Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Transcription

1 Ultimate Arctic Adventure Spitsbergen - Svalbard Circumnavigation With special guest Russell Brown of Adobe Systems Celebrating 27 years of incredible photo adventures! E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W:

2 Circumnavigation This is the most exciting Arctic photo tour ever offered to photographers! It suits the novice photographer, through to a seasoned professional. We are offering you the rare chance to join Emmy award winning creative guru Russell Brown from Adobe Systems. PLUS - we will be adding other famous tutors, mentors and creative photo artists as our unique group grows to help you improve your photography and maximise this unique adventure. We guarantee stunning photo opportunities from beautiful blue ice, to the magic of puffin encounters, perhaps whales, seals and a key target - polar bears. The landscape opportunities are outstanding! This will be an amazing photo adventure on a very comfortable ship with seasoned professional photo guides, plus on board ship experts in unique fields of natural history. AND... We offer in-depth workshops with Russell Brown and other tutors, challenging your creative photo skills. Again, all levels of experience and interest will be covered. NON PHOTOGRAPHIC PARTNERS Are welcome as we offer the same opportunities and they can sit in on lectures that interest them. PLUS our seasoned crew offer fantastic lectures and information during the voyage. THE ADVENTURE... This is the second time we have chosen the 13 day, Spitsbergen Circumnavigation expedition due to the amount of time offered to you for landing and exploring. This is not a standard Arctic tour! More time in the region means more locations visited and more photo s and experiences for you. Our ship is from the fantastic Quark Expeditions fleet. It is very comfortable and offers state of the art stabilisation. Our local supplier is Peregrine Adventures, representatives of Quark. Combined, we will work hard to make this a special life experience for you! (Note, all bookings are to be made with World Photo Adventures.) Itinerary launched PAGE 2

3 Circumnavigation ITINERARY - to adventure... This is not a standard Arctic cruise, but rather an ultimate 13 day Arctic adventure! Our aim on this expedition is to undertake a complete circumnavigation of the major islands of the group, making frequent shore stops to hike or simply admire the spectacular scenery. We also enjoy Zodiac cruises that take us in close proximity of sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. Our exact course will be dependant on the prevailing sea ice conditions, although we are hopeful of smooth sailing along the west coast of Spitsbergen as a result of the comparatively warm North Atlantic current. Here, amongst these fjords, we witness wonderful scenery and often prolific wildlife. All on board the beautiful Sea Spirit. DAY 1: Longyearbyen - July Accommodation is included from tonight on the ship. We include a meeting this morning to help you maximise your photo interests for the adventures ahead. We depart this afternoon to the ship and set sail after discovering your cabins and after a ship briefing. DAYs 2/12: Spitsbergen Circumnavigation - July Expect a new adventure every day, as you journey around the island of Spitsbergen and explore smaller, outlying islands. The variety of incredible wildlife and geological formations found here is astounding! Every expedition will be unique, but a few of our favorite landing sites include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsoya, Aklefjellet and the seldom visited Kvttøya. The names may seem strange to you, but they each have their own unique appeal. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and Arctic terns; while Alkefjellet is home to nesting brünich guillermots (thick-billed murres). If you want to prove that reindeer are real, then you ll want to have your camera ready for visits to sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. As for the largest land carnivore in the world searching for polar bears is a constant activity, with Phippsoya and Isbukta being two of their preferred places for hunting meaning great potential for you to capture them in action. Day 13: Longyearbyen - July Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Meals included: 1 breakfast Itinerary, cost and details are subject to change. PAGE 3

4 Ultimate Arctic Adventure Meet our special guest tutors... FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY... * We include a complete ship package from excellent accommodation on a stable ship, to all meals, all drinks including standard alcoholic beverages, and some of the best guides in the world. * We target polar bears, stunning glaciers, icebergs, arctic birds, nature, history and top creative subjects. * Photo workshops that cover everyone from beginners to advanced. We split you up at times and for other topics, include the entire group. RUSSELL BROWN Who is Russell Preston Brown? As Sr. Creative Director at Adobe Systems Incorporated, Russell Preston Brown holds a unique position in the computer industry. Brown maintains a vital presence in the digital design and publishing community, facilitating the exchange between the user and software developer that is so essential to Adobe s software development. With complete mastery and breath taking style, Brown shows users how to work and play with Adobe software. He has given the world s leading photographers, publishers, art directors, and artists a strong grasp of the software tools that, by virtually all accounts, have led to Adobe s applications becoming the standard by which others are measured. Remember, what Russell always says Learning about Adobe Photoshop should never be boring. Russell will also offer everyone in the group, outstanding creative concepts and styles to suit Lightroom users. * Emmy Award Winner 2008 (Dr. Brown s Photoshop Laboratory) * Photoshop Hall of Fame Winner 2002 Check out Russell s fantastic website: IMPORTANT For the advance, Russell Brown will be offering a special project that will challenge your skills. For the novice, you will be specially assisted throughout the journey and inspired to awesome results. * Our ship is customised to the Arctic conditions. * Non photographic partners love our events. * Small photo group sizes. * Expert professional photo guides who work hard to optimise your photo interests. * This is our 27th year of offer amazing World Photo Adventures! PRE EXPEDITION This unique tour starts and finishes in Longyearbyen. We suggest that you arrive at least 24 hours before the ship departure. This will help with flight delays and jet-lag. Julia can book extra pre/post accommodation as required. PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS These will be run regularly and cover topics from fantastic techniques using Photoshop and Lightroom, to creating books, AV s and so much more. For the advance, Russell Brown will be offering a special project that will challenge your skills. For the novice, you will be specially assisted throughout the journey and inspired to awesome results. FINAL ITINERARY Note that a final itinerary will be sent to you about one month before departure. PAGE 4

5 Ultimate Arctic Adventure Meet our special guest tutors... MARK GALER Mark Galer is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Photography course at RMIT University. The BA Photography course is situated in the heart of the Melbourne CBD and is the oldest continuous running photography course in the world and is the most prestigious in Australia. Mark Galer has been published in over 40 photography titles for the International publisher Focal Press. His books have been translated into 7 languages including Chinese and Russian and have been adopted widely across Europe and the USA as curriculum texts for aspiring commercial photographers. Mark Galer s best selling Photoshop Essential Skills title is the back-bone of the Digital Imaging subjects at RMIT University. Mark Galer has a commercial background in editorial photography (travel/landscape) and is an Adobe beta tester Adobe Ambassador for Photoshop in the Asia/Pacific region. WINSTON HENDRICKSON I was immediately impressed by Darran s field skills and his considerable artistry behind the lens. I knew then that I wanted to share the field with him again. And years later when I decided to experience Africa I re-connected with Darran for that journey. My trip to Botswana in 2012 was an incredible experience! In early 2015 it was Antarctica - WOW! Now it is the Arctic. I can not wait to join you all on what will be a unique life experience and I look forward to passing onto you, my passion for action and creative imagery. Winston Hendrickson, Vice President of Products, Digital Imaging - See more at: Systems You can catch up with Mark Galer at: PAGE 5

6 Ultimate Arctic Adventure EXAMPLE SHIP Our ship is yet to be confirmed for the season but it will be one of the following. We have used such ships before and they offer outstanding comfort, safety and will help to optimise your photography interests. Ship details will be known with the launch of the season dates and prices in early OCEAN NOVA Is a modern (Stabilised) and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. Ocean Nova has capacity for 68 passengers accommodated in comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including dedicated single, twin and triple cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, she also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. The ship has Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW: 38 PASSENGERS: 68 LIFEBOATS: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 90 LENGTH: 73.0 m BREADTH: 11.0 m DRAFT: 3.7 m PROPULSION: Diesel engines - 2,000-horsepower ICE CLASS: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A) CRUISING SPEED: 12 knots in open water SEA ADVENTURER Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades. Read more: sea-adventurer#ixzz3hbpcftgs PAGE 6

7 Spitsbergen - Svalbard PRICES & CONDITIONS EARLY INDICATED PRICES The following prices are based on the 2015 season. Around February/March 2015, prices for the 2016 season will be released. We will then update this itinerary and be asking for full deposits. SHOW OF INTEREST DEPOSIT Until exact dates are locked in (for ), we are asking for a AU$500 show of interest deposit. If you cancel, $200 is non refundable. If we do not go ahead with the event, full refund applies. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS Special discounts on this unique photo adventure will apply for early bookings and for return Quark customers. These will be confirmed when dates and prices are released. Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar region, you will be required to complete a series of online forms. You will be sent a link via (my polar forms) which will take you to an enrolment form, cruise contract, medical form, arrival/departure information form and expedition parka size order form. These forms must be completed. World Photo Adventures Pty Ltd E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: PAGE 7

8 MEET YOUR TOUR TEAM WHO ARE WE? At World Photo Adventures, creating marvellous and memorable journeys is our mission. Our tours give you impressions and experiences you ll cherish for a lifetime. We re more than travel and tour specialists we re your complete photography adventure solution. We take you straight to the photographic heartlands of your chosen tour region. That s why we are Australia s only licensed travel agency specialising in photography tours and workshops. As a family business, personalised service is close to our hearts. STAND-OUT SERVICE Stunning Norfolk Island set the stage for our first photo tour in (In fact Darran and Julia met on this very first photo adventure!) Since then our tours have gone from strength to strength and continent to continent. Wherever you travel with World Photo Adventures, our superior service levels are a mainstay. Claim the ultimate tour experience for you and your lens. From our friendly helpful office, you ll enjoy the peace of mind and exceptional experience that only comes from working with one of the world s most experienced photo travel companies. DARRAN LEAL Professional photographer/guide With over 400 successful photo tours/ workshop and seminars worldwide and counting, Australian-born Darran s lifetime loves are travel and outdoor photography. He combines these with vast experience in delivering global photo tours, workshops and seminars. Darran is one of the world s few fulltime professional photo guides. He leads photographers of all levels to many of the world s most captivating locations. As a natural born photographer, educator and adventurer, Darran s career inevitably led him to help others explore and capture their world. Now Darran spends his time up to his arm pits in crocodiles, cuddling gorillas or herding photographers. Check out Darran s work first-hand at: JULIA LEAL Professional travel consultant Exploring new territory is an adventure Julia has been savoring since childhood. Julia was born in Liverpool, England yet soon migrated to New Zealand with her family. She launched her travel career in 1979 in tropical Noosa, Queensland where she managed one of the first resorts in the region. Then it was back to Auckland, New Zealand to take up the role of travel consultant. Before long, Go International snapped Julia up as a travel rep. While leading an educational tour on Norfolk Island in 1989, Julia met Darran. Though her career remained trans-tasman for several years after, Julia is now in her element as a travel consultant extraordinaire for World Photo Adventures. When it comes to securing an extraordinary photographic adventure tour founded on unrivalled service, Julia has it covered. PEARCE LEAL Professional photographer/guide No photographer could wish for a better guide to getting remarkable destination shots than a fellow photographer. Pearce is the man to get you weaving incredible lens magic, with over 30 tours and workshops under his belt, Pearce has traversed incredible image opportunities in Africa, the USA, South America, Asia and Australia. In addition, his own photographic work has been featured in magazines and media around the globe. He has won several awards in the AIPP, to finalist in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year. His teaching skills and his dedication to help those on tour is outstanding. Check out Pearce s work first-hand at: FRAZER LEAL IT Wizard At a very young age Frazer pulled apart computers to see how they worked and started to fix all sorts of technology. He first became serious with a camera when he borrowed his dad s camera while on a workshop on Frazer Island. He went on to win best photo with over 100 adult photographers. Frazer is our IT and Social Media manager. He designs and manages our website and helps to keep you up to date with our great adventures. PAGE 8

9 Ultimate Arctic Adventure There are many reasons our tours are so successful. Here are just a few... UNTAMED QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE With over 70 years of combined experience in tailoring premium travel quests, our team ensures you never settle for less than the best. We offer lovely 3/4 star accommodation for your comfort and enjoyment. EXCEPTIONAL END-TO-END EXPERIENCE We work towards delivering the time of your life. Our office gem Julia, helps you with all your pre- and post-tour needs. Once you are out in the field our professional local drivers and guides are right by your side. Your personal photo guides are the best in the world! World Photo Adventures and its expert team know this captivating land better than anyone. GREAT TOURS COME IN SMALL GROUPS Small group travel gives you flexibility and the ability to follow your interests. That s why we keep tour group sizes small so you can savour your travel experience. FIRST TIME ON TOUR WITH US? We ll happily answer your questions, offer advice or connect you with the experiences that will satisfy your wanderlust. Contact Julia at: julia@worldadventures.com.au. SAFETY AND SECURITY Your safety and security are very important to us. Apart from the experience of your WPA guides, our local operators are outstanding and very experienced to local cultures and customs. Our itineraries, accommodation and tour information all add s up to helping you enjoy a great adventure, with peace of mind. WHAT IS CATO? World Photo Adventures is a member of CATO. Membership of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is a hallmark of competence and integrity. CATO is the representative body for wholesale tour operators who supply travel and tour packages to domestic and international destinations. For more information, go to: ESCORTED BY: Darran and Pearce Leal TOUR DATES: EVENT GRADE: Easy to Moderate TRANSPORT: Ship ACCOMMODATION: 4 Star accommodation TARGETS: Landscapes, Wildlife, Creative, Culture. PAGE 9

10 Ultimate Arctic Adventure WHO BOOKS OUR PHOTO HOLIDAYS? From animated point and shoot amateur photographers to seasoned photographic veterans, we get a broad crosssection of photo enthusiasts on every tour. Not super keen on snapping? No problem. You are still guaranteed a great time. Whether your finger never leaves, or never hits a camera all tour, you will have an unforgettable experience. Our unique locations, top guides and small travel groups make sure of it. While our clients vary in age and experience, all attend with the same goal to have a fantastic holiday. We ensure every client gets exactly that. WE OFFER YOU... All inclusive land package... That s right, we include everything from lovely 3/4 star accommodation, plus all meals, transport, entrance fees and even drinks, as per itinerary. Great guidance every step of the way... A vibrant travel itinerary that never misses a beat. Local knowledge to fully immerse you in the richest offerings of the region. Professional photographic support is provided to ensure you secure superlative images. You will have it all thanks to our professional photographer and local guide. Both are with you throughout your tour. Small group sizes for big personal advantage... You want to maximise your photographic and experiential opportunities. We want you to as well. So we keep tour groups small with a maximum of six travellers per guide. You will benefit from utmost flexibility and personal attention, with an experienced guide on-hand too. Fantastic accommodation... Comfort is an important part of all travel. So we ensure a high standard of accommodation throughout your tour. That means you will always be well rested to make the most of every tour day. Marvellous meals... Eating on the job can only be planned to a certain extent. After all you would not want to miss incredible photographic and travel opportunities because you were busy dining. So we provide a selection of meals as detailed in your itinerary. Your guides will arrange all other meals to ensure you never miss a chance to enrich your tour memories and books or albums. Itinerary, price and details are subject to change. LIBERATE YOUR LENS AND YOUR SENSES Our end-to-end tour takes you on a journey of incredible discovery. So put yourself in the big picture with prime travel information and inspiration... GET TO KNOW THE DESTINATION You can begin your exploration of the tour destination without leaving home. Visit Simply type in the locations on your itinerary and explore to your heart s content. It s a great idea to embark upon your adventure well informed on this rich natural wonderland. WEATHER Please google temperatures for that time of the year at the destination. We will offer more information in our - Final Itinerary. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR TOUR PRICE We aim to provide a convenient price for almost all your travel and tour arrangements. Yet some additional costs do fall outside our tour prices. Your airfares are an extra cost unless your itinerary specifies otherwise. All transfers, laundry and sundries not listed in the itinerary also fall outside our tour price. PLEASE NOTE: it is vital that you do not book any flights or other travel services for your tour before speaking to our office first. No tour is ever a done deal until minimum numbers and other key logistics are confirmed. ITINERARY AND PRICE CHANGES Tour prices are correct at the time of printing, but these are subject to change. Please use your itinerary and associated pricing as a guide only. KITTING OUT YOUR CAMERA COLLATERAL No matter what your photographic level or style, World Photo Adventures maximises your image interest. Our clients use everything from top line D-SLRs with pro lenses to mid-range kits. We even have a wealth of non-photographically inclined partners come along with basic compact cameras. Your equipment is personal to you. What matters is that you know how to use it and how to get the most out of your tour. That is why we offer a workshop at the start of all tours. Plus you ll have a professional photographer on-hand to give you personal assistance while you re in the field. You can even benefit from mini photography workshops during the course of your tour. In short, we give you everything possible to help you capture lasting images of the world s most breathtaking location in a way that matches your style, desires and photographic equipment. PAGE 10

11 Ultimate Arctic Adventure FLIGHTS We do not include your international flights. (Or any other flights, unless included in the itinerary.) We are happy to help you! We are happy to check your flight itinerary, before you have tickets issued, to make sure you will be arriving and departing at the correct times for the tour. (Julia will need a copy of your flight itinerary, for her records). IMPORTANT - To make sure you book the correct dates and times, we would request the following: 1. Don t purchase any air tickets, until Darran s flights have been booked, which we will do approximately 8-9 months prior to the tour departure. We will advise you when Darran s flights are booked and you can then use his itinerary, as a guide. This will also coincide with confirming the tour departure, making sure we have met minimum passenger numbers for the tour and the logistics of the tour have not changed. 2. We suggest you arrive a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure, to help with jet lag and in case of airline delays. THE COST INCLUDES All ship costs as per itinerary Accommodation in 4 star cabins All drinks and meals as detailed in the itinerary. This includes standard alcoholic beverages Transfer to and from the ship in Spitsbergen Local English-speaking expert guides Professional photo guides Photo workshops and mentoring throughout the tour NOT INCLUDED International Air tickets Personal expenses Items not included in the itinerary Tips Travel insurance World Photo Adventures Pty Ltd E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: PAGE 11

12 Ultimate Arctic Adventure GENERAL INFORMATION 4. Motion sickness: Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. 6. Sea kayaking: BOOK EARLY - Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home and it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior base experience is required. Note that it can detract from your photography interests. 5. Gratuities: (are not included) We suggest you allow the equivalent of US$11-13 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. PAGE 12

13 Ultimate Arctic Adventure KVITØYA The western part of this island is only 98 km from Victoria Island in Franz Josef Land, which is part of the Russian Arctic. This remote outpost is actually closer to the Russian Arctic than it is to Nordaustlandet (117 km) and is actually located on the same longitude as Cairo, Egypt! LILLIEHÖÖK GLACIER In 1906, His Serene Highness Prince Albert I of Monaco visited Lilliehöök Glacier to conduct scientific investigations. His great-great-grandson visited the glacier 100 years later. He, too, was part of a scientific investigation, this time to further our understanding of the Arctic clam, a species that lives for more than a century. The growth rings of a single clam s shell contain evidence of the chemicals encountered by the clam. Scientists can determine the variations of the water s temperature and pollutant content by studying the shell. LONGYEARBYEN Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital of Svalbard, which is situated on the shore of Isfjorden. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. MOFFEN ISLAND This island is designated as a protected sanctuary for walrus. MONACO GLACIER HSH Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned. PHIPPSØYA This small archipelago is the northernmost land in Svalbard. Englishmen left their mark during a survey of the islands in the 1780s. The party named the islands after themselves, with the smallest and least significant island being named Nelsonøya, after the lowly midshipman. ROSENBERGDALEN This is an excellent location to stretch the legs and explore the Arctic on foot. We often head out hiking here in search of reindeer. SAMARINVÅGIN The Samarin Glacier dominates the landscape that surrounds the bay, where icebergs, kittiwakes and brünnich s guillemots (thick-billed murres) may be seen. VIBEBUKTA This polar desert may seem barren, but traces of life can be found here, including fossils and whalebones that are 9,500 years old. The bones provide nutrients for microenvironments that leach from the ancient bones. VON OTTERØYA Otter Island is an excellent location for Zodiac cruising to search for and photograph polar bears and walrus. WORSLEYNESET This is a beautiful and colourful tundra-covered island with moss campion (a small wildflower), saxifrage and Arctic mouse-eared chickweed. Fun names on an island that is a pleasure to explore. This information is subject to change and is a guide only. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Interested in more photo adventures? Ask about our other linked adventures... PAGE 13

14 Ultimate Arctic Adventure Itinerary Notes... POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture, not just how people live today, but how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry here and you will see blubber ovens and other whaling evidence at landing sites such as Smeerenburg. Add in the potential for spotting beluga whales and colorful tundra meadows displays complemented by immense glaciers, and you start to understand just how much there is to see in Spitsbergen. ALKEFJELLET This cliff is a seabird center, where brünnich s guillemots (thick-billed murres) raise their young. An estimated 100,000 breeding pairs raise their young here in the basalt cliffs. The birds do not build nests, rather they lay an egg on the bare ledge. DISKOBUKTA This bay on the west shore of Edgeøya affords a landing site with a box canyon where black-legged kittiwakes raise their young. Arctic foxes have been seen combing the canyon floor to feed on scraps that have fallen from the nests above. Watch for bones of ancient bowhead whales on the canyon floor, evidence that the shoreline has changed over millennia. ISBUKTA On the eastern shore of the southern tip of Svalbard is Ice Bay. Sabine gulls, skuas and bearded seals inhabit the bay. Polar bears are known to patrol the area as well. ISISPYNTEN Is an island! Both nautical charts and topographical maps define Isispynten as a point of land, but we ve proved them wrong. Receding glaciers have turned this point of land into an island. KAPP LEE This is a well-known walrus haul out. The pink colour to a walrus hide as it lies in the sun is caused by blood pumped to the skin s surface to aid cooling, similar to that of a hippopotamus in Africa. PAGE 14