Overview
Discover incredible Arctic scenery and wildlife under the Midnight Sun
🐻❄️ 10-day expedition cruise of the Svalbard archipelago. Explore Longyearbyen and North West Spitsbergen National Park on an attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen.
🐻❄️ The Midnight Sun provides perfect light for Svalbard wildlife photography of polar bears, whales, reindeer and more.
🐻❄️ Optional Pre- and Post-Programmes available from Longyearbyen to Isfjorden, spotting walrus and visiting glaciers.
Land of the polar bear
🐻❄️Starting out from Oslo, you‘ll fly to Longyearbyen where your adventure continues at sea. We'll then sail into Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Take in the stunning Arctic nature as we scout for polar bears, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. You'll also have the chance to see colonies of Brunnich’s Guillemots and kittiwakes.
Crossing the 80th parallel north
🐻❄️ We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, and attempt to sail beyond the 80th parallel north if conditions permit. You’ll see awe-inspiring nature and wildlife, and the breathtaking Hornsund mountains, before we cruise towards stunning Isfjord and back to cosy Longyearbyen.
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Price
| Itinerary | Departure Date | Price from |
|
10 Days In the Realm of the Polar Bear |
2024 • June 6^, 13, 14^, 21, 22^, 29, 30^ ; July 7, 15 ^Dates sailing with MS Fram. Others dates will sailing with MS Spitsbergen. |
MYR 36,688 per person based on Polar Outside |
Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| 1 | Explore cosmopolitan Oslo Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time before your flight, why not explore the city centre. With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You'll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum. Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before flying out to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago. |
| 2 | Longyearbyen adventures Explore colourful Longyearbyen After breakfast, it’s time to explore the world's northernmost town, a colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles. Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame. Admire the polar bear–inspired art or visit the North Pole Expedition Museum. Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion after lunch, or try an optional electric bike, dogsledding or hiking tour. |
| 3-5 | Expedition days Experience pristine Arctic wilderness Over the next three days, you'll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear hunting on the ice. In stunning Kongsfjord, you may see glaciers calving into the sea. Be ready for adventure; we'll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up. |
| ‘6-7 | Exploring the east Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses Be ready for anything as this stage of your journey becomes truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll venture to the frozen seascape of Eastern Spitsbergen. We have high hopes you’ll see the elusive polar bear over the next two days. We'll also scout for walrus and colonies of Brünnich’s Guillemots and other seabirds in the Hinlopen Strait. We may head south to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya. In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips. And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass through Hinlopen Strait, you’ll experience just as much adventure as we delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by calving glaciers, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife. |
| 8 | Beautiful Hornsund Majestic glaciers, rich vegetation and seabirds As we sail towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, we'll enter Hornsund, one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers calving into the sea. The green patches of land you’ll see here are fertilised by Little Auk colonies. This in turn attracts Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, so keep your eyes peeled. In the evening, we’ll journey north, past beautiful Bellsund towards Isfjord. |
| 9 | Astonishing Isfjord Witness living history and ecology Our Svalbard circumnavigation continues into Isfjord's lush fjord system, where you'll see immense, glacier-carved valleys rich in wildlife, vegetation and human history. To the north, Alkehornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The clear traces of the area’s whaling and hunting past are visible on beaches and in bays. Farther south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio satellite communication station, now one of the world's most beautifully situated hotels. Our activities today will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Isfjord. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day. |
| 10 | Return to Longyearbyen A final day on top of the world Your Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and do a spot of shopping – perhaps a warm Svalbard sweater. |
✔️What's included
🌐Flights
• Return flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
🌐Hotel
• Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch
🌐Transfers
• All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise
🌐Expedition Cruise
• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (on MS Fram only)
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities
🌐Onboard Activities
• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
🌐Landing Activities
• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
❌What's not included
• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Payment Schedule
* A non refundable deposit is required 30% from total fare per person upon confirmation.
* Balance payment is due on 120 days before departure.
* If departure date less than 120 days, full payment is required upon confirmation.
NOTES:
1. Confirmations are subject to availability upon reservation.
2. All fare is subject to change until purchased.
3. Promotion is capacity controlled & cabins are subject to availability.
4. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
5. Surcharges apply for using different classes air seats or airlines.
6. The deposit amount for the fares shown in this quotation is non-refundable; a change fee may apply for any amendment.
7. Balance payments are subject to change cause by fluctuations in the exchange rate.
8. Terms and conditions apply.
9. All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions.
10. Excursions and activities are subject to change.
11. Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements.
12. No gratuities expected.