Arctic & Alaska

Realm of the Polar Bear

8 Days aboard Expedition. From AUD $6,959pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Spend time on deck searching for polar bears and whales
  • Cruise through breathtaking fjords and admire massive glaciers
  • Learn about Arctic history and ecology from our expert guides
  • Brave the Arctic waters and take the polar plunge

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Longyearbyen/Svalbard
  • Day 2 to 7: Svalbard
  • Day 8: Svalbard/Longyearbyen

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the Expedition please view the ship page.

View Expedition

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Longyearbyen/Svalbard

Transfer from Longyearbyen to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation.

Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

Dinner included.

Day 2 to 7: Svalbard

This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.

Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.

The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Svalbard/Longyearbyen

On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 19 Jun 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
19 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026 AUD$6959ppExpand to view prices
TripleAUD$6959ppContact us
Lower Deck TwinAUD$7959ppContact us
Main Deck Twin PortholeAUD$8399ppContact us
Main Deck Twin WindowAUD$8839ppContact us
DeluxeAUD$9999ppContact us
SuperiorAUD$10239ppContact us
SuiteAUD$10519ppContact us
Owner's SuiteAUD$10799ppContact us
06 Jul 2026 - 13 Jul 2026 AUD$6959ppExpand to view prices
13 Jul 2026 - 20 Jul 2026 AUD$6959ppExpand to view prices
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Jul 2026 AUD$6959ppExpand to view prices
27 Jul 2026 - 03 Aug 2026 AUD$6959ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Triple

Located on the Main Deck
Approximately 13.5 sq. m (145 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower and 1 upper berth and a porthole
Ensuite bathroom with hairdryer

Triple
Triple
Lower Deck Twin

Located on the Lower deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom

Lower Deck Twin
Lower Deck Twin
Main Deck Twin Porthole

Located on the main deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom

Main Deck Twin Porthole
Main Deck Twin Porthole
Main Deck Twin Window

Located on the main deck, midships (Deck 2)
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and 2 windows
Ensuite bathroom

Main Deck Twin Window
Main Deck Twin Window
Superior

Located on the Captain's Deck or Upper Deck
Approximately 12 sq. m (132 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and large view window
Ensuite bathroom

Superior
Superior
Deluxe

Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 13 sq. m (144 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom

Deluxe
Deluxe
Suite

Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.)
Include a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), a couch and sitting area, and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom

Suite
Suite
Owner's Suite

Located on the Bridge Deck at the stern
Approximately 19 sq. m (208 sq. ft.)
Includes a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), large sitting area with couch
Panoramic window facing either aft or port or starboard (depending on the cabin)
Ensuite bathroom

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Expedition Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

Technical specifications

  • Built: Yugoslavia, 1976 (Remodeled in 2017)
  • Ice class: Ice Class 1A
  • Length: 102 metres (331 feet)
  • Breadth: 16.2 metres (53 feet)
  • Max Draft: 4.65 metres
  • Gross Tonnage: 4,614 ITC
  • Maneuvering speed: 7 knots @ 0.19 MT/HR + 2.02 MT/day at sea Aux Fuel Consumption (MGO)
  • Economical service speed: 9.1 knots @ 6.28 MT/day + 2.02 MT/day at sea Aux Fuel Consumption(MGO)
  • Stabilizers: 2 x Sperry Gyrofin (1998), (P/S)
  • Passenger Group Size: 128 max
  • Crew: 14 expedition guides maintaining the 10:1 guest to expert ratio

Amenities

  • Dining Room (125 seats, 160 sq. m.)
  • Main Lounge (125 seats, 170 sq. m)
  • Bar (30 seats, 70 sq. m)
  • Library (20 seats, 40 sq. m.)
  • BBQ facilities
  • Theatre style auditorium for presentations
  • Observation deck (60 sq. m)
  • Sun deck (150 sq. m)
  • 2 jacuzzis
  • 24 hour beverage station - tea and coffee available
  • Gym with a selection of fitness equipment (15 sq. m)
  • Medical Center with licensed Doctor
  • Boutique Gift Shop selling essentials, souvenirs and clothing
  • Wifi (data usage charges apply)
  • On board laundry service (charges apply)

What's included?

  • 7 nts aboard the Expedition
  • Arrival transfer
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Expedition parka
  • Accommodations: Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 7 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Transportation: Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, walking.
  • Staff & experts: One expedition team member per 10 guests.

What's not?

  • Meals: Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Important notes and additional information

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Arctic Kayaking - From US$749.00
Kayaking isn’t just an outdoor adventure, it’s an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. A limited number of lucky adventurers will venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on select departures and must be booked prior to your trip.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

Realm of the Polar Bear

8 Days aboard Expedition. From AUD $6,959pp.