High Demand for the High Arctic: A&K Offers Two New Cruises for 2014

Explore this Remote Region Aboard ‘Le Boreal’ and Save up to $3,000 Per Cabin

Less than 600 miles from the geographic North Pole lie the barren landscapes of Norway's Svalbard archipelago, where polar bears, walrus, reindeer and a variety of birds are as abundant as the crystalline glaciers and snow-capped mountaintops. Abercrombie & Kent’s 2013 Arctic cruise sold out more than a year in advance due to interest in this remote region, fueled by concerns about climate change. In response to the overwhelming demand, Abercrombie & Kent has announced two new Arctic cruises in 2014, each revealing the best of the stunning polar landscapes at the top of the world from aboard the all-balcony expedition ship, 'Le Boreal.' Join A&K's world-renowned Expedition Team in search of the elusive polar bear on Arctic Cruise Norway: Polar Bears & Midnight Sun or strike out for the farthest reaches of this rarely seen land on Arctic Cruise Adventure: Norway, Greenland & Iceland.

An amazing diversity of flora comes alive with unexpected color under the midnight sun in this region where polar bears roam the ice edge. Experience this unique phenomenon from your private balcony on your choice of two polar adventure cruises:

Arctic Cruise Norway: Polar Bears & Midnight Sun (Jul 29 – Aug 9, 2014)
Home to polar bear, walrus and reindeer, the Arctic also reveals spectacular phenomena under the midnight sun. Seek out these wonders on a journey from the northern shores of Norway to the Svalbard Archipelago and Spitsbergen, including the coastal city of Tromsø and the polar bear stomping grounds of Nordaustlandet. 12 days from $8,995 (when booked by September 30, 2013)

Arctic Cruise Adventure: Norway, Greenland & Iceland (Aug 7-21, 2014)
Stunning wildlife, geological features and history — take it all in on this comprehensive Arctic voyage from Spitsbergen to the region's most remote and magnificent islands. Discover polar bears in their natural habitat on the Svalbard archipelago; witness Kejser Franz Joseph Fjords and Scoresby Sound in Greenland; and explore one of Iceland's first villages (Grundarfjördur), followed by views of the extinct Snaefellsjokull volcano, setting of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.15 days from $11,995 (when booked by September 30, 2013).

“Even we were surprised at the immediate, enthusiastic response we received to our first Arctic cruise onboard ‘Le Boreal,’ set to depart this summer,” explains Bob Simpson, Vice President Product Operations and Small Ships at Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “The sleek and stylish design of ‘Le Boreal’ makes an Arctic voyage much more appealing to those who might not have considered such a demanding journey before.”

Hands-On Exploration with the Finest Guides

Shore excursions in the high Arctic are designed to educate and inspire, with a carefully-selected team of naturalists, geologists, historians, marine biologists, ornithologists and photographers -- experts who give enriching lectures and provide hands-on guidance both on board and on shore, ranging from the practical (how to master your digital camera) to the personal. With a guide-to-passenger ratio of 1:12, A&K guests can expect personalized attention. Each A&K Zodiac driver is a certified field naturalist who provides knowledgeable commentary on the twice-daily excursions into the heart of this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Butler Service Completes Perfect Blend of Luxury and Adventure
 
A voyage to the end of the earth does not mean forsaking creature comforts. A&K delivers its legendary blend of luxury, adventure and personalized service including, for the first time, a personal butler for cabin categories 6-8. From organizing private cocktails to making spa appointments, this attentive butler responds to every need, quickly and efficiently.
 
The elegant guest quarters aboard MV ‘Le Boreal’ are among the most spacious and comfortable on any Arctic adventure cruise, with a choice of bedding configurations, including two-room, two-bath suites to accommodate families. By exclusively chartering ‘Le Boreal’, A&K limits the number of guests to no more than 199, guaranteeing each stateroom and suite has a private balcony to appreciate the wildlife and the midnight sun at any hour. Common areas invite casual conversation with fellow passengers and the expedition staff, as well as space for private reflection in quiet corners.
 
A technologically-advanced stabilizing system minimizes the effect of rough seas. MV 'Le Boreal' has an ice rating which exceeds that required for these demanding conditions and is equipped with the latest navigation, communications and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system that receives real-time images of weather and ice conditions.

Philanthropic Journey
 
Abercrombie & Kent is dedicated to preserving natural habitats, protecting wildlife and promoting the welfare of indigenous communities throughout the world. A&K Philanthropy supports the Husavik Whale Museum in Iceland, one of the world’s foremost centers focused on research into whales, in its fundraising efforts to build an exhibit hall to accommodate a 25 meter-long blue whale skeleton. Guests on the Arctic Cruise Adventure: Norway, Greenland & Iceland cruise have an exclusive opportunity to visit the Husavik Whale Museum for a private presentation and behind-the-scenes tour.

MV ‘Le Boreal’ is environmentally-friendly, with cutting-edge technology that includes the most up-to-date waste water system, recycling facilities, and other measures designed to ensure that the ship operates with minimal impact on the environment. Zodiac boats are equipped with fuel efficient 4-stroke engines that meet the strictest environmental standards. The ship has been “Cleanship” certified by the Bureau Veritas. This label is given to ships whose design and equipment limit emissions and go beyond the MARPOL convention for waste treatment, antifouling and propulsion systems.
 
Join Abercrombie & Kent on a voyage aboard the MV ‘Le Boreal’ to this remote, seldom visited, yet spectacular region. Abercrombie & Kent’s journeys are the most-inclusive way to experience the high Arctic, with pre- and post-cruise lodging and sightseeing, charter flights, on-board lectures, twice-daily shore excursions, most drinks, and crew and staff gratuities. Book by September 30, 2013 to save up to $3,000 per cabin, based on double occupancy.

For additional details and day-by-day itineraries, go to www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak to a destination specialist.

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Prices are per person, double occupancy

Download photos at:
http://portfolio.abercrombiekent.com/res/sites/the-arctic

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