I will echo the others’ impressions of the Svalbard Tour. I would rate the trip in the top five and perhaps even the very best trip in my 50 years or so of traveling around the world. Everything was just perfect. The scenery was totally breathtaking, with an incredible mix of mountains, rugged coastlines, flat land, tundra, glaciers, icebergs and packed ice. The weather was fantastic most of the time, including the experience of gale force winds for 24 hours. The wildlife was beyond expectations, with great views of polar bears, seals, walruses, foxes, whales, and of course all the arctic birds I was hoping to spot. The Brigantine Antigua was amazing, oozing with old charm from all angles. The rooms were small but functional, and the food was delicious with every meal. The company was one of the best part, a friendly and tight group of people from different corners of the world and a variety of interests. The expedition guides were outstanding and the briefings and lectures were eagerly awaited with excitement every day. I would like to add a personal note of appreciation for the bird watching skills of Morten the ornithologist who would always be on the look out and point out new arctic birds every day. It was a haunting trip that will stay with me for ever.
