What to expect from a trip onboard Polar Bear will depend entirely upon the trip itinerary. Some trips will involve hundreds of miles of ocean cruising, whilst other trips will use the boat more like a floating base-camp. Certain things will come as standard however...
Food:
Food is always plentiful and good quality. We understand that long days of activity, long nights of trying to get used to midnight sun and a cool Arctic environment will give even the smallest appetite a serious hunger pain.
All meals away from port are included in the cost and there is no need to take your own stores. Most crews choose to have a meal ashore for the last night of any trip.
We can cater for any dietary requirement and we'll send out a menu plan before your trip. At the bottom of this page you can download a sample menu plan.
Personal Safety Equipment:
Having the right equipment in this environment is imperative. We will provide you with 'oilskin's' to keep the sea and wind at bay. This equipment is only for use onboard and not suitable for mountains / kayaking.
All guests will be issued with a personal life jacket / harness which will be in perfect condition and checked before your trip.
Domestics:
We can be very flexible with individual and group requirements. If you would like to share a cabin with a friend / partner, this can be arranged. Cabins are normally issued on a first come first served basis, but all of our sleeping accommodation is warm, clean and 'friendly'.
The central saloon is very spacious and the communal focus of the boat. It's a great place to chill out and watch a slideshow on the projector with a beer in your hand.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is not included in the price of your trip, but we welcome our guests to enjoy a drink when the boat is safely anchored or docked in port.
Inshore Routine:
An inshore routine will apply to most kayaking / mountain trips based in the fjords of Norway. It will vary daily given the wishes of the group, and of course weather, but it is likely to follow this pattern...
- 0800 Breakfast (continental style)
- 0900 Dinghy ride ashore; kayaks packed / skiers briefing
- 0930 On the water / in the mountains
- 1600 Return to Polar Bear
- 1630 Up anchor and cruise to next destination
- 1700 - 1800 Showers operative
- 1900 Drop anchor for evening
- 2000 Dinner is served
- 2100 Slideshow / lecture (open
- 2300 Head down and sweet dreams
Offshore Routine:
Contrary to the inshore routine, when Polar Bear is offshore we will operate a watch system This system will vary given the conditions, but is designed to give each crew member as much sleep as possible, whilst maintaining a constant watch on deck. All crew are encouraged to take part in the watch system as it is gives everybody an equal balance of rest and activity.
A member of The Polar Front will be on deck at all times and will act as 'watch-leader' for the duration of their watch. This is a great way to pick their brains and get a lot more form the experience than just sitting on deck!