| Franz Josef Land Archipelago: here adventures begin.
We cross 80° North latitude and penetrate the remote world of ancient pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers. Discovered only in 1873 by an Austrian expedition aboard the "Tegetthoff", most of the archipelago remains largely unexplored. Our onboard helicopters will afford astonishing views of the area's magnificent landscape.
If the weather and ice approve of our expedition plans we’ll call at Tikhaya (Calm) Bay to view Rubini Rock with numerous seabird colonies. Our experienced Captain will do his best to approach close to the sheer basalt cliff. If there is no fog by the coast of the bay we will witness a deserted research station.
We have good chances to encounter polar bears and walruses whilst passing by the archipelago. Walruses are imposing, while the touching behavior of polar bears sometimes makes us forget about the wild and predatory nature of these animals. Attracted by the unfamiliar object and smell curious polar bears approach close to the ship, offering an excellent photographic opportunities.
We may visit Cape Norway where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered in 1896-1897. Don’t be confused if you don’t know these guys – our experienced historians, naturalists and travelers will do their utmost to acquaint you with the most significant and interesting features of the Arctic.
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