First day

Since Longyearbyen’s foundation as a coal-mining settlement in 1906 by John Munro Longyear, it has been the starting point for many historic and pioneering expeditions. Our adventure began with boarding our comfortable floating home for the next nine days – the M/V Plancius at the pier in Longyearbyen. Once onboard, we made our way to reception where our Hotel Manager André and Chief Steward Thijs de Lint greeted us, and the hotel staff showed us to our cabins.