Included: An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7 or 10 days of sailing and exploration 6- or 9-night ship rental with professional skipper and chef Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline Shore landings and tours with the dinghy Bedding and towels Onboard food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages Fuel and all port dues Not included: Trekking or other outdoor activity gear Air fares to and from Longyearbyen Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding Alcoholic beverages Voice and data communication using onboard equipment Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)

What's life on board like?

It’s the best ever! You can expect a wonderful blend of adventure, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring beauty. Reaching these remote corners of the world usually takes serious planning—but not when you’re on this tour. With sturdy boats, expert guides, and a warm, professional crew, everything’s handled for you—safely and smoothly. With 4 to 6 guests per trip , you’ll have more comfort and flexibility, maximizing your time spent onshore. Your first mate and chef will pamper you with a gourmet breakfast, après-ski snacks, and a delicious 3-course dinner , featuring local delicacies paired with exquisite wines! Three boats are available, each perfectly suited for these waters and comfortably accommodating up to six guests.

Can I charter the whole boat?

Chartering a boat means that you have additional flexibility and your guide can adapt the itinerary to your group. Your guides and skipper will handle the boat for you and recommend routes and places to visit and you will get the most immersive experience possible. The final price of the tour depends on the chosen dates, possible upgrades and add-ons. Invite your family and friends who also love boating and reduce the cost per person! Let us know which dates work best for you and we will give you an estimate of the prices and options for that period. Prior to payment, we will send you a charter agreement and corresponding invoice

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join the sail and explore tour in Svalbard, you need to be reasonably fit. This is a beginner-friendly adventure, but keep in mind that you’ll spend some time hiking and walking onshore. Due to Svalbard’s limited health system capacities, make sure that you’re in good health and able-bodied to travel in Svalbard. It can be a costly and timely affair to transport you to hospital if you become seriously ill.

What if I’ve never hiked before?

Depending on the group wishes, we can plan shorter or longer hikes (up to 3-4 hours). If you wish to stay on board, you can enjoy the spectacular settings and local fauna from there.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Here’s what you’ll need to bring: Clothing list Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks Long underwear top — synthetic or wool Light fleece or wool sweater Wind shell — nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type jacket Waterproof breathable jacket Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic Long underwear bottoms — synthetic or wool Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants Waterproof breathable pants Warm hat — wool or synthetic Brimmed cap for sun protection Face warmer — scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional) Light gloves — wool, synthetic or leather Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell Spare gloves or mitts Quick-dry towel Swimsuit Personal Equipment Dry bag Backpack (30-40 litres) Sunglasses (both orange and dark lenses help a lot for travel in all conditions) Goggles (orange lenses) Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+) Head lamp with good batteries Hairdryer Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L) Lunch bag or container Personal blister kit (i.e: Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads) Pocket knife — optional Camera — optional, but recommended Binoculars — optional Hardcase luggage is not admitted on board. If you have any questions regarding the equipment list, feel free to contact us prior to booking.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group size: To ensure your comfort and safety, the max number of people in a group for this adventure is 6 (in some cases, even 4). You can join this adventure on your own or in bigger groups until all the spots are taken. Prices are per person in double bed cabins (2 persons). A single cabin (1 person) may be requested with a price surcharge. The cost doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If you plan to arrive with anyone under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Svalbard, most people fly into Longyearbyen, the largest city on the Norwegian archipelago where your adventure begins. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø, but we encourage you to book early. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm. Your guide will transfer you from the airport to the sailboat. During the evening you will have a briefing with your guides and find out the rest of the details.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Svalbard | Norway

Sail and Explore the Svalbard Archipelago

View of the Signehamna, a natural bay and harbor in Albert I Land at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.

Arctic landscape in Spitzbergen -Svalbard. View across the Bockfjord to the mountains on the other side of the Fjord. Passenger cruise in anchoring in the Fjord. Hot springs with colored rocks in the foreground.

Beautiful scene of the Spitzbergen Mountains in Isfjord

Arctic landscape in Spitzbergen -Svalbard. View across the Isfjord to the mountains on the other side of the Fjord.

A sign of a polar bear on a Svalbard road

From $4,310 ()

Duration

7-10 days

Season

June

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Sailboats
Things to know

With more than 3000 polar bears and less than 3000 inhabitants, Svalbard is the epitome of Arctic wilderness. Situated to the north of the Norwegian mainland between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea, the archipelago of Svalbard provides superb scenery and geological diversity that every explorer dreams of. The untouched nature combined with the archipelago’s fascinating history and cultural heritage makes this place the ultimate nature-lover destination. Day has no beginning or end under the Midnight Sun that brings out magical colors of the snow-covered plains. Explore the most magnificent locations, including Longyearbyen, Isfjord, Forlandslund, Kongsfjord, Krossfjord, and large, beautiful fjords along the North Coast. The possibilities are endless as you sail the cobalt blue seas on a 73ft long sailboat!

Adventure highlights

Explore the diverse areas rich in history and unique wildlife
Remote places, jaw-dropping nature and beautiful fjords along the way
Spend your days animal watching and hiking the shores of Svalbard

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

7-Day Sail and Explore Tour

Experience the Arctic wildlife to the fullest over 7 days of adventure. Take part in this tour of the Svalbard coast and spend your days animal watching, hiking and exploring the spectacular locations along the coast that are rich in history, cultural heritage, and wildlife. Reenergize each evening with a warm meal and get to know the group of outdoor enthusiasts that you share this experience with. If your mind is elsewhere at the mere thought of embarking on an Arctic exploration, this is the perfect adventure for you!

After you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the sailboat where your adventure begins! Get settled, get to know the crew, and make yourself comfortable. Once you check your luggage, review the boat and listen to the safety briefing, you’ll set sail towards the remote frontiers of the Arctic.

Sail through the archipelago for as many days as you want in the company of experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area. After a hearty breakfast, grab your backpack and head to the spectacular locations along the coast! Your guide will maximize time spent onshore and, depending on the weather conditions, you might explore more than one landing spot on given days. After 4-8 hours of exploring the great outdoors, return to the boat for nourishing apres snacks and rest before joining your group for dinner and conversation. Each day is a new adventure!
The small Arctic town of Longyearbyen is the gateway to the High Arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Situated on the shores of Adventfjord and surrounded by snowy mountaintops and glaciers, it is only a three-hour flight from Oslo or a 90-minute flight from Tromsø.
First stop is Isfjord, a system of multiple fjord branches and pyramid shaped mountains cascading to the cold Arctic waters. Choose from a number of fjords and anchorages and explore Grønfjord, Billefjord or Trygghamna. Some more interesting sights include Pyramiden, a perfectly preserved ghost USSR settlement, and Barentsburg, the only Russian settlement since the abandonment of Pyramiden. Explore Finnset, the site of a former Norwegian whaling station) or Alkhornet’s WWII observation center known for interesting geological formations.
Located on the Spitsbergen coast, the sound of Forlandsund is lined with mountains and glaciers approachable under summer weather conditions. As you sail, pick between a number of anchorages, including the old whaling station Farmhamna (great for anyone interested in geology), Eidembukta known for the rich birdlife, Fersvassbukta (walruses!) and Engelsbukta and its Comfortlessbreen glacier.
These fjords dominated by peaks and glaciers overlooking the deep blue sea have numerous locations waiting to be explored. Anchor in Ny Alesund, a polar scientific research center and the site of the epic Amundsen’s zeppelin 1926 North Pole flight. Once you’ve seen everything, grab a beer in the world’s northernmost pub. Go for a nice walk and explore the flora of Peirsonhamna or enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers in Blomstrandhamna and Møllerfjord. With surprisingly numerous wildlife and varied coastal scenery, every explorer will find something for themselves.
As one of the seven national parks in Svalbard, Nordvest-Spitsbergen is home to Svalbard’s main historical monuments, whaling stations and burial grounds established as early as the 1600s. The area is rich in fauna, with vast bird colonies, reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes and polar bears. If you’re up for more adventure, nearby islands such as Danes Island and Moffen are just around the corner. With your sailboat Varuna, you can pick one of the anchorages and discover the magic of Svalbard on foot.
The North Coast is dominated by beautiful fjords that cut 35 nautical miles inland. Liefdefjord and Woodfjord are great spots to anchor and observe Svalbard fauna, as well as to visit hot springs and extinct volcano. Depending on weather and icepack, your guides will select the best anchorages. Some of the most popular options include Murchisonfjord (great for polar bear and walrus sighting) or the Sjuøyane group of islands.
After twelve days of unforgettable travel through the cobalt blue seas and snow-covered Svalbard, you’ll reach the port in the morning and disembark before heading back home.

10-Day Sail and Explore Tour

Join experienced and professional guide on a 10-day adventure off the coast of Svalbard and spend 10 days animal watching, hiking and exploring the spectacular locations along the coast. Experience the Arctic wildlife to the fullest, learn about the rich history, cultural heritage, and interesting wildlife. Return to your trusted sailboat each evening and get to know the group of outdoor enthusiasts that you share this experience with over a warm meal. This longer tour lets you see more of the spectacular nature Svalbard is known for!

After you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the sailboat where your adventure begins! Get settled, get to know the crew, and make yourself comfortable. Once you check your luggage, review the boat and listen to the safety briefing, you’ll set sail towards the remote frontiers of the Arctic.

Sail through the archipelago for as many days as you want in the company of experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area. After a hearty breakfast, grab your backpack and head to the spectacular locations along the coast! Your guide will maximize time spent onshore and, depending on the weather conditions, you might explore more than one landing spot on given days. After 4-8 hours of exploring the great outdoors, return to the boat for nourishing apres snacks and rest before joining your group for dinner and conversation. Each day is a new adventure!
The small Arctic town of Longyearbyen is the gateway to the High Arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Situated on the shores of Adventfjord and surrounded by snowy mountaintops and glaciers, it is only a three-hour flight from Oslo or a 90-minute flight from Tromsø.
First stop is Isfjord, a system of multiple fjord branches and pyramid shaped mountains cascading to the cold Arctic waters. Choose from a number of fjords and anchorages and explore Grønfjord, Billefjord or Trygghamna. Some more interesting sights include Pyramiden, a perfectly preserved ghost USSR settlement, and Barentsburg, the only Russian settlement since the abandonment of Pyramiden. Explore Finnset, the site of a former Norwegian whaling station) or Alkhornet’s WWII observation center known for interesting geological formations.
Located on the Spitsbergen coast, the sound of Forlandsund is lined with mountains and glaciers approachable under summer weather conditions. As you sail, pick between a number of anchorages, including the old whaling station Farmhamna (great for anyone interested in geology), Eidembukta known for the rich birdlife, Fersvassbukta (walruses!) and Engelsbukta and its Comfortlessbreen glacier.
These fjords dominated by peaks and glaciers overlooking the deep blue sea have numerous locations waiting to be explored. Anchor in Ny Alesund, a polar scientific research center and the site of the epic Amundsen’s zeppelin 1926 North Pole flight. Once you’ve seen everything, grab a beer in the world’s northernmost pub. Go for a nice walk and explore the flora of Peirsonhamna or enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers in Blomstrandhamna and Møllerfjord. With surprisingly numerous wildlife and varied coastal scenery, every explorer will find something for themselves.
As one of the seven national parks in Svalbard, Nordvest-Spitsbergen is home to Svalbard’s main historical monuments, whaling stations and burial grounds established as early as the 1600s. The area is rich in fauna, with vast bird colonies, reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes and polar bears. If you’re up for more adventure, nearby islands such as Danes Island and Moffen are just around the corner. With your sailboat Varuna, you can pick one of the anchorages and discover the magic of Svalbard on foot.
The North Coast is dominated by beautiful fjords that cut 35 nautical miles inland. Liefdefjord and Woodfjord are great spots to anchor and observe Svalbard fauna, as well as to visit hot springs and extinct volcano. Depending on weather and icepack, your guides will select the best anchorages. Some of the most popular options include Murchisonfjord (great for polar bear and walrus sighting) or the Sjuøyane group of islands.
After twelve days of unforgettable travel through the cobalt blue seas and snow-covered Svalbard, you’ll reach the port in the morning and disembark before heading back home.

Guided Hikes in Norway

Classic hikes (2) | Hidden gems (4) | All-women hiking tours (4) | Active vacations (5)

Explore similar adventures

Sail and Explore the Svalbard Archipelago

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Lionel Lemonchois

A professional racer-skipper and exceptional boat preparer, Lionel’s carrier spans solo oceanic races, non-stop around the world races, and many more. He is also certified as an offshore commercial yacht master, contributing significant skills in both crew management, safety and medical emergency chapters. As the co-founder of Boreal Adventure Sailing and skipper of VARUNA, he’s dedicated to sharing his passion for sailing and nature.

5.00

Brian Farquharson

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Brian is a professional mountain and climbing guide, a ski teacher, an Arctic Guide and RYA sailing teacher that has been running Ski & Sail tours for 15 years. In the last 23 years, he has become the lead guide for some amazing companies including the BBC, Pioneer Productions London, Amazon Prime and the top heliskiing operations worldwide. When he’s not leading tours, he tours Europe lecturing about avalanche awareness and rescue!

5.00

Paul Degonda

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Paul travels the world year-round. He spends the winter season ski touring, mountaineering, freeriding, heliskiing, ice climbing and snowshoeing across the world, and during the summer he guides for mountaineering, sport climbing, bouldering, trekking and biking.

5.00

Andres Scherrer

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Andres has made his dream a profession—he has been a qualified IFMGA mountain guide for 13 years! Sponsored by Mammut, he carries numerous expeditions all around the world and continuously discovers new terrain around Iceland, Norway, Japan and Alaska. When he’s not skiing, he works as a profiler for the Snow and Avalanche Research Institute in Davos and gives avalanche courses for all levels of skiers every year.

5.00

Boreal Adventure Sailing brings together a well-integrated team and the highest level of skill, experience and local knowledge to make the most of your voyage, in smoothness, comfort and safety. Embark onto an Arctic adventure and expect the unexpected!

Sailboats

Varuna

Varuna is a state-of-the-art, 22-meter (73-foot) aluminum sloop sailboat built for unlimited travel and high latitude cruising. With a maximum of 6 guests, comfort and personalized attention are guaranteed! You’ll stay in cozy, handcrafted cabins—each with en-suite bathrooms, individual heating, lighting, and power. Varuna features a panoramic deck saloon for 360° views and a thermally isolated inner hull, ensuring warmth and dryness, no matter the weather.

Intrepido

Intrepido is a 21-meter (69-foot) sloop, expertly designed for expedition sailing. Her spacious passenger cabins are designed for comfort while maintaining speed, thanks to her lightweight aluminium hull—which will allow you to reach remote areas, away from harbors. Intrepido accommodates 6 guests in bespoke wooden double-berth cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom, heating, lighting, and power, With a spacious central cockpit, two deck cockpits, and a unique desk saloon, you’ll have plenty of space to relax after a day out!

KÉRABAN LE TÊTU

KÉRABAN is perfect for smaller groups of up to 4 people, guaranteeing superb comfort. This 16-meter (52-foot) sailboat features an aluminum hull with thermal insulation and top-tier deck fittings, rigging, and sails—built to explore the most remote corners of the world. There are two spacious double-berth cabins for guests, also ensuite, with its own heating, lighting, and power. KÉRABAN features a spacious lounge and dining area just below the cockpit—perfect for relaxing and sharing moments with your crew.

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Sailing and Skiing in Norway: Q&A With an Expert Guide

Vartan Ibranyan

Sailor, skier, and co-founder of Boreal Adventure Sailing

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7 or 10 days of sailing and exploration
  - 6- or 9-night ship rental with professional skipper and chef
  - Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
  - Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
  - Bedding and towels
  - Onboard food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
  - Fuel and all port dues
Not included:
- - Trekking or other outdoor activity gear
  - Air fares to and from Longyearbyen
  - Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
  - Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
It’s the best ever! You can expect a wonderful blend of adventure, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring beauty. Reaching these remote corners of the world usually takes serious planning—but not when you’re on this tour. With sturdy boats, expert guides, and a warm, professional crew, everything’s handled for you—safely and smoothly.

With 4 to 6 guests per trip, you’ll have more comfort and flexibility, maximizing your time spent onshore. Your first mate and chef will pamper you with a gourmet breakfast, après-ski snacks, and a delicious 3-course dinner, featuring local delicacies paired with exquisite wines!

Three boats are available, each perfectly suited for these waters and comfortably accommodating up to six guests.
Chartering a boat means that you have additional flexibility and your guide can adapt the itinerary to your group. Your guides and skipper will handle the boat for you and recommend routes and places to visit and you will get the most immersive experience possible.

The final price of the tour depends on the chosen dates, possible upgrades and add-ons. Invite your family and friends who also love boating and reduce the cost per person! Let us know which dates work best for you and we will give you an estimate of the prices and options for that period. Prior to payment, we will send you a charter agreement and corresponding invoice
In order to join the sail and explore tour in Svalbard, you need to be reasonably fit. This is a beginner-friendly adventure, but keep in mind that you’ll spend some time hiking and walking onshore. Due to Svalbard’s limited health system capacities, make sure that you’re in good health and able-bodied to travel in Svalbard. It can be a costly and timely affair to transport you to hospital if you become seriously ill.
Depending on the group wishes, we can plan shorter or longer hikes (up to 3-4 hours). If you wish to stay on board, you can enjoy the spectacular settings and local fauna from there.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

Clothing list
- - Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
  - Long underwear top — synthetic or wool
  - Light fleece or wool sweater
  - Wind shell — nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type jacket
  - Waterproof breathable jacket
  - Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic
  - Long underwear bottoms — synthetic or wool
  - Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
  - Waterproof breathable pants
  - Warm hat — wool or synthetic
  - Brimmed cap for sun protection
  - Face warmer — scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional)
  - Light gloves — wool, synthetic or leather
  - Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell
  - Spare gloves or mitts
  - Quick-dry towel
  - Swimsuit
Personal Equipment
- - Dry bag
  - Backpack (30-40 litres)
  - Sunglasses (both orange and dark lenses help a lot for travel in all conditions)
  - Goggles (orange lenses)
  - Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+)
  - Head lamp with good batteries
  - Hairdryer
  - Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L)
  - Lunch bag or container
  - Personal blister kit (i.e: Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads)
  - Pocket knife — optional
  - Camera — optional, but recommended
  - Binoculars — optional
Hardcase luggage is not admitted on board. If you have any questions regarding the equipment list, feel free to contact us prior to booking.
Group size:
- - To ensure your comfort and safety, the max number of people in a group for this adventure is 6 (in some cases, even 4). You can join this adventure on your own or in bigger groups until all the spots are taken.
  - Prices are per person in double bed cabins (2 persons). A single cabin (1 person) may be requested with a price surcharge. The cost doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If you plan to arrive with anyone under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Svalbard, most people fly into Longyearbyen, the largest city on the Norwegian archipelago where your adventure begins. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø, but we encourage you to book early. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm.

Your guide will transfer you from the airport to the sailboat. During the evening you will have a briefing with your guides and find out the rest of the details.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure.

If you are required to cancel your trip before it starts (departure date), you must inform Guide as soon as possible in writing (by e-mail). The date of your written notice will be used as the cancellation date to charge the cancellation fee.

In case you need to cancel the trip, the following cancellation costs would be incurred:
- - 100% of the price of the trip is refundable more than 365 days before departure date
  - 75% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 120 to 365 days before departure date
  - 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 90 to 119 days before departure date
  - 25% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 60 to 89 days before departure
  - 0% of the price of the trip if it is canceled less than 60 days before departure.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

For any cancellation by the client, costs incurred by the traveler such as transportation to the departure point of the trip and return home, fees visa documents, travel documents and vaccination fees will not be subject to any reimbursement.

If cancellation occurs as a result of unpredictable or unavoidable events by the customer or by a third party (e.g. flight cancellations, loss or theft of luggage or personal belongings) other than Guide can not be held responsible nor can it be required to reimburse related costs, including cancellation fees.

You can request consent for a third party to take your place, up to 7 days before departure. The replacement customer must fulfil all the conditions associated with the contract, including medical health and fitness. The customer and the person replacing them shall be jointly and severally liable for payment of the amounts still owed for the travel. Guide may refuse at its sole discretion the replacement customer and cancellation fees would remain applicable.

The prices are definitive. Price changes after the date of the booking form may arise from subsequent material increases in fuel costs, changes in or new fees (e.g. embarkation & disembarkation fees) or introduction / increase of taxes and government fees.

Should events beyond guide’s control occur (such as wars, political unrest, strikes, riots, airspace congestion, bad weather, thefts of luggage or other personal belongings of travelers), Guide reserves the right to cancel the travel, change the dates, schedules or itineraries to ensure the safety of travelers, without possible recourse against Guide.