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General
Each evening you will receive the next day program including mealtimes, and
excursions. As you sail, you are invited to the navigation bridge, which
offers an excellent vantage point for spotting birds, marine mammals, and
icebergs. The staff will be present to help you identify the various species
you encounter.
The Staff that will guide you through your adventure were selected because
of their knowledge, experience, and passion for the region. Many of these
men and women return each year, always finding new elements to get excited
about and share with passengers. Among the staff you will find explorers,
naturalists, historians, biologists, and geologists.
Announcements
There is frequently a need for the staff and officers of the ship to
communicate with passengers. Announcements regarding items like daily
itineraries, wildlife sightings, and weather changes are conveyed over the
Public Address System. Please be sure to pay attention to these brief
announcements as they may contain information that is important for your
safety and enjoyment on the cruise. There will be times that announcements
are also translated into other languages and we request that you remain
quiet so that everyone has an opportunity to hear the information.
Briefings-and-Recaps
We will give you as much notice as possible about scheduled landings and
excursions planned for the coming days. Your Expedition Leader will schedule
briefing meetings as needed to update you on weather and ice conditions, and
upcoming destinations.
So much of what you will encounter on your adventure will be new and there
is no way to predict what delights Mother Nature will put before you on any
given day. Informal recap sessions will be held to allow passengers and
staff to discuss the events of the day. As everyone shares his or her
experiences, usually just prior to dinner, the conversation is entertaining
and exceptionally informative.
Bridge-Visits
The ship's bridge provides a superior location from which to view wildlife.
Due to new rules from Norwegian Marine Authorities for 2004, it is somewhat
uncertain whether are allowed to visit the bridge. There may be times that
the bridge is closed, generally for reasons of safety during rough weather
or when the ship is in port. Please check with the officer on watch if you
need confirmation as to whether the bridge is open.
Climate-Control
The cabins have climate control system. As well, some of the cabins on
C-deck have portholes that can be opened for fresh air. Because of the
changeability of the weather, please do not leave porthole open when leaving
your cabin. You can control the warm airflow into the cabin by adjusting the
valve.
Communications
The ship is equipped with a satellite telephone (for emergency calls only).
Note that although calls to and from the ship are usually reliable and
remarkably clear, they are expensive, running about EUR/US$6 per minute.
There are certain latitudes where such communication may not be available.
Likewise, the Bridge Duty Officer will answer all incoming calls.
Credit-Cards
Toward the end of your journey, you may settle your shipboard account with
Visa, AmEx, MasterCard or Diners (or NOK in cash). This includes your bar
tab. All prices onboard MS ”Nordstjernen” are in NOK (Norwegian kroner).
Disembarkation
On Mondays disembarkation is
scheduled when MS “Norstjernen“ arrives Longyearbyen at 0200. Most
passengers depart with the early morning flight SK4497 leaving Longyearbyen
at 0440 (direct flight to Oslo) or SK4493 at 0505 (to Tromsø). Spitsbergen
Travel provides transfer from harbour to airport for these flights.
Passengers leaving with afternoon flight SK4457 (leaving Longyearbyen at
1455) may keep the cabin until 0800 in the morning, and will then have
transfer from harbour to Spitsbergen Hotel where they can buy breakfast
(this is not included this last morning on board as the cruise ends in the
night), and leave the luggage. Then for departure they may use the airport
bus leaving the hotel 1,5 hours before departure. Airport bus cost NOK 40 pr
person (pay cash to the driver).
On Thursday disembarkation is at 1000, immediately after arriving
Longyearbyen. Passengers then follow the program with sightseeing and check
in at Spitsbergen Hotel, and then dinner later in the afternoon. Spitsbergen
Travel offers transfer for those departing Fridays with SK4497 to Oslo at
0440 or SK4493 to Tromsø at 0505. Those leaving with afternoon flight SK4457
to Tromsø and Oslo can use the airport bus from hotel to airport (as well as
those having additional accommodation).
From airport to Spitsbergen Hotel it is about 5 km. The harbour is halfway
between the airport and the hotel.
Electric-Current
The electrical supply aboard ship is 220 volt. You may need an international
adapter for your particular equipment.
Elevator
There is no elevator aboard the ship.
Gratuities
To simplify the tipping process, gratuities are made as a blanket
contribution at the end of the voyage, and then divided among the crew. The
Expedition Leader will give you more details during the disembarkation
briefing.
Please note that tipping is a
personal matter and you are encouraged to use your discretion as to the
amount you contribute. You may offer your gratuity in cash or charge it to
your ship account.
Laundry
Laundry service is NOT available,
Lifeboat-Drill
International law requires that within 24 hours of sailing you participate
in an emergency drill. When you embark, please take a moment to locate the
life vest in your cabin and take note of where your lifeboat and muster
station is located. During the mandatory lifeboat drill, the safety officer
will brief you. You will then be instructed to don your life jacket and
report to your muster station.
Meals
Included in your trip are all meals during the cruise. Table water is also
included. Breakfast – buffet,
Lunch – luncheon buffet with warm and cold dishes Dinner – Three course
dinner,
Medical-Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase special travel insurance that will
reimburse you for the cost of emergency medical services and evacuation,
which can be prohibitively expensive in remote areas. It is essential that
you bring your personal medication with you on this trip.
Mobile-phones
Mobile phones (GSM) can be used
in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg only. There is no coverage for mobile phones
during the voyage at sea.
Money
Be sure to check the expiration dates on all credit cards you plan to take
with you on your trip. Make certain the cards are signed on the back. Take
note of the emergency services that come with the card, most particularly
personal check cashing. A pocket calculator will also be helpful, especially
for money conversions.
Passport/ID-card
Passports are required and must be valid for at least six months beyond your
departure date. If you do not have a valid passport, apply for it early.
Your passport will be kept aboard ship or in the hotel safe.
Safety-at-Sea
Your safety is our utmost concern. While on the ship we urge your
cooperation in following these important guidelines:
* Do not throw anything overboard
* When entering your cabin, turn on a light
* Wear non-slip shoes, walk slowly and carefully, and use handrails when
walking on outer decks - they may be icy.
* Brace yourself wherever
possible as the ship may move suddenly * During rough weather, avoid large
open areas with nothing to hold onto
* Hold handrails as you move
through passageways and stairways.
* Be sure that items in your
cabin are secured and will not fall with the ship's movement.
* Keep doors latched securely. Do
not hold a door by its frame; use door handles only.
Sea-Sickness
Anticipate some rough water on the voyage. If you are prone to motion or
seasickness, please consult with your physician on which medication is
appropriate. We recommend you try out the medication first on dry land.
Remember to take your medication early. Once you start to experience motion
sickness, medications are of little help. To lessen the effects of motion
sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. You
might feel better lying down with your eyes shut or sitting on deck looking
at the horizon. Food, like crackers or dry toast, can also help.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside, only in designated outside areas.
Time
We use a 24-hour clock on the ship. Hours are numbered from 1 to 24.
Therefore, if a lecture is scheduled for 3:30 P.M., the daily program will
list it at 1530. If you are communicating via phone outside the ship, please
check with the bridge or duty officer to determine the local time at the
location you are calling.
TENDER BOAT GUIDELINES
Our means of transportation from ship to shore will be Polar Circle Tender
Boats. They are very safe and we are able to bring the passengers right onto
the landing beaches, although you often have to wade through shallow water
in order to get to shore. During the orientation briefings when you first
board the ship, you will receive complete instructions and information about
the proper mode of dress and how to enter and exit the boats. Tender boat
excursion Procedure:
• Prior to each landing, there will be a briefing to acquaint you with the
wildlife, terrain, and shore activities you can expect, as well as the
proper dress to ensure your safety and comfort.
• When departure is about to begin, an announcement will be made over the
public address system. Please listen carefully as there will be important
information about weather conditions, the order of
disembarkation, and
other pertinent details.
• Do not go to the disembarkation area until your group is called.
• Smoking is NEVER permitted when you are in or near the boats
• You must wear your life jacket at all times while you are in the boat
• Please place all equipment that you are taking ashore, including cameras,
binoculars, etc., in a daypack so that both hands are free when you enter
and exit the boat. Larger hand-carried items may be
handed to the crew
for transfer to and from the boat. We suggest that cameras be protected with
a waterproof covering to shield them against sea-spray.
• When the staff member in charge at the disembarkation area indicates that
it is your turn to board, move quickly into the boar using the assistance
offered by the crew. Never jump into the boat. There will
be times when the
swell causes the boat to rise and fall in relation to the platform, so
follow all instructions.
• Use the "sailor's grip" - meaning that you and the helper each grab the
other's forearm - to ensure that your entry and exit from the boat is smooth
and safe. This technique will be taught to you as part of
your orientation.
• Once you are in the boat, sit down immediately and slide toward the stern.
Do not stand.
• The driver is experienced in the safe use of the Tender boats, even in
rough conditions. Therefore, it is essential that you pay careful attention
to all instructions.
• Sometimes a group is fortunate enough to have a close encounter with a
seal in the water or on the ice. The driver will maneuver the boat to allow
you to get the best views and photographs possible.
Please do not stand up
without the driver's permission. Sometimes, the best shots are taken from a
kneeling position, with your arms braced on the pontoon.
• On occasion the engine may stall. This is not uncommon and there is no
cause for alarm. Most often, the driver is able to restart the engine in a
short time. Just remain calm and wait for further instructions.
Note that the driver
is also in contact with the ship via a VHF radio, and there are oars as part
of the boat's equipment. Please do not attempt to help unless asked to by
the driver.
• When you have reached the landing site, everyone will exit the boat in
turn. Ease yourself down, never jump, as the water may be deeper than you
anticipated.
• There will generally be a staff member to help you from the boat to the
beach. The landing area may be slippery from ice or algae, and no one of any
age or physical ability should be too proud to accept
some assistance. It
would be foolish to jeopardize the rest of your trip because you refused a
little help.
• Please arrive back at the landing site promptly at the specified time to
re-board the Tender boat for the return to the ship. There may be a
continuous shuttle between the beach and ship so that you can
return at your
leisure, but we request that at the conclusion of the landing excursion you
do not keep your fellow passengers waiting.
• If you hear the ship's horn while you are ashore, please return to the
landing site immediately. This signal indicates that weather conditions are
changing and it is necessary to return to the ship at once.
• When you have re-boarded the ship, please wash your boots thoroughly to
avoid the accidental transfer of seeds or organisms from one landing site to
another. Your cabin will also remain cleaner and
sweeter smelling if
you follow this ritual after each landing
PHOTOGRAPHIC HINTS
Hints for tender boats travel (ship to shore)
When going ashore, place your camera and gear in a plastic bag inside a
small backpack. You will need your hands free to enter the zodiac. You may
also want to keep a small camera inside your jacket
Dealing-with-the-elements
A cold camera kept in a waterproof case or sealed plastic bag will not
develop condensation once brought into a warm environment. Be sure to have
an ultraviolet (UV) or skylight filter to protect expensive lenses from dust
and damage. Remember to bring extra batteries in cold destinations as the
cold may drain them more quickly.
What-kind-of-camera-should-I-bring?
We recommend that you bring a camera that you know well and have worked with
before. If you have new equipment, experiment with it before the trip. If
you are not a dedicated or advanced photographer, you can still get
wonderful shots using a "point and shoot" camera. Simply be sure you hold
the camera quite still. There is a wide range of automatic cameras available
many of which are lightweight and have high quality lenses built in. For the
more serious photographer, a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera will provide
the option of changing lenses to get different types of shots. Many people
will bring an SLR camera and a "point and shoot" camera, the latter for
quick snapshots or a back up should your main camera fail. A newer option is
the digital camera that takes photos that can be downloaded to your computer
and even sent across the Internet on your home page.
What-is-the-best-type-of-film-to-take-along-on-the-trip?
With conventional cameras you can elect to takes prints or slides. Prints
can be made from your slides, but that can be expensive. When selecting what
speed film to purchase, you may want to experiment to see what produces the
best results with your camera. The lower speeds tend to work best in bright
daytime light. Higher speed films, like 200 and 400, work better in lower
lighting conditions. Most professional photographers use lower speed film
and switch to higher speeds only when the light is dim and no other film
will work. With a range of possible light conditions, from bright sunshine
to dark, overcast skies; you may want to bring a variety of film speeds for
every eventuality.
Check with your local photo shop to see what new films have been introduced
to the marketplace. Talk to them about your destination and get their
recommendation for your specific camera.
What-kind-of-lenses-do-I-need?
"Point and shoot" cameras have a fixed or zoom lens that ranges 35 mm to 135
mm. For SLR cameras that give the option of changing lenses, a 50 mm lens is
an excellent one to start with. In addition, you may want to bring a
wide-angle lens (35 mm or less) and a telephoto zoom to capture wildlife
that is some distance away. We suggest a zoom range of 80 to 200 or 300 mm
or 28 to 200mm. Longer lenses used with a tripod, although heavy to carry
around, will give you highly detailed images of wildlife (i.e. a 300 to 400
mm lens). A telephoto lens is helpful since there are restrictions about how
close you can get to the wildlife. A wide angle lens will assist you in
capturing the full panorama of the landscape.
Do-I-need-a-tripod?
Although not entirely necessary, if you want the finest quality pictures you
will use a tripod. Holding the camera as still as you can on a tripod
becomes particularly important when using a telephoto lens and slower speed
film to capture wildlife. Landscape photography using a tripod allows you to
give more consideration to your depth of field and to use higher f-stops,
which will create images that have both the foreground and background in
focus. Will I need filters? If you are going to choose one filter, it should
be a polarizing filter that fits on the end of the lens. When you polarize
the light you remove the glare caused by the water, resulting in bluer skies
and whiter clouds. Keep in mind, however, that a polarizing filter will
reduce the amount of light that strikes your lens.
To protect SLR lenses, be sure to have UV (skylight) filters to prevent
costly scratches; it's much easier and less expensive to replace a UV
filter. What kind of covering will protect my camera from sea spray and
rain? Seawater, with its high salt content, can be very damaging to cameras.
Your local camera store should be able to provide you with a yellow float
bag or a special waterproof case that will keep your camera safe as you
travel in the tender boats. These containers not only keep sea spray and
rain off your camera but, if they fall in the water, they will also float.
Some people use a plastic bag, but that can be unreliable. The best
protection can be found in plastic hard cases that have foam padding. They
offer the additional advantage of easy transport aboard an airplane.
Should-I-bring-a-special-camera-case?
For small "point and shoot" cameras, the small pouch case it came with is
probably all you will need, along with some waterproof protection for the
camera and extra film when it is packed in your daypack. Larger SLR cameras
may require a padded case to protect extra lenses and the flash attachment.
Be sure to include extra batteries, film, lens caps, and tissues to clean
the lenses.
Are-there-suggestions-for-taking-the-best-photographs-during-our-trip?
Keep in mind that you will be traveling to some of the most scenic and
remote places on Earth. There will be no end of possible subject matter,
from the wildlife to the terrain and even your fellow shipmates. Even the
most amateur photographer will go home with pictures that will elicit
"ooohs" and "aaahs" from friends and family.
More specifically:
• Know your camera equipment. After you've embarked on your trip is not the
time to learn about your camera.
Read the instruction
manual at home and be ready to take pictures the moment you begin your
voyage.
• Set your camera in the mid-range (f/8) to allow all parts of a sunny
landscape to be in focus.
• Consider your composition as you look through the lens. Does it look like
a painting that would capture your interest?
• When you shoot, hold the camera very still.
• If you have an SLR camera, be sure to use the right lens to do the job.
• The closer your subject, the more of a story your picture will tell.
• Include only the background elements that are relevant to your subject.
• Try to capture unique behavior, whether by animals or people.
• Fill-flash, used gently, can help is there is a lot of contrast between
your subject and its background.
• When shooting in bright while snow or in an area with a lot of glare,
over-expose your shot.
• If your subject is mainly dark, slightly under-expose your film.
• No matter what pictures you take...they're your memories. Enjoy them.
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