Somewhere in the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees latitude North, Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains”, awaits you for seven days of unforgettable travel looking out for wild life.
Arctic & Alaska
Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen (20 June 2026 Departure)
8 Days aboard Le Lyrial. From AUD $17,264pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Spitsbergen, a wild and isolated territory on the edge of the High Arctic.
- Discover the landscapes (rugged mountains, ice cap, vertiginous walls, glaciers, etc.) and the wildlife (opportunities to glimpse or observe polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, cetaceans, seabirds, etc.).
- Activities: opportunities for dinghy outings and shore visits with your naturalist guides, hikes, learn about the history of Spitsbergen, etc.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embarkation day - Paris/Longyearbyen
- Day 2: Samarinvagen, Spitsbergen
- Day 3: Varsolbukta, Spitsbergen
- Day 4: At sea
- Day 5: Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden
- Day 6: Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen
- Day 7: Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen
- Day 8: Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/Paris
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
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: Embarkation day - Paris/Longyearbyen
After arriving in Paris, you will board your flight to Longyearbyen. The flight will take approximately 4.5 hours to reach the remote town. At 6 p.m., you will transfer to the pier to board the vessel that will take you on your expedition.
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Samarinvagen, Spitsbergen
Samarinvagen, Spitsbergen
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Varsolbukta, Spitsbergen
Varsolbukta, Spitsbergen
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden
Despite the name given to the place, we are neither in Texas nor in a bar; it is actually an unusual place in the High Arctic. Texas Bar is a former trapper’s hut that was used by Arctic fox and polar bear hunters in the past. The hut, still in place, has a rudimentary interior with bunkbeds and kitchen utensils. Located at the entrance to Liefdefjorden (the “fjord of love”), it stands peacefully in a landscape of hills covered with moss, lichen and flowers. The cliffs with their changing colours, very frequented by birds, complete the beauty of the panorama. Take a little hike up the slopes and admire the superb view over the Monaco Glacier, which is further south.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 6: Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen
Raudfjorden means “red fjord”, from the colour of the sandstone of the surrounding mountains. Along the west coast of this 20 km fjord, dissected by many shallow bays, you will be able to admire some of Spitsbergen’s most spectacular ice formations. At the extremity of the fjord, two offshoots lead to the magnificent glaciers of Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen which is 3 km wide. To the east, Alicehamna Beach in Bruceneset Bay has seen trappers, fishermen and explorers arrive for centuries, as evidenced by the “Raudfjordhytta” - the cabin of a Swedish trapper built in 1927.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen
During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8: Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/Paris
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Paris.
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: 20 Jun 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026 | AUD$17264pp | ||
| Superior Stateroom | AUD$17264pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Double Stateroom | AUD$18434pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 | AUD$20094pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 | AUD$20924pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 | AUD$21914pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Suite | AUD$29224pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Suite - Deck 5 | AUD$38364pp | Contact us | |
| Privilege Suite | AUD$40184pp | Contact us | |
| Grand Deluxe Suite | AUD$45674pp | Contact us | |
| Grand Privilege Suite | AUD$53484pp | Contact us | |
| Owner's Suite | AUD$60464pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Superior Stateroom
21m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, french bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Deluxe Double Stateroom
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, WiFi access and butler service.
Deluxe Suite
27m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
36m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Privilege Suite
36m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, bathtub, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Grand Deluxe Suite
45m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 10m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, bathtub, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Grand Privilege Suite
54m², 4 single beds or 2 king beds, 12m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower and bathtub, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Owner's Suite
54m², located on deck 6, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, french design, panoramic views, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, WiFi access, 1 private transfer (round trip: airport - hotel - port) and 1 free hour of spa treatments.
Deluxe Single Stateroom
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Le Lyrial Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 466 feet
- Beam: 59 feet
- Draft: 15.3 feet
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots
- Ice Class: 1C
- Classification: Bureau Veritas
- Flag: French
- Guest Decks: 6
- Guest Capacity: Up to 260 pax
- Guest capacity Antarctica: 200 pax
- Normal Crew Size: 140
- Fleet of Expedition Zodiac®: Mark V HD
- Gross Tonnage: 10,992 UMS
- Electric Motors: 2 x 2300 kW
- Installed Power: 7,200 kW
- Construction: Fincantieri-Ancône-Italy
What's included?
- Economy class flight from Paris to Longyearbyen.
- Economy class flight from Longyearbyen to Paris.
- Transfers mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
- Accommodation in your selected stateroom
- Landings and zodiac outings
- A full meal plan
- Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
- Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
- Port taxes
What's not?
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
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.
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