A Taste of Spitsbergen

Overview
This Arctic adventure cruise is designed for the adventurous explorer who is long on ambition, but short on time. It delivers all the wonder and frozen majesty of Spitsbergen in a week full and exciting experiences.
Highlights
- Search for elusive polar bears and majestic whales
- Cruise through breathtaking fjords and admire huge glaciers
- Experience the energising and magical midnight sun
- Learn about Arctic history and ecology from expert guides
- Enjoy the pure silence of the Arctic tundra, broken only by the booming of breaking ice
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Experienced Expedition Team
- Presentations on board
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
Full description
The ideal introduction to the Arctic, this expedition cruise offers the chance to experience the frozen majesty of Svalbard in just a week. An exploration of Spitsbergen's northwest coast should reveal wildlife, glaciers, fjords and more. Your expedition team will help you track polar bears, explore fjords and remote shorelines on Zodiac excursions, and uncover the history of the archipelago, all from the comfort and convenience of a dedicated polar expedition ship.
Prices & Dates *
Offers
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
2021 Departures - prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
Departures | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) | Special Interest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
03 May 2021 * | 7 days | Ultramarine | £7,192 | ||
13 May 2021 * | 7 days | Ocean Adventurer | £5,192 | ||
16 May 2021 * | 7 days | Ultramarine | £7,192 | ||
18 May 2021 * | 7 days | Ocean Adventurer | £5,192 | ||
20 May 2021 | 8 days | M/V Hondius | £4,364 | ||
21 May 2021 * | 7 days | Ultramarine | £7,192 | ||
27 May 2021 | 8 days | M/V Hondius | £4,364 | ||
03 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Ortelius | £4,364 | ||
03 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Hondius | £4,364 | ||
04 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Plancius | £4,364 | ||
07 Jun 2021 * | 7 days | Ultramarine | £7,192 | ||
10 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Ortelius | £4,364 | German translator on-board | |
11 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Plancius | £4,364 | ||
18 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Plancius | £4,364 | ||
25 Jun 2021 | 8 days | M/V Plancius | £4,364 |
* Return flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen are included
Activity Key:
Kayaking
Kayaking taster session
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings as per the daily programme
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection »
Itinerary & Vessels
Itinerary & Vessels
Day 1: Embarkation, Longyearbyen
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there may be an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. Embark your ship this afternoon and set sail on your Arctic expedition.
Days 2-7: Exploring West & North Spitsbergen
Every expedition is unique, with the final itinerary dictated by weather, sea and ice conditions. However your Expedition Leader will ensure a full programme awaits, aiming to include a variety of key natural attractions and wildlife encounters. Perhaps sail into the beautiful Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich amount of vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. You may take a Zodiac cruise along the 5km face of the impressive Monaco Glacier, or marvel at the thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots that nest on the famed bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Search for polar bears and whales around the northern island of Phippsoya; here you will reach 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Cruise along the edge of the pack ice before starting the journey south back to Longyearbyen.
Day 8: Disembark in Longyearbyen
This morning disembark the ship in Longyearbyen after breakfast.
Notes
- The above itinerary is for the 8 day voyage on the M/V Plancius. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
- All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only - embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
M/V Plancius
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.
Discover MoreM/V Hondius
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
New for 2019, the M/V Hondius is one of the strongest vessels of its category in the polar regions.
Discover MoreM/V Ortelius
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
A former scientific-research vessel, the Ortelius offers the classic small ship experience.
Discover MoreOcean Adventurer
Grade: Standard
Type: Expedition Ship
An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.
Discover MoreUltramarine
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by helicopter.
Discover MoreExcursions
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
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