Guests visiting Svalbard will be able to learn more about mining, the seed vault and the region's cuisine
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Spitsbergen Travel is to offer three new shore excursions for cruise passengers visiting the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in 2016.
The first is a hiking trip that will enable cruise guests to spend half a day on the Blomsterdalshøgda mountain, before visiting the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a secure seed bank. Although security restrictions prevent the cruise guests from entering the vaults, they will be able to learn about the seed bank and its international significance.
Alternatively, guests can try the ‘Life of a Miner’ experience at the Gruve 3 coal mine. After arriving at the mine, passengers will check-in as miners would have done and be kitted out with a hard hat and a head lamp, before taking a guided tour of the mine.
Meanwhile, guests wanting a culinary experience can take the ‘Taste of Svalbard’ tour, which will include a visit to the new Svalbard Bryggeri (Svalbard Brewery). Here, guests will taste three beers and tapas, and learn more about how Svalbard’s law has changed to allow beer to be produced.
Spitsbergen Travel will also offer a new service for ships wanting to cruise on the Isfjord. In addition to a local ship pilot to help with navigation, the company will send a local guide who will provide an onboard commentary about significant landmarks, native wildlife and the history and geography of the area.