, looking for seals in Virgohamna, before crossing from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya to make a landing at Smeerenburg, the legendary whaling town of 17th century. 200-plus men were living – and quite often dying – here in the heyday of blubber production.There are several interesting places to visit in this northwestern corner of Spitsbergen. If conditions allow we’ll make a landing on YtreNorskøya, where whalers would have their lookout posts.
During the night we head to Wood Fjord and its branch, the Liefde Fjord. Our plan is to embark on a cruise along the broad glacier front of Monacobreen. This gives a unique insight of the glacial forces and the unlimited forms of icebergs. The ice front is named after Albert I of Monaco, who was a major sponsor of Svalbard research. During the afternoon the ship will steer far north towards the edge of the polar pack ice. How far north only time and weather will tell, but the main target for us is just the ‘edge’, possibly at 80 degrees north! This is the kingdom of the polar bear! As the pack ice retreats during summer, polar bears ride the floes north, as this is where their prey - the seals - resides. Bears who for unfortunate reasons do not ‘catch’ the ice moving north, are stranded on Svalbard all summer, and will have to sustain on berries, eggs and whatever whale cadavers they can find. A hard life indeed! At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Hinlopen Strait that divides Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
In the morning we arrive and cruise slowly by the famous Alkefjellet. If the weather is on “our side” we will have a good view of the steep cliffs. The whole area is home to a dense congregation of Brünichs guillemots. There is so many of the birds, that hardly an inch is free. During the summer the breeding pairs offer a wild view of frantic activity, both along the cliffs and in the sea in front. More wildlife awaits us as we land at the polar desert landscapes of Torrelnesset. The beach here is home to a host of walruses that lay amongst each other. They feed on the clams and any other molluscs that they can find in the shallows of Svalbard’s waters.
The main issue that can halt a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is the ice situation along Hinlopen Strait. If the ice is passable, we can make it through the southern edge of the Strait and cruise through Freemansundet that separates Barentsøya and Edgeøya. We enjoy the views of the massive Kapp Lee on our way and pass through into Storfjorden. We plan to make a Zodiac landing along Edgeøya’s coast. Edgeøya is the third largest island in Svalbard with an area of more than 5000 square kilometers. During the night we will cross the southernmost part of Svalbard, called Sørkapp. From here we will continue our way up the western coast.
Now that we have passed the southern edge of Spitsbergen, we arrive at the entrance to Hornsund. We will be able to see buildings around Isbjørnhamna on the northern shore. This is a polish research station, that has been here since 1957. Here research subjects are: geophysics, seismics, meteorology and the ionosphere. The work relationship between the polish researchers and the Norwegian polar institute is very good, which secures the future of the station (as long as funding continues).
The fjord is almost 30 kilometers long and many call it the most beautiful, with many glaciers that calve into the waters as well as towering mountains along the shores. The mountaintops are most often covered by dense clouds and East-Spitsbergen current often leads pack ice into the fjords mouth. In other words, we are guests in a very impressive show that unfolds before us.
The west coast enjoys the warmer water coming up through the Atlantic, so winter ice should now have melted. This allows us to enter the southern fjord of Bellsund on this last full day of exploration. Bellsund has some of the richest coal layers in Svalbard, and Svea Mine, far into the fjord, was formerly one of the biggest communities on the island. But prices went down, and the coal mine is currently being dismantled. We will stay in the fjord entrance and make landings at the Vårsol Bay. The biggest attraction here is the little auk cliff. Tundra is richly fertilized by hundreds of thousands of little auks, which the Svalbard reindeer love to graze. We will go for a nice walk along the beach – and spot remains from early industrial eras. During lunch, we’ll cross the fjord along the 4 km long (but quite narrow) island of Akseloya. We will make a Zodiac landing at Calypsobyen in Recherche Fjord. Coal was extracted here in the early 1900s, but the enterprise never attained full production. Today, Calypsobyen offers an exciting landing that gives visitors a glimpse of the era of Neo-Industrialism, when all opportunities for profit were tried out. A pleasant walk can be made on the tundra behind the buildings.
During the night we have entered Forlandssundet, that separates Prince KarlsForland from Spitsbergen. Our destination is Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. After the visit, we are southbound towards the entrance to the Isfjorden. On our way towards Longyearbyen, we hope to get our last glimpses of wildlife as well as the truly unique landscapes of Svalbard.
Early in the morning the ship has returned to our starting point in Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembarkation will take place. Transfer is arranged to the airport.
TOUR COST: Per person US Dollars rates based on sharing cabin
| Ocean Albatros Ship | CABIN-F Triple Porthole Room |
CABIN-D Double Porthole Room |
CABIN-E Double Balcony Room |
CABIN-C Double Balcony Room |
CABIN-B2 Double Balcony Suite |
CABIN-G Single Porthole Room |
CABIN-B1 Double Balcony Suite |
CABIN-A Double Junior Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Sq. M | 22 Sq. M | 16 Sq. M | 24 Sq. M | 28 Sq. M | 14 Sq. M | 35 Sq. M | 42 Sq. M | |
| June 22, 2023 | 6290 | 7990 | 8290 | 8990 | 9990 | 9490 | 11490 | 13490 |
| Jul 01, 2023 | 6490 | 8290 | 8490 | 9290 | 10490 | 9790 | 11990 | 13990 |
| Jul 10, 2023 | 6690 | 8490 | 8790 | 9590 | 10690 | 9990 | 12490 | 14490 |
Due to popular demand, the cabins are subject to availability. Booking will be accepted on First Come First Served Basis. Please check with Pollina Tours availability of space.
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Victory is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and spacious bathroom with bathtub. Located on deck. 4.
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Victory have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Ocean Victory has 2 Balcony Suites on board located on Deck 4. The suites feature double or twin beds, a seating area, bathroom and a large private balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Ocean Victory has 4 Balcony Suites on board located on deck 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom and private balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
The most abundant type of stateroom on Ocean Victory, the Balcony State Staterooms are located in decks 4 & 6. They have a private balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility under this category.
The standard stateroom on Ocean Victory is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the zodiacs. The staterooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Victory. The standard staterooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and bathroom. The staterooms are located on deck 3 except for 1 which is located on deck 4.
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
There are four Triple staterooms on board Ocean Victory featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Standard single stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located stateroom close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures on the Zodiacs.
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Albatros is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.
The vessel is part of a brand-new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Hotel accommodation in Oslo, Travel insurance, any international airfare, Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, Single room supplement, Meals not on board the ship, Beverages (other than coffee and tea), Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day), Personal expense, anything not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
We require 25% deposit per personat the time of booking. The second payment of 25% will due before at least 180 days before departure. The Third payment of 25% will be due before 150 days before departure and the final remaining balance payment will be due 120 days before departure. Please make check payable to the Tour Operator POLLINA TOURS AND TRAVEL, INC.
Once booked, the Tour involves a cancellation penalty if it is cancelled by you for any reason or for any circumstances beyond the control of Pollina Tours & Travel, Inc, its agents, and its service providers. We highly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance policy from the travel insurance company of your choice, covering all eventualities including, but not limited to, trip delay, trip cancellation, medical evacuation, illness, disease, death, accident etc that can protect yourself from cancellation penalties, in case the tour is cancelled by you or due to circumstances beyond the control of Pollina Tours, its agents, or service providers. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellation made 180 days before departure.A 25% cancellation fee of the total tour cost per person will be charged for any cancellation made between 179-150 days of departure. A 50% cancellation fee on total tour cost will be charged for any cancellation made between 149-120 days before departure. A 75% cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellation made between 119 – 90 days before departure. A100% cancellation penalty will be charged if tour is cancelled between 89 days to departure date. It is mandatory for passenger to make all cancellations in writing, stating the reason for cancellation and same must be received in our office. Most refunds generally take 6-8 weeks to process.
It is the sole responsibility of each passenger/tourist to obtain and verify that all of their travel documents, such as passport, visa, and airline tickets, vaccination requirements etc are in order and meets the guidelines to embark on the trip.
You must consult with your physician every important aspect of your health-related issues, including sea-sickness, vaccinations such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, malaria prophylaxis etc. to ensure that you are in good health to engage in overseas travel. In addition, ouare expected to carry your own regular medications, which may not be available aboard. The vessel carries a qualified physician and has a limited infirmary with basic medications and equipment. Passengers are further advised that medical evacuation, if available, is expensive, and we strongly recommend you acquire medical insurance that would reimburse you for this cost. Please note, the locations being traveled in are very remote, and in the areas where Medevacs (Medical Evacuations) are possible, it might take up to 2 days to be reached. In some other areas - such as South Georgia - Medevacs are impossible, as the area is out of the range of helicopters and/or does not have landing strips.A mandatory Medical Questionnaire Form, duly filled in by each passenger is required by the Cruise company. Please note: all our overseas tours require considerable walking and driving, sometimes on uneven, dusty and bumpy road conditions. You may also need to take stairs and inclines during the tour. No individual assistance to passengers requiring wheelchair can be provided, as many places may not be wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for the physically handicapped. For Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or via the CDC’s Internet site, at www.cdc.gov/travel. For information and health guidelines about outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID 19 and other disease abroad, please consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) official website. All passengers are personally responsible to ensure that they are medically fit to travel.
POLLINA TOURS makes the booking of the hotel room in the specified hotel in “Standard” twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms or “Standard” double bedded (one double bed) room with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgraded room category. Special requests, such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis.
POLLINA TOURS make the reservation for the Meals arrangements at the hotel/cruise ships or local restaurants based on their Buffet or Set Meal menu basis policy. All efforts are made to offer sumptuous Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian menu choice to the Group members. However, Pollina Tours cannot make multiple meal menu request based on each group members’ individual request, personal taste, likes and dislikes. No Special Dietary request can be guaranteed.
POLLINA TOURS makes the booking with the Group Department of the airline, which means all the group members must travel together to and from a common gateway, as one Group. The Group tickets are lower fare tickets and carry restrictions. The tickets are nonrefundable, non-transferrable, non–re-routable, and non-endorsable. Policies governing seat assignments for groups vary greatly by airline. Most airlines currently offer preferred seating, a system which allows them to charge additional fees for preferable seats. As a result, many seats displayed on airline seat maps are set aside for clients willing to pay additional fees for them. Some seats may only be accessible at airport check-in. Specific Seat assignments preferences are not guaranteed by Pollina Tours. Loss of assignments may occur, at any time, due to airline schedule changes, or even as a result of individual passengers making changes directly with airlines on their group seat assignments. In many cases, airlines will not assign seats for groups until the group booking is closed for ticketing usually 30 days prior to departure. At this time, Pollina Tours will do all possible to seat passengers together and in the best available seats. However, it may not be possible for Pollina Tours to assign seats of each passenger's personal choice. Once assigned, typically seats may only be changed, subject to availability, at airport check-in. Airline reservation agents are often prohibited from assisting with seat requests for Group Reservations from individual passengers.
Pollina Tours makes the booking on board the cruise ship in the cabins mentioned in the chart above with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgraded cabin category. Special requests, such as bed types, upgrades to higher category, smoking preference and adjacent rooms are subject to availability.
Pollina Tours & Travel, Inc. and/or their agents give notice that all tickets, vouchers and the coupons issued by them and all arrangements for transportation or for conveyance/hotel accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, etc, made by them, as AGENTS of the passenger upon the express condition that they shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss , accident, death, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason or defect of any vehicle, or through the act or default of any person or company engaged in conveying or housing the passengers or in connection therewith, or of any hotel proprietor or employee. Pollina Tour and/ or their agents can accept no responsibility for cancellation penalties or losses or incidental expenses due to delay or change in schedules of airline, rail, motor coach, cruise or any transportation companies etc, hotel overbooking or default, sickness, injury, death, weather, strike, political or social unrest, disease, epidemic, pandemic, terrorism, natural calamities, quarantine or any other causes beyond the control of Pollina Tours & Travel, its agents and suppliers of services. All such losses or incidental expenses will have to be borne by the passengers. Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the tour. Obtaining a suitable travel insurance policy to cover the medical and non-medical eventualities from any Travel Insurance company of your choice is solely the responsibility of each passenger/tourist booked on our tour. Pollina Tours & Travel reserves the right to accept or reject any person as tour participants, to expel any tour participants from the tour, to make changes in the itinerary whenever the company deems it is necessary for the comfort, safety and convenience of the participants or their agents/service providers. Although, all safety measures are taken by our suppliers to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe tour. However, our Service provider will require you to sign their responsibility form to not hold them responsible for any injury, accident, death, etc, caused to you during any adventure tourism activities, jungle safari, etc. which is beyond their control. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. The transportation, airlines, rail, cruise, ferry companies, etc, concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time passengers are not on board their carriers and conveyance. The passenger’s contract in use by the airline carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation company and the purchaser of the Tour(s) and/or passengers. Typically, check- in time at the hotels is 3:00 PM and check out time is 12 noon. Sequence of the itinerary is subject to change, due to circumstances beyond our control. The itineraries published are for reference only and are subject to change due to weather and ice conditions, or due to any other reason beyond our control, at the Master's and Expedition Leader's discretion without prior notice. Passengers have no right to any refund, any other consideration or claim whatsoever in the event of inevitable itinerary changes.The passenger must sign a passenger contract which constitutes the sole contract and his/her agreement to all the terms and conditions relative to the cruise. By accepting the cruise ticket, the passenger also agrees to its terms & conditions. For complete terms and conditions of the cruise ship, please visit their website www.albatros-expeditions.com/terms-conditions
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, Ocean Albatros has excellent public areas, such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ship is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
Essential for expedition cruises, Zodiacs are robust boats that can go up on a beach, a rocky outcrop, a river bank or even an ice floe push through bergy bits of ice floating in the water. This is definitely one on the assets that distinguishes this way of exploring from more conventional cruises.Zodiacs enable our guests to explore the scenery from a very different perspective. They allow us to safely do landings in wild places with no infrastructure, often before or after a landing or as the main excursion. They allow us to take our guests to interesting places just around the corner or around an iceberg, which is a great way to get really near wildlife or to watch the ice formations up close, take unimaginable photographs and feel a closer connection to the nature in the area. Most of the zodiac operations are planned in advance, but they can also be used spontaneously if we discover some unique sightings on our way. If you can negotiate normal stairs, you can also can get in and out of a Zodiac. In the gangway we have strong seamen that will give you a firm and helping hand. On shore you will also get the help when needed. It’s important to keep both hands free, so you can accept the provided support. Sitting on the boat, you just need to hold on to the rope and enjoy the fresh Polar air end the scenery.
Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship’s bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the master or our expedition leader.
Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meal to room only for serious cases of guest being sick. Our suites will have VIP services.
One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Albatros’s fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber “Zodiac” boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.
The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear.
Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps.
At the time of embarkation, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should always have with you. This card is used on board as payment instrument (except in the onboard shop), key card and identity card. All on board purchases from the bar, telephone, laundry, and the like are charged to your shipboard account.
To activate your personal cruise card account, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. Alternately, you can deposit cash (US$ or EUR/exchange rate US$-EUR). At the end of the voyage, your account will be settled by the payment methods mentioned above.
There is no currency exchange office onboard the vessel. Onboard payment will be completed by your cruise card. For stays ashore during the cruise, we recommend changing minimal amount of the local currency in small bills, as most of the ports and airports have exchange offices. Alternatively, lots of shops and restaurants accept international credit cards. In bigger ports and cities, you have the possibility to withdraw cash from ATM’s.
If you choose to leave gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account. This account can be activated with a major credit card. Be sure to contact your credit card regarding provider regarding use of your credit cards overseas. Any questions regarding the bill can be addressed by the ship’s hotel manager.
Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, a recommended amount is approximately 13.5 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary.If you choose to leave gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account.
The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style.For specific packing recommendations, refer to the specific itinerary of interest.
As a tour operator for cruises in the Polar Regions, which are some of the world’s most pristine environments, we extremely emphasize environmental awareness as well as sustainability. One of our top priorities is to protect the environment and minimize our CO2-emissions. All waste will remain onboard the vessel until we return to shore and it’s possible to dispose of waste.We ask that you show a deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your state room. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off.
The official language aboard our vessels is English; however, our expedition leaders and crew are knowledgeable in a variety of languages. If there is a large group, who desires communication in their own language, we will make special arrangements to accommodate their needs.
Each passenger is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the Ocean Albatros. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination. Although some countries may require shorter periods, we implement this 6-month prerequisite to avoid situations where a country’s validity requirements may be amended between the time of your booking and departure. The name in your passport must be identical to the name in all travel documentation. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents are the responsibility of the passenger.
Please note that passports will be collected for clearing formalities at the beginning of the voyage. The passports will be kept safely by the crew during the whole voyage and will be handed out on the last day. We therefore recommend preparing copies of all documents before tour start.
The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00.
The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects are also sold.
Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance.
Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. Please be aware that the ship does not provide wheelchair accessible state rooms.
Due to safety reasons a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate.
Our ships comply with all safety regulations and are ice-class vessels suitable for sailing in polar environments. Upon arrival to the vessel, there will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure. We will provide security information, practical details regarding life onboard and introduce key personnel. You will be informed where the safety equipment is located and how it is used. Each state room is equipped with lifejackets. Once onboard, please familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency rescue plan.
Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by Zodiac can be denied by the expedition leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the expedition leader must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs.
The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
For safety reasons and to protect the health of our guests and employees, smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the outside decks. Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel, in the stateroom or near the Zodiacs. Please remember to respect our natural environments and dispose of cigarette butts in designated bins.
All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible – ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship.
The ship has a 220v / 50 Hz cycle system. Please check your appliances before use. 110-volt appliances require an adapter prior to use aboard the ship. The electrical outlets on board Ocean Albatros are the so called ‘F-type sockets’, round 2-pin, 220-240 V, grounded, used in continental Europe and Russia. They take C, E, and F-type 2-pin plugs.
There are several water stations onboard Ocean Albatros. Normally, water is not rationed, but we do advise our guests to pay attention to their water consumption.
If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee.
The Expedition Leader will conduct regularly scheduled briefings to highlight key points in the itinerary, organize excursions and communicate important information.
Due to safety precautions, children under 12 years of age will be taken into consideration on each landing. It is entirely at the Expedition Leader’s discretion to permit children on excursions and shore landings.
As this is an expedition cruise to the world’s most remote region, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. We have planned itineraries for each tour package, but to ensure to safety of our guests and crew, we may be forced to change the route.
When ashore, it is very important to show a deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. We also ask that you remain together with your group, as we are truly in the wild and must remain extra vigilant of the wildlife and weather conditions around us. Walking around independently is strictly prohibited. It is essential to abide the strictly communicated safety rules
Destinations : Expedition cruise to the Arctic
Destinations : Expedition cruise to the Arctic Islands
Destinations : Expedition cruise to the Arctic- Svalbard Circumnavigation
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