Krossfjorden, West Spitsbergen
During the previous night our voyage north resulted in breakfast being enjoyed in the spectacular scenery of Krossfjorden. Off the bow of National Geographic Endeavour lay the sheer walls of an Arctic glacier, while alongside we enjoyed views of steep cliffs providing shelter to thousands of seabirds.
Our adventurous guests participated in Zodiac cruises which were organised for the morning and the eponymous Puffin Cliffs did not disappoint. These endearing and colourful seabirds provided many fantastic photo opportunities and given their multi-coloured bill and exuberant behaviour; it is hardly surprising that they are fun and popular birds to watch. The Zodiac cruises also offered a chance to see reindeer wandering the tundra, with their spread of antlers silhouetted against the snow.
In the afternoon, walks ashore allowed our intrepid guests to view the crumbling face of the glacier however some preferred to paddle kayaks silently between ice floes. These chunks of ice are perfect haul outs for resting seals and a number of Bearded seals were seen either in the water or on the ice. Their 'beard' of sensory whiskers gives them a grandfatherly appearance similar to that of the mighty walrus.
After leaving Krossfjorden we headed to our furthest north position of the trip and at nearly 80 degrees north National Geographic Endeavour was positioned opposite the four mile-wide face of the Lilliehöökbreen Glacier. With seemingly perfect timing, small sections of the glacier calved into the fjord which gave us a poignant reminder of the dynamic and somewhat threatened nature of the ice world surrounding us.
Before dinner, the Captain hosted a farewell cocktail party in the lounge. Ever witty and charming, Captain Oliver Krüss thanked our guests for a wonderful expedition. New friends had been made and as ever we were sorry to see the voyage reach the final few hours. Cruising south to Longyearbyen gave time for all to reminisce and remember all the wildlife, scenery and culture we had enjoyed over the past weeks, from this incredible land of deep fjords and icy wilderness.
During the previous night our voyage north resulted in breakfast being enjoyed in the spectacular scenery of Krossfjorden. Off the bow of National Geographic Endeavour lay the sheer walls of an Arctic glacier, while alongside we enjoyed views of steep cliffs providing shelter to thousands of seabirds.
Our adventurous guests participated in Zodiac cruises which were organised for the morning and the eponymous Puffin Cliffs did not disappoint. These endearing and colourful seabirds provided many fantastic photo opportunities and given their multi-coloured bill and exuberant behaviour; it is hardly surprising that they are fun and popular birds to watch. The Zodiac cruises also offered a chance to see reindeer wandering the tundra, with their spread of antlers silhouetted against the snow.
In the afternoon, walks ashore allowed our intrepid guests to view the crumbling face of the glacier however some preferred to paddle kayaks silently between ice floes. These chunks of ice are perfect haul outs for resting seals and a number of Bearded seals were seen either in the water or on the ice. Their 'beard' of sensory whiskers gives them a grandfatherly appearance similar to that of the mighty walrus.
After leaving Krossfjorden we headed to our furthest north position of the trip and at nearly 80 degrees north National Geographic Endeavour was positioned opposite the four mile-wide face of the Lilliehöökbreen Glacier. With seemingly perfect timing, small sections of the glacier calved into the fjord which gave us a poignant reminder of the dynamic and somewhat threatened nature of the ice world surrounding us.
Before dinner, the Captain hosted a farewell cocktail party in the lounge. Ever witty and charming, Captain Oliver Krüss thanked our guests for a wonderful expedition. New friends had been made and as ever we were sorry to see the voyage reach the final few hours. Cruising south to Longyearbyen gave time for all to reminisce and remember all the wildlife, scenery and culture we had enjoyed over the past weeks, from this incredible land of deep fjords and icy wilderness.
