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.
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.
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Highlights
Observe the Arctic’s apex predator from the vantage of a true adventurer – guided by respect for this fragile wilderness.
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Highlights
Take in Spitsbergen’s flora and fauna under the midnight sun
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Highlights
Unexpected glimpses of wildlife including seals and walrus
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Highlights
Cruise past breathtaking icebergs and sweeping glaciers
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Highlights
Observe seabirds in towering cliff-side rookeries
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Highlights
Visit fascinating historic and scientific sites
Itinerary
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 below sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage on the MS Quest. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.
Board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the world’s most northerly town. Colourful, yet weathered building scatter the shoreline and house restaurants, cafes and the town’s museum.
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.
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Choose to extend your stay or head to the airport for your flight home.
Current offers
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Expires: 30/06/2025
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Expires: 30/06/2025
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Arctic 2026: Save up to 25% off voyages aboard Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle
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Expires: 30/06/2025
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Book now, change later! Flexible bookings on select vessels
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Prices
What's Included
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Shipboard accommodation
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All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
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Tea & coffee available around the clock
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All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
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Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £6249 Excluding Flights
7-14 Nights
Jun-Aug
The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all. Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Doug
Cage dive with sharks
Continents set foot in
Departure & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
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MS Quest
Simple expedition ship - 50 passengers
Departures: Jun-Aug12 days£8,552Request Quote -
Ultramarine
Superior expedition ship - 199 passengers
Departures: Jun14-15 days£17,400Request Quote -
Ocean Explorer
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 138 passengers
Departures: Jul15 daysFrom £15,095Request Quote -
Greg Mortimer
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 130 passengers
Departures: Jun-Aug12 days£13,495Request Quote -
Sylvia Earle
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 130 passengers
Departures: Jun-Jul15 days£18,395Request Quote -
Sea Spirit
Superior, all-suite expedition ship - 114 passengers
Departures: Jun-Jul12-14 days£10,395Request Quote -
M/V Hondius
Standard expedition ship - 174 passengers
Departures: Jun-Aug10 days£6,773Request Quote -
M/V Plancius
Simple expedition ship - 116 passengers
Departures: Jul-Aug10 days£6,773Request Quote -
M/V Ortelius
Simple expedition ship - 116 passengers
Departures: Jul10 days£6,773Request Quote -
Ocean Albatros
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 189 passengers
Departures: Jun-Jul10-12 days£7,436Request Quote -
G Expedition
Standard expedition ship - 128 passengers
Departures: Jun11 days£6,249Request Quote
Optional experiences
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Samantha
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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6
Continents visited
8
Great Barrier Reef scuba dives
82
Countries visited
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1
World flown around
5
Continents visited
4
Oceans swam in
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3
Successful whale watching trip
3
Northern light sightings
2
Glacier hikes
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10
Visits to Iceland
3
Favourite Canadian lakes
5
Successful whale watching trips
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2
Polar plunges
7
Continents set foot in
8
Canada provinces visited
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39
Countries visited
1
Rail journey on the Ghan
50
Fiordland penguins encountered
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6
Continents travelled over
24
Countries explored
10
Seas/oceans swam in
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18
Countries visited
5
Turtles seen hatch in Mexico
3
Continents travelled
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4
Arctic cruises
2
Antarctica cruises
20
Species of whales & dolphins seen
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7
Christmas days spent abroad
28
Countries visited
5
Continents visited
Average Customer Score
Based On 1316 Reviews
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Excellent city break
Trusted Customer
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