Around Spitsbergen
Overview
The aim of this expedition is to deliver the complete Spitsbergen experience, circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago’s largest island. With superb wildlife encounters on offer, this voyage also delivers unparalleled photographic opportunities with spectacular scenery throughout.
Highlights
- Encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat
- Cruise past glaciers, ice-floes and towering sea cliffs in a Zodiac
- Visit fascinating historic and scientific sites
- Optional kayaking available on selected departures (additional cost)
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Experienced Expedition Team
- Presentations on board
Full description
This is the 'star' voyage in our Arctic portfolio, exploring the full coastline of the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen. Renowned for wildlife watching opportunities both on land and in the marine rich coastal waters, discover this last frontier of the inhabitable world on a fabulous circular voyage.
Please note that the chance of successful circumnavigation is higher later in the season, when the ice has melted and more channels are open. Early departures are better for those wanting to see the region's rich birdlife and to experience large ice-floes. All voyage itineraries are dependent on the sea-ice conditions at the time of travel!
Special Interest Departures
Take a look at the 'Other Information' section for details about select departures that will be accompanied by leading experts, from renowned scientists to professional photographers.
Prices & Dates *
Offers
Arctic 2019: SAVE up to 50% PLUS receive a free flight on select voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer and Ocean Nova
Arctic
Book your Arctic 2019 voyage aboard the Ocean Adventurer or Ocean Nova to receive big savings PLUS a free charter flight on select voyages
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Arctic 2020: Save up to 15% on select voyages aboard the G Expedition
Arctic
Receive an Early Booking Discount of up to 15% on select Arctic 2020 voyages aboard the G Expedition if you book today.
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Arctic 2020: Great savings on voyages aboard the Sea Spirit!
Arctic
Early Booking offer of up to 15% off, PLUS bonus savings on select Arctic 2020 voyages aboard the Sea Spirit.
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Arctic 2019: 5% Discount & Flight Credit worth £385pp on voyages aboard the MS Quest
Arctic
Book your Arctic 2019 voyage aboard the MS Quest and receive a 5% discount PLUS flight credit worth £385 per person.
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Arctic 2020: 10% Early Booking Discount plus Free Transfer Package on selected voyages
Arctic
Book your 2020 Arctic voyage aboard the Ocean Adventurer or World Explorer and receive a 10% Early Booking Discount, plus a FREE transfer package on select voyages
Discover MoreAirfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
2019 Departures - prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) | Special Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jul 2019 | 13 days | Ocean Adventurer | £7,400 | ||
| 23 Jul 2019 | 10 days | M/V Hondius | £5,409 | ||
| 23 Jul 2019 | 16 days | S/V Noorderlicht | £4,773 | ||
| 25 Jul 2019 | 11 days | Polar Pioneer | £5,200 - Waitlist only! | ||
| 31 Jul 2019 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 01 Aug 2019 | 10 days | M/V Hondius | £5,409 | ||
| 04 Aug 2019 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,146 | ||
| 07 Aug 2019 | 16 days | S/V Noorderlicht | £4,773 | ||
| 10 Aug 2019 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 10 Aug 2019 | 12 days | M/V Hondius | £8,136 | ||
| 14 Aug 2019 | 11 days | M/S Quest | £7,146 | ||
| 17 Aug 2019 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,409 | ||
| 19 Aug 2019 | 10 days | M/V Hondius | £6,000 - Waitlist only! | ||
| 22 Aug 2019 | 16 days | S/V Noorderlicht | £4,773 | ||
| 24 Aug 2019 | 11 days | M/S Quest | £7,146 - Waitlist only! | Guest lecturer Doug Allan |
+ Departs from Tromso, Norway
Activity Key:
Kayaking
Kayaking taster session
Snorkelling
Diving
Special Interest departures - please refer to 'Other Information' section for more details.
Note the inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen, though the following are applicable to all:
2020 Departures - prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Price from (pp) | Special interests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jun 2020 | 11 days | Sea Spirit | £8,076 | ||
| 22 Jun 2020 | 11 days | The Greg Mortimer | £5,100 - Waitlist only! | ||
| 24 Jun 2020 | 10 days | M/V Hondius | £5,636 | Hiking & Interactive workshop | |
| 24 Jun 2020 * | 14 days | Ocean Adventurer | £8,900 | ||
| 26 Jun 2020 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,636 | Hiking | |
| 26 Jun 2020 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,199 | French translator on-board | |
| 27 Jun 2020 * | 14 days | World Explorer | £11,600 | ||
| 30 Jun 2020 | 12 days | Sea Spirit | £8,956 | ||
| 01 Jul 2020 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,636 | ||
| 02 Jul 2020 ^ | 11 days | The Greg Mortimer | £5,100 - Waitlist only! | ||
| 05 Jul 2020 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,636 | ||
| 06 Jul 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 13 Jul 2020 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,199 | French translator on-board | |
| 16 Jul 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 19 Jul 2020 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,636 | German translator on-board | |
| 26 Jul 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 30 Jul 2020 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 30 Jul 2020 * | 14 days | World Explorer | £11,600 | ||
| 02 Aug 2020 | 10 days | M/V Hondius | £5,636 | ||
| 05 Aug 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 09 Aug 2020 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 15 Aug 2020 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,636 | German translator on-board | |
| 15 Aug 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 25 Aug 2020 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 |
* Departs and finishes in Oslo, Norway
^ Departs from Longyearbyen and finishes in Kirkenes, Norway
Activity Key:
Kayaking
Kayaking taster session
Snorkelling
Diving
2021 Departures - prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activites | Price from (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Jul 2021 * | 13 days | The Greg Mortimer | £8,300 | |
| 18 Aug 2021 ^ | 13 days | The Greg Mortimer | £8,600 |
* Departs from Longyearbyen and finishes in Kirkenes, Norway
^ Departs from Kirkenes and finishes in Longyearbyen
Activity Key:
Kayaking
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection »
NOTES
- Expedition jackets are NOT provided on the MS Quest, Plancius, Hondius or Ortelius. On all other ships you will be provided with an expedition jacket to keep.
- Rubber boots are NOT provided on the MS Quest unless requested in advance. On all other ships you will be provided with a pair of boots for the duration of the voyage.
Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.
Itinerary & Vessels
Itinerary & Vessels
Day 1: Embarkation, Longyearbyen
Board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
Days 2-10: Spitsbergen
Over the next few days your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of Spitsbergen, as you attempt to circumnavigate the island. Along the way you may visit the renowned basalt sea cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thick billed murres (brunnich guillemots) nest in their thousands, or visit the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden. Perhaps search for polar bears at Isbukta, beluga whales near Bourbonhamna or walrus at Moffen Island. Conditions permitting there should be plenty of opportunity to hike the Arctic tundra and enjoy Zodiac cruises in the shadow of mighty glaciers.
Day 11: Disembarkation, Longyearbyen
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen.
Notes
- 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!
- The above sample itinerary is based on the 11-day voyage on the G Expedition. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
M/V Plancius
Antarctica
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.
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M/V Hondius
Multi-destination
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
New for 2019, the M/V Hondius is one of the strongest vessels of its category in the polar regions.
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M/V Ortelius
Antarctica
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
A former scientific-research vessel, the Ortelius offers the classic small ship experience.
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MS Quest
Arctic
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
The smallest expedition ship in our polar fleet, M/S Quest offers an intimate polar experience.
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G Expedition
Multi-destination
Grade: Standard
Type: Expedition Ship
The ever-popular G Expedition offers spacious and comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
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Ocean Endeavour
Multi-destination
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
The Ocean Endeavour is a bright and spacious purpose-built expedition ship, with excellent facilities, a range of optional activities and a focus on health and wellbeing.
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Ocean Nova
Antarctica
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
The Ocean Nova is one of our smaller ships, simple and practical with fresh modern style.
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Ocean Adventurer
Multi-destination
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.
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Polar Pioneer
Multi-destination
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
One of our smallest ships, the Polar Pioneer offers traditional expedition voyaging with a range of optional adventure activities.
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The Greg Mortimer
Antarctica
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
Brand new for 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.
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World Explorer
Multi-destination
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet of small ships.
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Sea Spirit
Multi-destination
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.
Discover MoreExcursions
Kayaking
Duration variable Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec
Multi-destination
Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.
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Scuba Diving
Variable Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Multi-destination
Explore an icy underwater world.
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Kayaking Taster Session
Variable Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec
Multi-destination
Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.
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Snorkelling
Variable Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Multi-destination
Immerse yourself in polar waters in search of marine adventures.
Discover moreOther Information
Join Doug Allan on a Special Svalbard Adventure!
M/S Quest: 24 August 2019
We are proud to present Doug Allan, award winning polar photographer and cameraman, as special lecturer on our Around Spitsbergen voyage departing 24 August 2019.
Doug Allan is one of the world’s best known and respected cameramen, whose love affair with ice has lasted over forty years. He spent four winters as a research diver, scientist, base commander and photographer for the British Antarctic Survey, before changing direction to full time filming in 1984. He specialises in natural history, expeditions and science documentaries in the wildest and most remote places on our planet, particularly the polar zones. Over his career, he's filmed for series like The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Operation Iceberg and Forces of Nature. He has been on over 20 expeditions to Svalbard to film its wildlife.
His photographic awards include eight Emmys and five BAFTAs. He has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and has three Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his camerawork, as well as two Polar Medals.
Doug will share some of his experiences and stories as you attempt to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen.
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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