Arctic adventures

Kumuka Worldwide has introduced four new adventure cruises in the Arctic for Summer 2009 - all offering superb wildlife encounters in the company of expert guides.

The cruises are of eight to 13-days' duration and include all meals, daily shore excursions and activities - using Zodiac landing craft - as well as a programme of lectures by professional naturalists.

For example, the eight-day North Spitsbergen cruise around Norway's Svalbard archipelago is half way to the North Pole. The summer sailing dates of 12 and 19 June take full advantage of the long days.

Polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses, seals, puffins, little auks, eider duck and gulls of every size are all likely sightings on shore excursions led by expedition staff. The cost is £2680 per person (twin share) excluding flights, which can also be arranged by Kumuka.

The ten-day Scoresby Sund cruise sails from Iceland across to the Greenland coast on 6 and 17 September. Greenland and beluga whales, as well as musk ox and other Arctic wildlife are potential sightings. This itinerary costs £3360 per person (twin share) excluding flights to Iceland. For more information and reservations, see Kumuka.com.