Heading north, you cross the open sea and follow the ocean currents that form part of the Thermohaline Circulation (more commonly known as the global conveyor
belt), you have an opportunity to enjoy a series of lectures on a wide range of climatic and natural themes. Following the warmer waters of the equatorial Atlantic as they head north towards the cooler polar regions, we are party to a phenomenon that is ofimmense importance to  the global climate and the worldwide changes in temperature.

The closest land mass to Jan Mayen Island is Iceland, located some 600 kilometres to the southwest. Without doubt Norway’s most secluded piece of real estate, Jan Mayen rarely sees visitors of any kind, making today’s visit a real experience of a lifetime. The crew of the MS Fram and our resident expedition team will endeavour to do their utmost to facilitate a landing on this remote outpost.

A day at sea affords an opportunity to refl ect on yesterday’s incredible experiences and anticipate the highlights that await you in Spitsbergen. A series of lectures and discussions on seabirds and marine mammals will help to highlight the rich diversity of these waters, whilst a chance to learn a little more about Spitsbergen itself will illustrate why the region has become such a strong global thermometer in the ongoing debate about climate change.

An Arctic outpost that has embraced some of the modern comforts of the outside world, Longyearbyen is at the centre of the struggle to find a compatible balance between man and nature. The University Centre is the northernmost institute of higher education anywhere on Earth, with its core research focusing on the natural sciences.

One of the university’s most prestigious projects is an attempt to find a viable method of storing CO2 in the geological layers that lie beneath the permafrost, a far reaching vision that will ultimately make Longyearbyen climate neutral.

Situated at 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is one of the world’s most northerly permanently occupied communities and an important field station for climatologists. Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will attempt to cross the 80th parallel today, so keep your eyes open for walrus, whales and polar bears.

Isfjorden is the largest fjord complex in Spitsbergen, almost slicing the island in half. Sailing into the fjord this morning, you are presented with the spectacular site of towering cliffs that lie beneath a moving blanket of seabirds. This afternoon there is a fitting finale for your incredible journey, a landing along the shores of the fjord to enjoy a polar barbeque on the deck of the MS Fram.

As you sail into Longyearbyen today your journey, sadly, must end. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo.

International flights (see details below)
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional excursions & gratuities

Price includes:
Flights in economy class from London Heathrow to
Reykjavik with return from Oslo including current taxes and charges