Across 9 nights, prepare to explore southern Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard and home to a plethora of Arctic wildlife. From walrus haul-outs and encounters with the king of the Arctic, you’ll glimpse the drama of life in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Then, visit remote Bear Island as you voyage to Norway’s beautiful far north beneath aurora-filled night skies.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
You 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 100 plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Dinner included.
We start the day by quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, dominated by towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, which translates to “pointed mountains.” There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and we have a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears. The nearby cliffs of Sofiakammen are also home to thousands of pairs of nesting kittiwakes and little auks. In the evening, we might see thousands of harp seals rutting on ice floes at Sørkapp.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Today, we venture along the west side of Bear Island, heading toward the southeast- an excellent place for viewing large seabird colonies. The nearby nesting cliffs are part of an extensive nature reserve where shore landings are not permitted. Afterward, we’ll sail northeast into Sörhamna, where we can get closer to the seabird cliffs. Chiefly, Brünnichs guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars nest here.
Just northeast of this is Revdalen, where, at a safe distance, we can watch breeding great skuas, large seabirds known to be fiercely territorial. From there, we may climb some way to the bird mountain at the coast. In Kvalrossbukta, we will land at the remains of a whaling station from the early part of the previous century. As we continue north along the east side of Bear Island, we will look for other good landing and activity spots.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Sailing northward, we may still encounter sea ice, where we have a good chance of spotting polar bears as well as various species of whales, seals, and seabirds. Sailing along the western side of the Tusenøyane, we may see polar bears, walruses, and belugas.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
We land at a beach dotted with bones of prehistoric bowhead whales and walk to a canyon with over 10,000 pairs of breeding kittiwakes on both sides, and often Arctic foxes preying on eggs, and sometimes a polar bear. The valley south of the colony is inviting for long walks.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
We land at the east coast of Spitsbergen at the mouth of Skjolddalen river, where ivory gulls gather to breed. Then, a relaxed walk takes us to the summit of Fleinskallen (about 300 m high), with some tens of breeding Ivory Gulls spread along the ridges. Here it pays to keep one eye on the ground at your feet - the area is very rich in fossils, such as belemnites.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The area around Boltodden is famous for its preserved dinosaur fossil tracks. Behind these are the steep bird mountains of Kvalvaagen, home to many thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemots and other seabirds. At Kvalbreen, we have a good opportunity for a Zodiac cruise and seal observations. Polar bears are not uncommon in this area, so keeping your camera handy here is a must.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Bellsund is one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. Here, there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found, remains of poorly managed 19th-century whaling. Thankfully, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and we have a good chance of encountering a pod. Alternatively, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore the tundra where reindeer like to feed, as well as rock slopes where little auks breed, near Vaarsolbukta.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Even the most remarkable journeys must eventually come to an end. We disembark today in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany us wherever the next adventure lies. Here, you can further explore the town or prepare for your onward flight.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Breakfast included.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027 | AUD $9,058pp | ||
| Quadruple Porthole Cabin | AUD $9,058pp | Contact us | |
| Triple Porthole Cabin | AUD $11,304pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Porthole Cabin | AUD $13,261pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Window Cabin | AUD $14,348pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Deluxe Cabin | AUD $15,580pp | Contact us | |
| Superior Cabin | AUD $17,319pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Located on deck 3; two porthole windows, 2 upper and 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space.
Located on Deck 3; two portholes, 1 upper and 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space.
Located on Deck 3 and on Deck 4; two porthole windows, private toilet and shower, two single lower berths, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space. Cabins on deck 4 are quieter than cabins on deck 3: farther away from the noise of engines and generators. Access to the forward observation deck.
Three windows; 2 lower berths; Private shower & toilet; Desk & chair; Flatscreen TV; Telephone & WiFi (supplemented); Hair dryer; Ample storage space
Located on Deck 5; three windows; 2 lower berths; Private shower & toilet; Desk & chair; Small sofa; Refrigerator; Coffee & tea maker; Flatscreen TV; Telephone & WiFi (supplemented); Hair dryer; Ample storage space
Located on Deck 5; two windows minimum, one double bed, one single (sofa) bed, private toilet and shower, desk and chair, flat screen TV, refrigerator, hairdryer, coffee & tea maker, ample storage space. The quietest cabin deck and has the best access to upper observation decks and the ship's bridge.
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
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