Highlights of Spitsbergen vacation

Planet

One of the major benefits to traveling aboard one of these luxury expedition ships is the intimate size of the ships, allowing not only for a more authentic experience, but also to significantly limit the effects on the environment that can be caused by larger more imposing expedition ships.

The operator that we work with for this tour are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and will ensure that every effort necessary is made to protect the local flora and fauna. Strict guidelines for interaction with wildlife are stringently enforced. Giving distance and respect to nesting birds plus keeping specific distances within penguin colonies is particularly essential. By promoting a mutual respect between the tourists, the wildlife, the environment and the residents of the islands we believe that the area can continue to thrive and remain as untouched as it ever was.

The operator of this Arctic Expedition aims to reduce their carbon emissions per passenger by 10% through fleet improvements and changes in order to reduce our impact. Working with their supply chain to measure, report and reduce their emissions and aim to reuse or recycle 100% of waste on their expeditions vessels.

People

The operator is a leading expedition investor in outreach projects within the polar regions, working with a wide circumpolar network of scientists, community leaders, and sustainable innovators. With a goal to contribute a minimum of $500,000 USD each year through in-kind donations, expedition funding, and funds from passenger auctions in support of key polar environmental research, community engagement and sustainable development projects.

Nalunaiqsijiit, the Inuit Cruise Training Initiative, is a program dedicated to providing Nunavummiut with the qualifications and certifications required to work onboard expedition cruise ships, through in situ training and experience onboard ships. The operator has hosted two Nalunaiqsijiit interns onboard during the 2019 Arctic season, and have invited an additional four during the 2019/20 Antarctic Season.

As a company we are proud of our principle based values which our community can always depend on. We support several home and overseas charities, organisations and campaigns including AfriCat, Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Save the Albatross, South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project, Wader Trust, Wildlife SOS India and sponsorship of individual and underprivileged children in many countries. We are committed to ethically working with overseas partners who employ and support local communities and local guides who know and love their region like no other, delighted to share knowledge and are dedicated to looking after our valued passengers. Likewise, the operators of this tour are fully committed to their responsibilities to the local communities that their tours visit and also support a broad range of charities throughout the world. The utmost respect is given to all local cultures and the valuable cultural sites that you may visit on your trip. Strict guidelines will be in place when visiting any cultural sites and your expert tour guides will offer information along the way.