Travel

AACI’s Kosher North Pole Expedition Cruise   

 

June 24 – July 7, 2025

Welcome to Svalbard! A Norwegian archipelagoes the Arctic Ocean. North of mainland Europe, it lies about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. It is a magical wonderland, filled with exotic wildlife and landscapes.

Ever since its discovery by the Dutch in 1596, Svalbard has been a benchmark for the extreme adventure and unique wildlife. From the world‘s largest land predator, the mighty Polar Bear, to the enormous Walrus and its impressive tusks and the whales who roam the ocean. This is a land of giants like no other. Everything is unique here: The sun doesn’t set for our entire stay, the snow may fall even in the peak of summer while ancient glaciers carve the landscape of the fjords.

All Aboard the Sea Spirit with classic lines the Sea Spirit’s decor provides a feeling of warmth and traditional yacht-inspired elegance. With just 114 guests on board there’s a wonderfully intimate onboard atmosphere and travelers have a wide range of spacious ‘All Suites Ship’ to choose from.

This expedition cruise is a world-unique opportunity to get where so few have visited, in a way that even fewer have been fortunate to do so.

All Aboard the Sea Spirit with classic lines the Sea Spirit’s decor provides a feeling of warmth and traditional yacht-inspired elegance. With just 114 guests on board there’s a wonderfully intimate onboard atmosphere and travelers have a wide range of spacious ‘All Suites Ship’ to choose from.

This expedition cruise is a world-unique opportunity to get where so few have visited, in a way that even fewer have been fortunate to do so.

Day 1 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Depart flight from Israel to Oslo via Paris. Arrival early evening where will enjoy dinner in the Jewish community.  Overnight in Oslo at the Radison Blue Hotel.

Day 2 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025
After breakfast, we will have a short tour of Oslo (time permitting). The 1000-year-old Norwegian capital sits at the head of the Oslo Fjord. This stunning setting gives hints of the wild wonders that lie just beyond the city.

Following our short tour, we will take an early afternoon flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Svalbar’s capital.

Kosher dinner at the Radisson Polar Blue Hotel.

Day 3- Thursday, June 26, 2025
After breakfast, we will show you the stunning views of Longyearbyen’s icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding this historic former coal-mining town. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the gorgeous scenery in 24-hour daylight as we pass through the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden

Day 4 to Day 10 – Friday, June 27 to Sunday, July 6,2025

The boat expedition
We will set out to explore the fjords, bays, icebergs and of course the fast ice of the North Pole. The exact locations will be determined whilst on board, according to sea ice conditions and the whereabouts of wildlife, primarily the mighty polar bear.

During this journey, you will experience several fascinating talks by our top guides and learn about the Arctic animals and nature surrounding us.

Since it will be the peak season, we expect to see mothers with cubs and single males roaming along the island’s shores. We might even spot Arctic foxes near their dens with pups.

During our expedition cruise, we hope to enjoy the view of seals, walruses, whales and many many birds. Thanks to our boat size, we will have many opportunities bigger boats can’t get – this is an amazing privilege in the high Arctic.

Day 13 – Sunday July 6,2025
Today we return to Longyearbyen harbor where we will spend our last night onboard. We have an early afternoon flight to Oslo.

Back in Oslo we will visit with the the Oslo Jewish community.

Overnight and dinner at the Radisson Blue Airport Hotel Oslo.

Day 14 – Monday, July 7, 2025
Early flight back to Israel via Zurich. Arrival in Israel, early evening.
Flights subject to change

We hope you have enjoyed this wonderful expedition and that you’ll join AACI on future travel programs.

Prices per person in a cabin:

Main Deck Suites $13,900
Superior Suite $15,750
Deluxe Suite $17,300
Premium Suite $18,600
Single – Main Deck Suites $21,200
Triple – Classic $11,150

 

Flight details – Subject to change.
Departure flights from Israel: LY 221 Tuesday, June 24th, 2025: Departing Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv at 08:00.  Arrival in CDG Paris Airport : 12:00
Connecting flight:SK:LY9761 , June 24th, 2025: Departing CDG Paris airport at 14:00.  Arrival in Oslo Airport at 16:20
Connecting flight to the boat: SK 4492 Wednesday, June 25th, 2025: Departing Oslo, Sweden  at 16:00  Arrival in Longyearbyen: 18:55
Return flight from the boat to Oslo:  SK4425 Sunday, July 6th , 2025: Departing Longyearbyen,  at 13:30  Arrival in Oslo: 15:05Return flights to Israel:
LY9804 Monday, July 7th , 2025: Departing Oslo  Airport, at 06:55. Arrival Monday, July 7th , 2025 in Zurich at 09:15
LY348 Monday, July 7th , 2025: Departing Zurich, at 12;30. Arrival Monday, July 7th , 2025 in Tel Aviv at 17:25

Price Includes:

• Accommodation at the Radisson Blue Oslo airport hotel 24.6, 6.7.
• 10 nights sailing on our ship Sea Spirit.
• Accommodation in Oslo including meals 24.6, 6.7 Accommodation in Longyearbyen including kosher meals 25.6
• Beach landings using Zodiac boats.
• Geographic guidance by the PhotoTeva Travels team around the world and a team of 12 local nature experts as additional guides.
• All licenses and permits required by the Governor of Spitsbergen.
• Preparations before and after the trip – including a preparation meeting and consultation.
• Full board – in hotels in Oslo, Longyearbyen, and on the ship – the ship during the cruise.
• Loan of rubber boots resistant to going down to the beaches.
• Special parka jacket for polar conditions as a gift.
• Transportation from the ship to the airport on the last day
• Gratuity for the ship’s crew

Price Excludes:

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
  • Telephone, Internet and communications
  • Travel insurance which is mandatory
  • Anything not specified in the “Included” section

Payment Policy:
Upon Registration – deposit of $500 pp – $300 non-refundable
December 15, 2024 –70% of the price
January 5, 2025 – Balance due

Cancellation Policy:
Up to December 16, 2024 – cancelation fee $300
89-60 days/before departure – will be charged 30%  December 17, 2024-January 15, 2025
January 16-February 15, 2025 – 59-29 days before departure – will be charged 75% of the cost of the tour
Final payment by February 2025

Watch video of the cruise ship here

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For further details please email: info@aaci.org.il