DETAILED ITINERARY

Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, bordering the Norwegian Sea, Arctic Ocean and Greenland Sea. It is renowned for wildlife watching, both on land and in the marine rich coastal waters. Discover this last frontier of the inhabitable world on this fabulous Arctic cruise to see polar bears in Norway.

With regular shore excursions, this Spitsbergen expedition cruise offers superb wildlife encounters, as well as unparalleled photographic opportunities and spectacular scenery. Search for majestic polar bears, reindeer, seals and walruses under the midnight sun, and observe seabirds in their thousands in towering cliffside rookeries.

Enormous glaciers and fields of Arctic wildflowers provide a spectacular backdrop to each day's adventures. You will have the opportunity to explore this dramatic landscape not only by ship, but also on foot and via Zodiac.

The chances of a successful circumnavigation are higher later in the season, when the ice has melted and more channels are open. All voyage itineraries are dependent on sea and ice conditions at the time of travel, with early departures better for those wanting to see the region's rich bird life and experience large ice floes.

There is a wide choice of small ships available, from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels. Actual routes and landings will depend on weather, sea and ice conditions, but here is a sample itinerary. A two week itinerary is also available.

Note: You will see more polar bears early in the season, as there is more sea ice around

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Arrive in Oslo and check in to your airport hotel. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to explore in Norway’s lovely capital city.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen

Transfer to Oslo airport for your flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the world's most northerly town. Colourful weathered buildings scatter the shoreline, which has some restaurants, cafes and the town's museum.

Here you’ll have some time to explore before embarking on your cruise. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.

Days 3 to 6: Spitsbergen Cruise

Over the next few days your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the the highlights of Spitsbergen’s western coast, focusing on the search for wildlife. Your expedition will also afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

Spotting polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, land and sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Also keep an eye out for seals, walruses and whales. Conditions permitting, we will be able to explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, you can hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or head ashore to visit historical sites.

Sailing north into Krossfjord have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your expedition team to scan the shoreline and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). If ice conditions permit, at 80°N we’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water, as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space, is an unforgettable experience - so be ready with your binoculars.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal clear waters.

During the last full day of your Arctic adventure, we may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of Russia’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round off the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner

Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen

Disembark this morning in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here take your flight back to Oslo, where your adventure ends.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation, with full board on your cruise. Flights to and from Oslo are extra and will be quoted at the time of booking.

We offer a choice of cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.