The Icelandic Travel Industry Association, October 29, 2008

 While Iceland is currently dealing with a serious financial crisis like the rest of the world  business in the country is

 being conducted as usual. All services in Iceland are functioning normally - including banking services. Hotels,

 restaurants, airlines, car rentals, currency exchange facilities, offices and shops are all open for business and

 welcome travelers.

 Visitors can be assured that they will be treated with the same friendly and exceptional hospitality that Icelanders

 are renowned for throughout the travel world. The autumn and winter season is an exciting time to visit Iceland as

 rates are lower, good deals on offer everywhere and the nature absolutely stunning.

 Travelers who experience Iceland firsthand will be surprised by the warmth and good humor  of its people and by

 the comfort of conducting business in a relaxed and easy democratic environment. It’s business as usual.

 This article was published by SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association. Five Stars of Scandinavia is pleased to

 offer several exciting 2 nights - stay 3! winter packages at very special rates! read more...
 

 Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise, MS Expedition

 An new 8-day expedition on board the Arctic vessel M/S Expedition to Svalbard’s remote northern and eastern

 regions. An expedition cruise for those who wish to experience drift ice and, most likely, polar bears.

 The ship will take the same route as MV Polar Star around the island. The weekly cruise will start and end Tuesdays

 from the beginning of June till the beginning of September.
 During the course of one week you will be able to experience the wildlife and fierce environment of the Arctic Ocean.

 The birdlife is so remarkable that even the most blasé ornithologists are completely astonished. You will also see seals,

 in all probability whales and walruses and the ‘king’ himself; the polar bear, in his natural habitat.
 The Expedition Leader and the guides will share with you their knowledge of the wildlife, Arctic conditions and history

 of the area. You will discover hunters’ shelters and other evidence of the fierce conditions endured by the early polar

 pioneers. We go ashore one or two times every day by zodiacs. Shore excursions normally last two or three hours.

 read more...

 Now Available in the Arctic

 We are glad to announce that, as of Arctic season 2008, Oceanwide Expeditions will operate

 M/V Antarctic Dream  in Spitsbergen and Greenland!

 

 Ship description and technical data
 M/V Antarctic Dream (ice-strengthened) was built in the Netherlands and operated as M/V Piloto Pardo by the Chilean
 Navy, until it was thoroughly rebuilt as passenger vessel in 2004 for operations in Antarctica with Chilean crew. It
 complies with all rules of SOLAS including sprinkler systems, water treatment, etc.
 Length: 83,00 meters / 273,90 feet Engines: Diesel – Electric Capacity: 84 passengers
 Breadth: 12,00 meters / 39,27 feet Speed: 10-12 knots GRT: 2.180
 Draft: 4,60 meters / 15,00 feet Flag: Panama

 Passenger accommodation
 Total number of cabins: 42 twin cabins all with lower beds and private toilet and shower.
 Suite: 4 (large windows to two sides, bath) : 3 with queen beds 1 with two single beds
 Superior: 16 (large window) : 6 with queen beds 10 with two single beds
 Twin private: 19 (small porthole) :11 with queen beds 8 with two single beds
 Twin private inside: 3 (no porthole or window) : 2 with queen beds 1 with two single beds
 In addition the ship has a beautiful dining-room/bar with large windows to three sides, and a separate lecture room,
 where all passengers can be seated at the same time.

 North Spitsbergen (07 nights)  Around Spitsbergen (10 nights, 11 nights) 

 Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland (13 nights)
 

NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL TOUR

This unique tour takes you through some of the most magnificent scenery in western Norway, All Year!
"Norway in a Nutshell" is one of the most popular round trips in Norway. It takes you through some of the loveliest scenery in Fjord Norway. Experience the scenic Bergensbanen, the famous Flåm Railway Line, cruise the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, now included on the UNESCO's heritage list, and the drive across the steep hairpin bends of the Stalheim Canyon Road. Read more...