Spitsbergen and Polar Bears

From Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen OR From Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
  • All Arctic Cruises
  • Spitsbergen
  • Expedition
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

This voyage on MS Nordstjernen is the essential Spitsbergen adventure. Spend two nights on land and the rest at sea exploring Spitsbergen´s extraordinary Arctic landscape of glaciers and fjords. Scan for magnificent wildlife and we just might see the King of the Arctic; the mighty polar bear.

 

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Explore magnificent Arctic scenery and fjords

Chance of seeing polar bears and other amazing wildlife

Cross 80° N and come ashore to explore the Arctic wilderness

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Longyearbyen

Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, a surprisingly cosmopolitan frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, with galleries, pubs, restaurants, and shops.

The package includes an overnight at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the world’s northernmost full-service hotel when booking a cabin with private facilities on board MS Nordstjernen. If you have booked a cabin with shared facilities, an overnight at charming Coal Miners’ Cabins is included. Hotel upgrade is available on request.

NOTE: Sunday to Friday departures Include 1 night pre-cruise & 1 night post-cruise accommodation in Longyearbyen & 3 nights on board MS Nordstjernen

Day 2
Embarkation in Longyearbyen and visit Barentsburg

After breakfast, and check out, take your bags to the bus at 9:00am to join a tour of Longyearbyen that includes the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. Once aboard MS Nordstjernen, we sail to the Russian coal mining town of Barentsburg to explore the exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up the real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.

Day 3
Magdalenefjord, North West Corner, Moffen and 80°North

This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches. In Magdalenefjord, you’ll discover a whaling station from the 16th century. We arrive in the morning and hope to make a landing to explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Scan for polar bears, Minke whales and seals.

Day 4
Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund

We will spend most of the day cruising into lovely Krossfjord. The landscape here varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the fjord is the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost communities.

Day 5
Isfjorden & Longyearbyen

Next, we sail the Isfjorden, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, passing the nesting sites of thousands of guillemots. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, enjoy the day before a Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 6
Depart Longyearbyen

This Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen. An early morning transfer bus will take you to the airport for your flight home.

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions

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Day 1
Arrive Longyearbyen

Your adventure starts with an overnight stay to enjoy Longyearbyen´s galleries, pubs, restaurants and magnificent setting on the edge of wilderness. Reminders of mining heritage are everywhere in this frontier town.

The package includes an overnight at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the world’s northernmost full-service hotel when booking a cabin with private facilities on board MS Nordstjernen. If you have booked a cabin with shared facilities, an overnight at charming Coal Miners’ Cabins is included. Hotel upgrade is available on request.

NOTE: Wednesday to Monday departures Include 1 night pre-cruise accommodation in Longyearbyen & 4 nights on board MS Nordstjernen

Day 2
Embarkation Longyearbyen & Barentsburg

After breakfast, you will have some free time to relax or visit the shops before check out and lunch. After lunch you will take your bags to the bus, and enjoy a guided tour that includes visits to the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. This tour ends at the harbour, where you will embark MS Nordstjernen to sail the Isfjord to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Here you can explore Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.

Day 3
Magdalenefjorden & the North West Corner

This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches and heritage: a whaling station and graveyard that dates from the 16th century. We hope to make a landing here and explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Keep a sharp eye out! We hope to encounter polar bears, whales and seals.

Day 4
Woodfjorden, Liefdefjorden, Moffen & 80°North

North West Spitsbergen National Park features beautiful terrain, as well as the fast-moving Monaco glacier and Jotunkjeldane thermal springs. We may spot a polar bear searching for bird eggs nearby. Be on the lookout for whales and seals as well. If the conditions are favourable, we will sail past 80° North.

Day 5
Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund

Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord in the Northwest coast of Spitsbergen and home to the majestic Kongsbreen glacier. Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund. Situated at 78º 55’ N, this is one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. It is now an advanced High Arctic research station.

Day 6
Depart Longyearbyen

This Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen. An early morning transfer bus will take you to the airport for your flight home.

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 3 or 4 nights on board MS Nordstjernen in a Polar Inside Cabin (depending on departure)
  • Included Copy 20 1 night hotel in Longyearbyen on Day 1 including breakfast and lunch
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals during cruise
  • Included Copy 20 Coffee and tea included throughout the day
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer airport to hotel in Longyearbyen on Day 1
  • Included Copy 20 3 hours sightseeing including Camp Barentz and Museum ending at the pier for boarding
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer ship to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 6
  • Included Copy 20 Select activities during cruise, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team
  • Included Copy 20 Professional English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Included Copy 20 Loan of trekking poles and thermal suits for optional and included activities
  • Included Copy 20 In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or cultur
  • Included Copy 31 No gratuities expected
  • Included Copy 7 Flights to Longyearbyen, Travel Insurance, additional pre/post cruise arrangements not included
  • Included Copy 7 Optional Activties
Transportation
MS Nordstjernen | Arctic Cruise Ship

149 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Hiking
  • Included Wildlife observation
  • Included Arctic swimming
  • Included Kayaking (additional costs apply)
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Click here for dates & prices
Duration

6 days

Price from

$1,620 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

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