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June 30 – July 16, 2009. Explore the High Arctic when the sun barely toys with the horizon at midnight.

Particularly timely in light of increased media coverage of global warming, a voyage along Norway's western coast, across the Arctic Circle, and to the remote shores of Spitsbergen is a revelation of scenic beauty and wild wonders. Join your fellow Princetonians during the longest days of summer, June 30 – July 16, 2009, to cruise through fabled fjords and among glittering icebergs aboard the superb 110-passenger Clipper Adventurer.

From Bergen, Norway, head north to explore the spectacular element-sculpted, waterfall-laced Geiranger Fjord, one of northern Europe's most spectacular natural wonders. Even above the Arctic Circle, see the effects of the temperate Gulf Stream as you are surrounded by astonishing numbers of nesting birds and millions of opportunistic seabirds. Along with the prolific wildlife that makes its home in and around these waters—including whales of all types—cultural landmarks remind one of the intrepid nature of the Vikings and modern-day explorers whose obsession with adventure and discovery expanded the northern fringes of the known world.

The four days of the cruise are spent along the shores, and among a myriad of tiny islets, of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago. Cruise the lesser-traveled and spectacular Raudfjorden, photograph walrus hauled out on the shores of Moffen Island, and sail deep into Liefdefjorden to witness the calving of the majestic Monaco Glacier. Experience at close range the sights and sounds of hundreds of thousands of soaring and nesting seabirds; watch for beluga whales and ringed and harp seals; and keep a keen lookout for the thrilling glimpse of the elusive polar bear riding an ice floe or hunting along the shore.

Please note: Only part of the space aboard the Clipper Adventurer will be reserved for Princeton travelers.

About the Study Leader
Michael D. Lemonick, Lecturer in Astrophysical Sciences and the Princeton Environmental Institute, will serve as study leader for this program.

Michael Lemonick was a senior science writer at TIME magazine for more than 20 years, during which he wrote more than 50 cover stories about science and the environment, including pieces on the Exxon Valdez oil spill; humanity's impact on the ecosystems of the Antarctic; the Antarctic ozone hole; and three cover stories on climate change. Since leaving the magazine, he has completed his fourth book and written on a freelance basis for National Geographic, Scientific American, New Scientist and Wired magazines. He has taught at Princeton since 1998, offering courses in science journalism, environmental journalism, and several science-related courses in the Freshman Seminar program. He has also taught as an adjunct at Johns Hopkins, NYU and Columbia; served on the faculty of the Santa Fe Science Writing Workshops; and served as science writer in residence at the universities of Tennessee and Wisconsin. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the Princeton's Department of Astrophysical Sciences. In June of 2008, he joined the staff of Climate Central, a newly formed climate-change think tank based in Princeton.

Lemonick, who holds an A.B. in economics from Harvard College and a Master of Science in Journalism degree from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, served as study leader for the Princeton Journeys program to the Canadian Arctic in summer 2008. During the 2009 Arctic journey, he intends to speak on the scientific basis for the claims of global warming, the effects of climate change on wildlife in the region where we will be traveling, and the role of the media in the public discourse on climate change.

To make a reservation, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu.