YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard 2021 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, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. New! Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these: 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. So we keep our groups small, with only 20-25 travelers (average 22) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can. To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. 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 until the day comes when you are off to 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. Love and peace, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. For more inspiration, you can watch videos and slideshows from travelers like you at www.oattravel. com/traveler-moments. You can also share some of your own favorite moments by uploading your travel videos and slideshows directly onto the trip-specific pages of our website. USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler 2 CONTENTS A Letter from Harriet Lewis ................................................................2 The O.A.T. Difference......................................................................4 The Grand Circle Foundation...............................................................6 The Leader in Solo Travel ..................................................................7 ARCTIC EXPEDITION: ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: UNTAMED NORWAY & SVALBARD CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Culture & Points to Know ................. 60 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Cuisine in Norway ....................... 62 and What’s Included .......................8 Icelandic Cuisine ........................ 63 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ..........9 Cuisine in Denmark ...................... 65 Pre-Trip Extension ....................... 19 Responsible Travel in the Arctic ........... 66 Post-Trip Extension ...................... 25 Oslo in Brief............................. 67 Deck Plans .............................. 29 Copenhagen in Brief ..................... 68 Dates & Prices ........................... 31 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More . 69 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 32 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY No Visas Required ....................... 32 Svalbard in Brief......................... 72 Special Forms Required for Arctic Cruise . 33 Norway................................. 73 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 35 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 73 Vaccines Required ..................... .. 36 Historical Overview of Norway ............ 74 Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Iceland ................................. 75 Guidelines .............................. 38 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 75 Tipping Guidelines....................... 41 Iceland: A Brief History ................... 76 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 43 Denmark ............................... 77 Optional Tours .......................... 44 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 77 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 45 Historical Overview of Denmark .......... 78 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 46 RESOURCES Expedition Clothing ..................... 48 Suggested Reading ...................... Suggested Packing Lists .................. 49 80 Suggested Film & Video .................. Electricity Abroad ....................... 52 82 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 54 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services on Board ............... 57 Hondius .................................57 Ship Specifications ...................... 59 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 86 Notes.................................................................................. 87 Map ................................................................................... 91 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 schools, cooperatives, or arts you in the heart of a community where you’ll centers—we hope to give locals the skills and meet various people where they live, work, confidence they need to become leaders of and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a their generation and preserve their heritage hand with daily chores; and break bread with for many years to come. We’re proud to play our hosts. a part in preserving precious locales like the Perhaps you’ll join a local resident or Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living community leader for a guided walk through example of the glory days of the Hanseatic the town,