Arctic Expedition to Spitzbergen

Join Climate One Founder Greg Dalton on a voyage through the otherworldly Arctic Circle aboard MS L'Austral on this unique 11-day itinerary featuring a seven-night expedition. Sail the shores of secluded Spitsbergen, the jewel of Norway’s rarely visited Svalbard archipelago. Learn about wildlife, culture and the impacts of climate change during on board lectures. Enjoy expert-led Zodiac excursions in diverse terrains, where remarkable wildlife—from whales and walruses to Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes—roam freely. Optional Paris pre-trip extension.

Dates
Jun 21 - Jul 1, 2019  (11 Days)
Cost

from $6,995 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Friday, June 21
    Depart the U.S.
    Saturday, June 22
    Arrive in Paris, France

    Upon arrival, transfer to the Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel (R)

    Sunday, June 23
    Paris / Spitsbergen / Embark L’Austral

    Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Your Arctic Expedition launches in the small port town of Longyearbyen, the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago’s capital and, at 78 degrees North latitude, approximately 650 miles from the North Pole. Enjoy a glimpse of daily life here in the Longyearbyen Culture House before embarking L’Austral.  (B,R,D)

    Monday, June 24
    Hornsund / Samarin Glacier

    An expert naturalist-led excursion navigates through slow-drifting ice by Zodiac in the pristine bay of Burgerbukta to reach the majestic Samarin Glacier.  A walk along the glacier examines firsthand its dramatic terrain, frequented by seabirds such as black-legged kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots. Discover the perfect snapshot of miniature Arctic wildflowers. L’Austral (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, June 25
    Bellsund

    In the bell-shaped sound of Bellsund, surrounded by soaring, snow-covered peaks, anchor off Calypsobyen, part of Sør-Spitsbergen, Norway’s largest national park. Relics of the former coal mining settlement offer a glimpse into its history. Expert naturalists accompany you through Calypsobyen’s intriguing ecosystem, where nimble Arctic foxes thrive. Continue to Camp Millar, a former gold mining base and now a favored grazing spot for the Svalbard reindeer. Observe the graceful reindeer, their newborn calves and the large resident colony of auks. L’Austral (B,L,D)

    Wednesday – Saturday, June 26 – 29
    Cruising the Arctic Ice Pack

    Cruising the Arctic Ice Pack Approach the Arctic Ice Pack at the approximate latitude of 80 degrees North. Survey expansive sea ice for the King of the Arctic—the polar bear. Ice habitats are crucial for this endangered mammal’s hunting and breeding.  Keep a keen eye out for these ivory-furred creatures and scan the cobalt-blue waters for bowhead and beluga whales, often spotted swimming in pods. Woodfjorden showcases the Arctic’s contrasts—icy, glacier-fronted shores are juxtaposed against the surrounding, red sandstone mountains. Cruise to the startlingly beautiful Monaco Glacier and listen for the sound of white thunder as the tidewater glaciers calve into the ocean. Your expert naturalist guides lead an adventurous walk around protected Raudfjorden, amidst Svalbard poppies. Look for rare seabirds, such as pink-footed geese, black-legged kittiwakes and glaucous gulls. Enjoy a Zodiac excursion to the former bustling, 17th-century Dutch whaling station of Smeerenburgbreen, today a prized resting shore for long-toothed walruses. Discover the hub of scientific exploration, Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost settlements and host to 16 international research stations. In Ny-Ålesund, a popular refuge for ringed and bearded seals, observe these mammals resting in their natural habitats. An excursion by Zodiac through the inlet of Kongsfjorden takes you to the tidewater Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier), a nesting ground for waterbirds, barnacle geese, common and king elders, long-tailed ducks, purple sandpipers, Atlantic puffins and snow buntings. L’Austral (4B,4L,1R,4D)

    Sunday, June 30
    Longyearbyen / Disembark ship / Fly to Paris, France

    Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel (B)

    Monday, July 1
    Depart for the U.S.
    Map
    Normandy, Historic Legacies and Artistic Treasures

    Commemorate the 75th anniversary year of the Allied forces’ World War II D-Day Invasion during a once-in-a-lifetime visit to historic Normandy. Walk the hallowed grounds where American, Canadian and British forces landed; contemplate the solemn crosses and Stars of David in the American Military Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach; see German emplacements at Pointe du Hoc and the engineered British “Mulberry Harbor” remnants at Gold Beach. Tour charming Honfleur, an inspiration to Impressionists such as Monet and Boudin, and in Rouen, view stunning stained-glass windows at Joan of Arc Church and the impressive Gothic architecture of the Notre Dame de Rouen Cathedral. Spend three nights in the deluxe Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde—ideally located in the heart of Rouen.

    Paris & Giverny

    Experience the “City of Light” and Monet’s cherished gardens in nearby Giverny. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Paris, renowned for its historic and aesthetic influence, and see its most noted landmarks. Visit the Louvre, the world’s largest museum, for a guided tour. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Monet’s Gardens— an exquisite living canvas— in charming Giverny. Visit the Impressionist Master’s house and admire his lily pond and iconic Japanese bridge. Spend three nights in the deluxe, ideally located Hôtel Scribe Paris Opéra

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

    • 8 - $6,995 Ocean-view, one large window. Deck 3, Calicut, forward. 
    • 7 - $8,495 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony. Deck 3, Calicut, aft. 
    • 6 - $9,595 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony. Deck 3, Calicut, midship.
    • 5 - $10,295 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private, partial wall balcon. Deck 4, Chandernagor, forward.
    • 4 - $10,995 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony. Deck 4, Chandernagor, midship.
    • 3 - $11,495 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony. Deck 5, Bengale, forward.
    • 2 - $11,895 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony. Deck 5, Bengale, midship.
    • 1 - $12,695 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony. Deck 6, Mahé.
    • Deluxe Suite - $13,695 Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony and sitting area w/sofa. Deck 6, Mahé.  
    • Prestige Suite II - $14,495 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 5, Bengale. 
    • Prestige Suite I - $14,995 Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 6, Mahé.
    • Owner’s Suite - $15,595 Two rooms, expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, one and a half bathrooms, separate tub and shower, sitting room with sofa, table and four chairs (Deck 6, Mahé) Limited availability

    Single occupancy cabins are available in category 6 at $15,795 and in category 4 at $18,195 on or before October 26, 2018.
    Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount. Add $1,000 for reservations made after October 26, 2018. Taxes are an additional $495 per person and are subject to change.

    Included
    Exclusive lectures and presentations by Greg Dalton and other study leaders; One night each at the beginning and conclusion of your expedition in the deluxe Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel; Chartered round-trip airfare Paris, France/ Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway (internal air); Seven nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star L’Austral; Cruise round trip Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available throughout the cruise; Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship (satellite reception permitting); Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Souvenir polar-grade red parka; Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Director at your service; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company

    Not Included
    International airfare; Taxes of $495 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($15 per person, per day); Hotel staff gratuities ($1-2 dollars per person, per day) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

    Optional Pre-Tour: Normandy, Historic Legacies and Artistic Treasures
    $1795 per person, double occupancy
    $2645 single occupancy

    Optional Post-Tour:  Paris & Giverny
    $1795 per person, double occupancy
    $3145 single occupancy

    Trip Educators
    Greg Dalton
    Greg Dalton

    Greg Dalton founded Climate One at The Commonwealth Club in 2007 after traveling to the Russian Arctic on a global warming symposium with climate scientists and journalists. Today Climate One produces a weekly radio show broadcast on public stations around the country. Greg also hosts a monthly TV show on PBS station KRCB TV 22. Climate One is the only regular talk show that engages high level leaders from business, policy, advocacy and academic circles in a conversation about building a sustainable economy and stabilizing the Earth’s climate. Past guests include scientific icon Jane Goodall, music legend Graham Nash, former Vice President Al Gore, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Tea Party co-founder Debbie Dooley and many other leaders. Greg previously was a journalist for 12 years covering news in Beijing, Vancouver, New York and San Francisco for the Associated Press, South China Morning Post, “McNeil-Lehrer News Hour,” and Industry Standard magazine. He holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in politics from Occidental College. Greg speaks rusty Mandarin and kitchen Cantonese.

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) 
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.
    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply. 

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by September 22, 2017. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.  

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.