Svalbard - In the Realm of the Polar Bear

From Oslo to Oslo
  • All Arctic Cruises
  • Spitsbergen
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Join us for this incredible Arctic expedition cruise, attempting a circumnavigation of Svalbard, as we aim to sail above 80°N to the ice edge of the Arctic Ocean within 600 nautical miles of the geographical North Pole.

Explore the 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. 

Viva's Best Bits...

Discover beautiful fjords, glaciers, and icebergs in the pristine Arctic wilderness

Summertime offers good chances of sighting polar bears hunting on the sea ice

Enjoy a comfortable and intimate expedition experience aboard, including use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen

Your trip starts with a flight from Oslo in the evening. Before your flight, enjoy the museums, parks and cafés of the Norwegian capital. On arrival in Longyearbyen, you will set foot in an entirely different world; a tiny town perched on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

NOTE: We recommend you arrive Oslo at least 1 day prior to departure. Flight times to Longyearbyen are not confirmed until closer to travel.

Overnight in a Hotel in Longyearbyen

Day 2
Embarkation in Longyearbyen

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.

Day 3-5
Northwest Spitsbergen National Park

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.

Day 6-7
Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserve

Exploring the east
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses

The frozen seascape of Eastern Svalbard is home to the archipelago’s largest population of polar bears. We have high hopes you’ll see this elusive animal 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.

The daily itinerary will be set by your Expedition Team. They’ll monitor local ice and weather conditions to take you on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayaking tours.

Day 8
South Spitsbergen National Park

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.

Day 9
The Isfjord

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.

Day 10
Disembarkation in Longyearbyen - Fly to Oslo

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.

We recommend at least 1-night post-cruise in Oslo. Flight times are not confirmed until closer to travel.

Our unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 8 nights on board MS Spitsbergen in a Polar Inside Cabin
  • 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 Breakfast, lunch and dinner incl. beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, & water) in Aune Restaurant
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Included Copy 31 À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Return flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
  • Included Copy 20 All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise 
  • Included Copy 20 Wind and water-resistant jacket
  • Included Copy 20 Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
  • Included Copy 20 Free Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. No Streming
  • Included Copy 20 English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and accompany activities onboard and ashore
  • Included Copy 20 Use of the ship’shot tubs, panoramic sauna,and indoor gym
  • Included Copy 20 Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape & wildlife photos
  • Included Copy 31 Gratuities not expected
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Travel Insurance, additional pre/post cruise arrangements not included
  • Included Copy 31 Optional kayaking, camping, glacier walks/long hikes -subject to weather conditions. Additional cost
Transportation
MS Spitsbergen | Antarctic & Arctic Cruise Ship

max 335 Passengers

MS Fram

max. 318 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
  • Included Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
  • Included Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Included Wildlife observation - search for walrus, reindeer, arctic fox and polar bear
  • Included Use of the ship’shot tubs, panoramic sauna,and indoor gym
  • Included Optional shore excursions (additional costs apply)
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$5,925 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

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