North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the largest town on Svalbard, and takes you to some of the archipelago's most stunning and remote locations. You'll sail through fjords with towering glaciers, seabird colonies, and the possibility of seeing polar bears. You'll also visit the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet and Nordaustlandet, where you can see reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. At the Seven Islands, you'll reach 80deg north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. And you'll sail along the continental shelf, where you can see polar bears and elusive Greenland whales. Your journey ends back in Longyearbyen, filled with memories of an unforgettable Arctic adventure.

8 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen & Isfjorden

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first Minke Whale of the voyage.

Day 2: Raudfjorden

You can sail to Raudfjorden on Spitsbergen's north coast and see a vast fjord filled with glaciers. Ringed and beard seals may even visit. This fjord is home to a thriving colony of seabirds, lush vegetation and even polar bears.

Day 3: Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier

Depending on weather conditions, you can sail in Liefdefjorden to cruise near the 5 km long (3.1 mile) Monaco Glacier. Kittiwakes and polar bears love to hunt in the waters around this glacier. In the event that ice prevents sailing early in the year, an alternative route can be taken along the West Coast of Spitsbergen.

Day 4: Hinlopen Strait: Nordaustlandet & Lomfjordshalvoya: Alkefjellet

You will sail through Hinlopen Strait today, home of polar bears, bearded and ringed Seals. There is even a chance to see blue whales at the entrance. You can see the Brunnich guillemots in Alkefjellet after a Zodiac cruise amongst the ice floes at Lomfjordshalvoya. Nordaustlandet is located on the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait. You may see reindeer and pink-footed goose here. If ice is preventing entry to Hinlopen, you can use an alternative route.

Day 5: Seven Islands: Nordaustlandet

You may reach the northernmost part of your journey north of Nordaustlandet in Seven Islands. You will reach 80 degrees north at this point, only 870 kilometers (540 miles), from the geographical North Pole. This region is home to polar bears, and the ship will park in the pack ice for several hours before turning around again.

Day 6: Greenland, Spitsbergen & Kongsfjorden

Keep an eye out for the elusive Greenland bowhead whales as you retrace your westward route. You sail along the edge of continental shelf about 40 nautical miles to the west of Spitsbergen. Fin whales feed in these upwelling zones, where cold water rich with nutrients rises from the ocean's depths. These upwelling areas run along Spitsbergen shores during summer. You can see minke whales at the mouth of Kongsfjorden.

Day 7: Forlandsundet & Alkhornet

Forlandsundet is your next destination. You may see walruses hauling out. You can also sail southward to Isfjorden's mouth and land at Alkhornet. Arctic foxes hunt for eggs and chicks on the cliffs below, while reindeer feed in sparse vegetation. Arriving in Longyearbyen at night is possible.

Day 8: Longyearbyen

All adventures must come to a close. As you disembark from the ship in Longyearbyen and head home, your memories will follow you to wherever your next journey takes.

8 Day Artic Itinerary Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

8 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

8 Day Artic Itinerary Highlights

See the Monaco Glacier and kittiwakes in Liefdefjorden.

Reach 80deg north at the Seven Islands.

Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears, and blue whales.

Sail along the continental shelf, where you can see polar bears and elusive Greenland whales.

8 Day Artic cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.