Svalbard
Spitsbergen & Polar Bears – An Arctic AdventureOverview
This adventure cruise on MS Nordstjernen is the essential Spitsbergen experience. Spend one night on land and the rest at sea sailing along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Explore the beautiful glaciers and fjords, and scan for wildlife. If we are lucky, we might get to see the King of the Arctic; the polar bear.
- Chance of seeing polar bears
- Cross 80° N and come ashore to explore the Arctic wilderness
- Experience the Midnight Sun (until 23. August), giving you 24 hours of daylight to discover Svalbard
- Explore magnificent Arctic scenery and fjords with the nostalgic MS Nordstjernen
Overnight in this fascinating town on the edge of wilderness
After an included excursion, we board MS Nordstjernen and sail to Barentsburg.
Rich with beautiful islands, fjords and beaches with glaciers calving ice into the sea, we make our first landing here.
We explore Woodfjorden and Liefdefjord. If conditions allow we will sail past 80° North towards Moffen Island to sight for walrus.
We explore Krossfjord and other smaller bays, before sailing towards Ny Ålesund.
We return to Longyearbyen for your transfer to the airport and return flight.
MS Nordstjernen is named after the North Star or Stella Polaris, famous for helping seafarers find their way back home and the Vikings to navigate the north. Due to her classic interior and intimate size accommodating only 108 guests, her agility allows navigation of remote places with exciting landings
Each offering a clear concept and reason to go, the hotels here are an excellent base where you can immerse yourself in the Svalbard lifestyle. Although the accommodation offered by default depends on your choice of cabin selection on the ship, you can request our expedition consultant for upgrades to another one too
Go on landings, beach cleanup activities and birdwatching as we sail close to bird cliffs and glaciers. There will be opportunities for kayaking and camping if conditions allow. Both on and off the ship, lectures are held on a wide variety of specialist topics that cover: birds and marine mammals, oceanography and geology, sea ice and glaciers, climate, exploration history and storytelling, photography. We will also have a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
An international hand-picked team of highly educated experts that safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise leading your way to offshore activities and keeping you informed onboard on daily activities and events
Day wise Itinerary
Day 1
Your adventure starts with an overnight stay to enjoy Longyearbyen´s galleries, pubs, restaurants and magnificent setting on the edge of wilderness. Reminders of mining heritage are everywhere in this frontier town.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will have some free time to relax or visit the shops before check out and lunch. After lunch you will take your bags to the bus, and enjoy a guided tour that includes visits to the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. This tour ends at the harbour, where you will embark MS Nordstjernen to sail the Isfjord to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Here you can explore Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.
Day 3
This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches and heritage: a whaling station and graveyard that dates from the 16th century. We hope to make a landing here and explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Keep a sharp eye out! We hope to encounter polar bears, whales and seals.
Day 4
North West Spitsbergen National Park features beautiful terrain, as well as the fast-moving Monaco glacier and Jotunkjeldane thermal springs. We may spot a polar bear searching for bird eggs nearby. Be on the lookout for whales and seals as well. If the conditions are favourable, we will sail past 80° North.
Day 5
Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord in the Northwest coast of Spitsbergen and home to the majestic Kongsbreen glacier. Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund. Situated at 78º 55’ N, this is one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. It is now an advanced High Arctic research station.
Day 6
After an early breakfast on board, you will have some free time in Longyearbyen. Have a wander through the town, look for souvenirs or enjoy a lazy lunch in a cafe. A transfer bus will take you to the airport for departure in the afternoon.
Whats Included
- Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
- Transfer airport to hotel in Longyearbyen
- One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast: Funken Lodge. If you have booked a cabin with shared facilities (D or E), your hotel is Coal Miners’ Cabins
- 3 hours Sightseeing in Longyearbyen incl. Museum and Camp Barentz, ending at the pier
- Transfer ship to hotel in Longyearbyen
- One hotel night in Longyearbyen after the voyage incl. light lunch, dinner and early morning snack
- Transfer hotel to airport in Longyearbyen
- All meals during the voyage
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- A rich programme of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team
- English speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Loan of spikes and trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners or Expedition Team
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
Special Note
- Price based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with us is unique.