Overview
Discover the realm of the polar bear, a savagely beautiful land of ice and snow, glassy fjords, and expansive tundra on this exciting Arctic adventure. Cruising the Svalbard Archipelago aboard a comfortable, ice-strengthened vessel, you'll discover Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard - known to Vikings, traders and early explorers. Enjoy prime viewing as you explore cliffs by ship and Zodiac and watch for polar bears, walruses, or beluga whales breaching in the icy water. No two trips are alike, but each one offers rare opportunities to experience the wild and wonderful Arctic.
Sail in comfort on an expedition in search of the majestic, awe-inspiring polar bear in a fantastically beautiful world of sea and ice landscapes surrounded by flocks of seabirds, singing whales, elusive narwhale, and massive walruses
Walk in one of the last true wilderness areas on earth on shore excursions varying from leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes
Enjoy zodiac cruises to best take advantage of wildlife viewing opportunities, getting up close and personal to ice and sea creatures
- Arrive: Longyearbyen, Norway
- Depart: Longyearbyen, Norway
- Duration: 8 Days
- Group Size: Up to 170 passengers
- Minimum Age: 15 Years Old
- Activity Level:
- Level 1
- More About Activity Levels
Itinerary
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- Day01
Arrive Longyearbyen
Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Dinner
- Day02
Sail to Raudfjorden
Embark for Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen. Take in the spectacular expanse of the fjord, bordered with glaciers and frequented by ringed and bearded seals. Hike the cliffs and shoreline, home to thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and polar bears.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day03
Discover the Monaco Glacier
Weather permitting, sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier, a favorite feeding spot for kittiwakes, and hunting ground for polar bears. If weather is uncooperative, sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen as an alternate route.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day04
Cruise the Hinlopen Strait
Enter the Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears and blue whales. Cruise among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, and view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich's guillemots. If conditions permit, make a landing on Nordaustlanden on the east side of the Strait, to look for reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day05
Stop at the Seven Islands
Get close to the North Pole at Nordaustlandet in the Seven Islands. Reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Park for several hours among the pack ice, watching for polar bears, before turning west again.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day06
Sail on the Continental Shelf
Retrace the route west, keeping watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland bowhead whales. Sail the edge of the continental shelf about 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, where fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones that run along the Spitsbergen banks. Scan the waters at the mouth of Kongsfjorden, for sightings of playful minke whales.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day07
Voyage Back to Longyearbyen
Watch for walruses in the approach to Forlandsundet, or sail into St. Johns Fjord or the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at the cliffs of Alkhornet, home of nesting seabirds. Enjoy views of Arctic foxes, searching for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer, grazing on the sparse vegetation. Arrive in Longyearbyen by evening.
- Accommodation: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius or m/v Hondius
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day08
Depart Longyearbyen
The trip comes to and end upon disembarkation in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
- Meals: Breakfast
Contact our Regional Specialists for more travel ideas!
Upcoming Departures
- AvailableMay 20 - 27, 2021
- AvailableMay 27 - Jun 03, 2021
- AvailableJun 03 - 10, 2021
Got Questions?
Speak with an expert.
Erick Malver
MT Sobek Regional Specialist
Please fill out your name and email and a Regional Specialist will be in touch shortly.
Norway North Spitsbergen Polar Bears & Pack Ice Adventure Cruising Map
Open MapWhy take this trip with us?
Reason #01
MT Sobek's Polar Value Promise means that we offer in-house services to help plan and execute you polar adventure for no added cost.
Reason #02
Over 30 years offering polar voyages we have built strong relationships with polar service providers and ships that cruise the High Arctic.
Reason #03
We choose ships and operators that maintain a high level of commitment to safety, people, value, quality, environment, well-being, and customer service.
Meet Our Guides
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Rinie van Meurs
Birgit Lutz
Laurence Dyke
What To Expect
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Activities
Expert polar interpretation and presentations, professional navigation through Arctic waters, wildlife experiences, hiking, and Zodiac cruising.
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Lodging
Ice-strengthened and well-appointed polar expedition ships offer a comfortable and safe way to explore the Arctic. Enjoy healthy cuisine and wellness services onboard.
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Climate
The air is very dry. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures are usually 38°- 50°F.
FAQ
Will there be any adjustments to the itinerary?
Programs may vary depending on weather conditions and opportunities to see wildlife so flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. We recommend packing your spirit of adventure!
Where do polar bears live?
Polar bears will wander all over the Arctic to find food but it's believed that they have feeding areas called, "home ranges" that they prefer. Any changes in the home range will compel polar bears to travel hundreds of miles in search of better fare, a journey that they are not accustomed to handle. Though polar bears are elusive, Spitsbergen offers the highest probability of sightings.
What other animals will we see?
The Arctic, although a very inhospitable environment, is home to many amazing creatures including the arctic fox, reindeer, walrus, seals, whales, and birds.
Are transfers and pre-/post- arrangements included?
Transfers to/from the airport and vessel are available only for select flights. Please contact the Adventure Coordinator for more details and/or for instructions on how to reach the ship.
Pre-/post- arrangements are not included with the trip.What cabin types are available?
This itinerary is offered on three different ships, depending on the departure date. Each ship has a variety of cabin types, all at varying price points. Cabins range from Triple and Quadruple Portholes all the way to Grand suites with private balconies. Contact our Regional Specialist team to inquire after availability.
- 2021
- Go Custom
2021
Scheduled Dates
- May 20 - 27, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- May 27 - Jun 03, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 03 - 10, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 04 - 11, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 10 - 17, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 11 - 18, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 18 - 25, 2021$5,500 Price per personConfirmed
- Jun 25 - Jul 02, 2021$5,500 Price per personWait ListConfirmed
Additional costs
No additional costs currently listed for this trip.
Price Includes
- Pricing based on double occupancy in Twin Porthole suite
- Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- Potable water throughout
- All necessary snowshoeing and kayaking gear
- All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation
Price does not include
- International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges
- Optional tips to your ship staff and expedition team
- Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs
- Transfers to/from the airport and vessel except on select flights
- Mandatory evacuation insurance
Contact An Expert
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Go Custom
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Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
Testimonials
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