DELUXE | CRUISE: Embark on an extraordinary journey to the Arctic and explore the northern island of Spitsbergen. Aboard a brand-new polar vessel, you’ll cruise through pack ice exploring the fjords and glaciers of this Norwegian island, spotting polar bears, walruses, and seabirds along the way.
This 7-day Arctic vacation takes you around the far northern island of Spitsbergen. It features deluxe accommodations aboard a brand-new sea vessel, shared tours, and is a great vacation for wildlife lovers.
Your journey begins in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, where you’ll have a night to enjoy some of the underrated attractions of this northern capital. After getting acquainted with Norwegian culture, you’ll catch a flight to the northern island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago and its largest urban centre, Longyearbyen. There, you’ll board your Arctic sea vessel, the Ultramarine, a 5-star polar explorer that is fully equipped for exploring northern waters. In addition to its spacious rooms, it boasts an ice-strengthened hull, twin-engine helicopters, and a zodiac fleet.
You’ll spend four full days exploring the northern landscapes of Spitsbergen in search of polar bears, icebergs, and glaciers. In Western Spitsbergen, you’ll cruise along fjords and enjoy a backdrop of soaring mountains. Head north and reach the Krossfjord where you’ll head up to the face of Lilliehook Glacier to watch ice chunks break off into the waters. Continue onward and take a zodiac excursion to Ny London, where you may spot some Svalbard reindeer while you visit an abandoned mining settlement.
Cruise overnight and wake up to the sights of Monaco Glacier, where you’ll get out your binoculars and scan the shoreline for walruses and seals. Reach Moffen Island and watch the giant walruses jockey for space along the thin shoreline. At Smeerenburg, you’ll see the remains of a Dutch whale settlement from almost 400 years ago before cruising to Magdalenafjord to admire more snow-capped mountains and glaciers. On the final day of your expedition, visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home to the northernmost brewery in the world, and cruise along the towering cliffs of Alkehornet to see the fulmars and Burnnich’s guillemots flying off the cliffs.
Return to Longyearbyen to disembark and fly back to Oslo to end your journey.
2024:
Ocean Adventurer: May 15; June 25
PRICE INCLUDES:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
Duration | 1 Night |
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This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement, where you'll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 5 Nights |
Accommodation |
Ultramarine Ship |
You'll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.
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 Lilliehook 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 indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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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 shorelines 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). At 80 degree celcius N, you'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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world's northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brunnich'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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.