NEW ADVENTURE! Cruise and explore a pristine Arctic wonderland

This 13-day Arctic cruise makes a complete circuit of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, with visits to ourlying islands as well. You'l be go ashore to explore tundra and deserts. You'll see scores of nesting seabirds, lazy walrus lolling on the shores, and - of course - the iconic polar bear, prowling the ice edge. Spitsbergen also boasts a remarkably diverse landscape, offering you the chance to explore everything from jagged mountain peaks to sweeping polar deserts.

Activities

13 days of small ship cruising, optional walks, Zodiac excursions and sea kayaking.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• The only Spitsbergen trip to completely circle the island!

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Longyearbyen, Norway End Location: Longyearbyen, Norway

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Embarkation Day - Longyearbyen

  Your Spitsbergen expedition itinerary begins when you board Akademik Sergey Vavilov in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. Enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains, rising majestically from icy Arctic waters.

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  Day 2 : 14th of July Glacier and Ny Alesund

  Cruise past the spectacular cliffs of the 14th of July Glacier, keeping an eye out for Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese, Arctic Terns and more. Later, visit Ny Alesund, once a remote coal-mining town, now a unique international research station. You may spot indigenous Svalbard reindeer, so keep your camera handy!

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  Day 3 : Smeerenburg

  Dutch whalers established this community on tiny Amsterdam Island almost 400 years ago. During this shore visit, you'll learn about Spitsbergen's whaling past and visit an authentic blubber oven.

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  Day 4 : Monacobreen, Worsleyneset and Moffen Island

  This morning you'll wake to find the ship at anchor near the magnificant Monaco Glacier at the head of Ljefdefjorden. Afterwards, sail on to Worsleyneset to enjoy a tundra hike, and learn more about Svalbard's human history. Strict guidelines keep us from sailing too close to our final stop - a walrus sanctuary off Moffen Island. Be sure to bring your telephoto lens.

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  Day 5 : Phippsoya

  An archipelago within an archipelago, Seven Islands comprises the northernmost portion of Svalbard. They lie about 10 degrees from the North Pole. Ice seldom disappears completely from the islands during the Arctic summer. Polar bears and walrus exploit the ice. Visit an abandoned trapper's cabin and watch for wildlife.

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  Day 6 : Vibubukta

  Here you'll hike through one of the most striking landscapes on Earth - a polar desert. Characterized by scant rainfall and summer temperatures no higher than 10°C (50°F), these sweeping plains of hard bedrock and gravel are unique to the polar regions. Be on the lookout for the beached skeleton of an ancient whale, and for evidence of "isostatic rebound" - the rise of a landmass after its covering ice sheet retreats.

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  Day 7 : Alkefjellet

  Today, you'll sail past the towering cliff-face of Alkefjellet - truly remarkable site, crowded with thousands of nesting Brunich Guillemots and Thick-billed Murres. Fox and polar bear are often seen patrolling the cliff base, hoping for a meal to drop from the sky!

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  Day 8 : Sundneset

  Today you'll visit yet another unique Arctic landscape - the tundra meadow. Sundneset, found at the southwestern corner of Barents Island, enjoys surprisingly lush vegetation, including many beautiful wildflowers. Learn about this fascinating Arctic ecosystem and keep your eye out for reindeer that enjoy the meadow for more than its beauty.

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  Day 9 : Discobukta

  Today the goal is to visit a colony of kittiwakes that have chosen to nest in a cavern. Timing is everything. We'll approach at rising tide for the best view. For an even better view, we'll lower the Zodiacs so you can cruise along the cliff face as the tide rises.

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  Day 10 : Isbukta

  The name means "ice bay," an indication that there should be plenty of "fast ice" (sea ice that has frozen fast to the coast) during our visit. This means a good chance of spotting polar bears on the hunt, as the seals rest along the ice edge. This is also another good location for spotting the rare Ivory Gull, as they are known to dine on a polar bear's leftovers.

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  Day 11 : Bourbanhamna

  Abundant natural resources brought miners to Spitsbergen a century ago. You'll visit an historic mining site, then hike the tundra in search of delicate flowers that bloom under the midnight sun.

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  Day 12 : Alkhornet

  Today you'll sail past Alkhornet - brooding rock face crammed with nesting Guillemots or Murres. There will be time for another tundra hike during this expedition itinerary. Watch for the endemic Svalbard reindeer and the wary Arctic fox.

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  Day 13 : Disembarkation - Longyearbyen

  This circumnavigation ends where it began - in the frontier-style town of Longyeabyen. From here we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

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  Akademik Sergey Vavilov

  Built in Finland in the late 1980s for the Russian Academy of Science, Akademik Sergey Vavilov's original mission was to perform sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. As such, she is exceptionally quick, quiet and stable.

  • Intimate viewing of Arctic wildlife, icebergs and more
  • Kayaking and camping options ramp up the adventure quotient
  • 2 fully enclosed lifeboats for safety in all conditions
  • Unmatched stability and superior speed means efficient time at sea
  • Onboard gym, two saunas and library allow you to relax between shore visits
  • Comfortable, friendly atmopshere: just 107 guests

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File