Highlights

This Svalbard expedition departs from the far northern settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in the famed Svalbard archipelago. You’ll explore the island’s northwestern coast, home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.

On this Arctic wildlife cruise, you also venture to the jumbled edge of the north-polar ice cap in search of polar bears stalking their prey. Here, at the dynamic boundary between implacable ice and bountiful sea, the wildlife cruise presents the rare opportunity to experience raw nature and incredible events hardly ever seen.

Arctic wilderness: During this voyage you’ll encounter a wealth of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales and seals in one of the High Arctic’s most pristine environments.
Polar bears: Svalbard boasts one of the Arctic’s highest concentrations of polar bears. They are the world’s largest land carnivores and have become a symbol of the imperiled Arctic wilderness.
Human endeavor: The Arctic is rich with historical sites that served as bases for renowned expeditions to the North Pole.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (hotel night)

Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged in advance and is included in the price of the itinerary. You will then be free to explore the charming, walkable town center.

Day 2Welcome Aboard!

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Longyearbyen. Take in the views of icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding this historic former coal-mining town. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, Longyearbyen offers quick and easy meal options including the most northerly pizzas and kebabs in the world.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where you will warmly welcomed aboard a deluxe expedition vessel.

Day 3-9Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge

The itinerary for this voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of western Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. This area contains Svalbard’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.

One of the pristine natural areas on this itinerary is South Spitsbergen National Park, a vast region of varied landscapes including polar deserts and impassible mountain ranges. Also on your route is Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders. Here you find deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain peaks and immense tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise waters.

Human habitation along your route can be found at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements where we find a museum, gift shop and post office.

In addition to exploring the terrestrial environment and inshore waterways of western Spitsbergen, your Captain and expedition team will make a special effort to reach the edge of the polar pack ice. At this dynamic boundary between solid sea ice and open ocean, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to witness the dramatic interplay between polar bears and seals.

Day 10Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After enjoying one final breakfast buffet on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and final destination of your expedition. After disembarkation, a captivating sightseeing tour awaits you, showcasing some of the most interesting locations in the world’s northernmost city. Transfers to the airport or to the town center are provided in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard.

Please note:

Voyages may include an additional day of exploration in Svalbard depending on the day of departure
This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the expedition leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 1 in a hotel in Longyearbyen;
Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
Group transfer upon disembarkation;
Cozy accommodation aboard an elegant vessel, your home away from home;
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1;
Delicious gourmet meals crafted by a chef throughout your voyage;
Sightseeing tour around Longyearbyen upon disembarkation (2 hours)
All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits
All AECO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience;
24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost;
Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes;
Expert leadership from an experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team;
A stylish branded expedition parka to take home as a cherished memento;
Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise;
Pre-departure materials;
A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from the expedition photographer;
Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.

This expedition excludes:

Visa fees (if applicable)
Airfare;
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person;
Kayaking is an optional activity with limited availability and must be booked separately for an additional charge;
Staff gratuities.

Adventure Activities

Sea Kayaking: US$ 795 – 875 pp, depending on the date of departure

Photography: Included

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD

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