To View Online Click Here
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard 2022 Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, For me, one of the joys of traveling is the careful planning that goes into an adventure—from the first spark of inspiration to hours spent poring over travel books about my dream destinations—and I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too, and our New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard itinerary described inside is an excellent way to start. As for New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard, thanks to your small group of 20-25 travelers (average 22) you can expect some unforgettable experiences. Here are a few that stood out for me: Throughout your cruise, you’ll gain in-depth insights into the mysteries of the Arctic alongside an experienced Expedition Team who will share their expertise with you. They’ll provide vital information about your voyage, lead insightful discussions about the Arctic, and join you on every Zodiac excursion. You’ll also meet with two local experts at the Bellona Foundation—an independent non-profit organization working to identify and implement sustainable environmental solutions—to discuss whether the country is acting heroically, or hypocritically, when it comes to the issue of climate change. Although the country boasts some of the most progressive environmentally-friendly practices around the globe, Norway dredges up more oil per capita than most other countries in the world. Some experts say the country is making a grave misstep on the fight to protect the climate, while others believe there are many benefits to Norway’s oil production. We’ll get a firsthand account from both sides of this controversy with a representative of the Bellona Foundation and a local offshore oil worker. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. That’s why we don’t shy away from controversial topics, and why all our Trip Experience Leaders are “insiders” who live in the country. To ensure your adventure is truly unique, join the 85% of our travelers who choose to put their own personal stamp on their adventure by personalizing their experience. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests. So now that the day has come when you can enjoy your New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925. Warm regards, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. I thought our 3 most popular videos about the Arctic would help you get inspired for the adventure ahead. Scan the QR code next to the video to watch. Svalbard, A Journey to the Top of Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa: Tough Boats: the Arctic the Earth Oslo and Norway SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video. 2 CONTENTS A Letter from Harriet Lewis ................................................................2 The O.A.T. Difference......................................................................4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ................................................6 Grand Circle Foundation...................................................................8 The Leader in Solo Travel ..................................................................9 ARCTIC EXPEDITION: ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: UNTAMED NORWAY & SVALBARD CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: The Culture of Scandinavia ............... 65 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Responsible Travel in the Arctic ........... 72 and What’s Included .....................10 Oslo in Brief............................. 73 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........12 Copenhagen in Brief ..................... 74 Pre-Trip Extension .......................23 Edinburgh in Brief ....................... 76 Post-Trip Extension ......................29 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Deck Plans ..............................33 Shipping & More ........................ 77 Dates & Prices ...........................35 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Svalbard................................ 79 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 36 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 79 No Visas Required .......................36 Svalbard: A Brief History ................. 79 Special Forms Required for Arctic Cruise . 37 Norway................................. 80 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health .........39 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 80 Vaccines Required .......................40 Norway: A Brief History .................. 81 Money Matters: Local Currency & Iceland ................................. 82 Tipping Guidelines.......................42 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 82 Tipping Guidelines.......................45 Iceland: A Brief History ................... 83 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch .....47 Denmark ............................... 84 Optional Tours ..........................48 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 84 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 49 Denmark: A Brief History ................. 85 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 50 United Kingdom in Brief.................. 86 Expedition Clothing .....................52 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 86 Suggested Packing Lists ..................53 Scotland................................ 87 Electricity Abroad .......................56 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 87 Climate & Average Temperatures ..........58 Scotland: A Brief History ................. 88 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services on Board ...............61 RESOURCES Ocean Diamond....................... 61 Suggested Reading ...................... 90 Ship Specifications ......................63 Suggested Film & Video .................. 93 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 98 Notes.................................................................................. 99 Map ................................................................................... 103 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in the Arctic This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality. visiting, so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world, and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local relationships to deliver an excellent experience AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Reykjavik. farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Navigate the icy waters of the Arctic Circle by Zodiac Explore the Svalbard archipelago 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Arctic Expedition adventure. GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) from a representative of Bellona as well as an VISIT offshore oil worker. GCF was established in 1992 to help change A DAY IN THE LIFE people’s lives in the world where we live, Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s donated $200 million worldwide. find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an By investing in the places we explore— exclusive, immersive experience that places including local