Product Description
Highlights
Get the best of an epic Arctic voyage in just a week, crossing the 80th parallel on a cruise around the northwest of Spitsbergen to spot polar bears, glaciers and walk the arctic tundra.. Take advantage of 24 hours of daylight to encounter iconic arctic wildlife like polar bears, walrus and reindeer.. Board Zodiacs to cruise up to towering glaciers and glistening icebergs and make landings on the surprisingly colourful tundra.. Glide silently on the waters of the arctic in a kayak, surrounded by icebergs and glaciers.
Overview
Cross the 80th parallel on a voyage along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen –an epic expedition, in a fraction of the time. The Arctic is one of the world’s last wildernesses and you’ll get to explore its mountains and glaciers, cliffs and fjords, and meet its thriving wildlife. Ready binoculars and cameras for polar bears and glaciers as you sail from Longyearbyen to watch ice calve into the sea at Krossfjord, encounter indigenous wildlife on a Zodiac excursion to Ny London, and cruise towards the base of the Monaco Glacier. Surround yourself with whaling history in Smeerenburg, and snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers in Magdalenafjord.
Breakfast Included: 6 Lunches Included: 4 Dinner Included: 5
Arrive Oslo
Welcome to Norway! Your arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. You can arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included airport hotel. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy.
Oslo to Longyearbyen
This morning, you will transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before boarding the ship. You may want to visit the Svalbard or North Pole museums to learn more about the local history, or perhaps grab a beer at the Svalbard Brewery. After you board the ship and set sail you’ll be able to enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
Exploring Spitsbergen
For the next few days you’ll sail around the shores of Spitsbergen, searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Today you’ll sail north into Krossfjord, so 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. Encounters with wildlife, such as the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
Longyearbyen to Oslo
The time to say goodbye has come. This morning, your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
