It is an incredible experience to follow in the wake of the great Arctic explorers and to discover stunning scenery and the multitude of wildlife
while learning about the delicate ecosystem of the Arctic.

Informative evening discussions carried throughout the ship as both passengers and expedition staff compared their impressions of the day’s activities and sightings.

Our encounters ranged from witnessing polar bears mothering their fluffy young cubs, to strolling along walrus clad beaches to view them basking in nearly 24 hours of sunlight as pods of white Beluga passed by.

We glimpsed an Arctic fox sneaking along the bird shrouded cliffs as the nesters watched over their eggs, while Tern, Eider and Guillemot calls pierced the serene surroundings and reindeer foraged for sprouting tundra plants.

Envisioning the grandeur of glaciers clawing their way over the rugged peaks as fjords forced their way out of the dark and lustrous sea was impossible until I was there in person.

The thrill of being emerged in the Arctic environment onboard the M/V Plancius is one of my favorite travel experiences. Participating in the Spitsbergen Expedition exceeded every expectation.

Anybody who wants to go to Spitsbergen should call me so I can tell you what it was like!