Arctic & Alaska

Spitsbergen Highlights – Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

8 Days aboard Ultramarine. From AUD $10,195$7,392pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic expedition into one adventure-packed week. This rocky island is crowned with mountains, glaciers, towering cliffs, and fjords that host thriving, diverse ecosystems. Our 8-day Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic lets you experience as much of the Svalbard wilderness as possible. Our expert guides will maximize opportunities for you to spot walruses, Arctic birds, reindeer, polar bears and other iconic Arctic creatures while Zodiac cruising, hiking and kayaking.

Save up to A$1550 pp

Book by 31 December 2025

Itinerary Highlights

  • Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
  • Enjoy all the adventures of an Arctic expedition in just one week
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
  • Hike the colorful tundra with expert guides
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with an optional kayaking adventure.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
  • Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark
  • Day 3 to 6: Exploring Svalbard
  • Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
  • Day 8: Onward flight home

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 Ultramarine please view the ship page.

View Ultramarine

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: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. (The hotel is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.) You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to visit Helsinki city center, take advantage of the convenient, 40-minute rail service from the airport.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter f light to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 to 6: Exploring Svalbard

You’ll sail around the shores of this magical archipelago, constantly searching for natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjorden, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Sightings of wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, might be possible here. After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna. At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at what was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. We hope to round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Sightings of reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki

Our adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.

Breakfast included.

Day 8: Onward flight home

After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward f light home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.

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: 25 Jun 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
25 Jun 2027 - 02 Jul 2027 AUD$7392ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
Explorer TripleAUD $10195pp AUD$7392ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Explorer SuiteAUD $11995pp AUD$8931ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Balcony SuiteAUD $13195pp AUD$9957ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Deluxe Balcony SuiteAUD $15595pp AUD$12009ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Terrace SuiteAUD $16195pp AUD$12522ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Solo Panorama CabinAUD $16795pp AUD$13035ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Penthouse SuiteAUD $17495pp AUD$13633ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Owner's SuiteAUD $21595pp AUD$17139ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Ultra SuiteAUD $23895pp AUD$19105ppSave up to A$1550, Save up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%

*CHARTER FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
  • Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki

Package Price: $1,495 USD

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

Cabin Details

Solo Panorama Cabin


- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Solo Panorama Cabin
Solo Panorama Cabin
Explorer Triple


- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Triple
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite


- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Suite
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite


- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite


- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Deluxe Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite


- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Terrace Suite
Terrace Suite
Penthouse Suite


- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite


- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
Ultra Suite


- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Ultra Suite
Ultra Suite

Ultramarine Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Staff and Crew: 140
  • Guests: 199
  • Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
  • Length: 420 ft (128m)
  • Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
  • Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
  • Registration: Marshall Islands
  • Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed

What's included?

  • Parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
  • Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Transfers between Longyearbyen town center, port, and airport on embarkation and disembarkation day.

What's not?

  • Charter Flight & Hotel Package*
  • International airfare
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
  • Phone charges may vary by location
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Important notes and additional information

*CHARTER FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
  • Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki

Package Price: $1,495 USD

Adventure Options

  • Sea Kayak: $1,795 USD
  • Paddling Excursion: $295 USD

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

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Spitsbergen Highlights – Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

8 Days aboard Ultramarine. From AUD $10,195$7,392pp.