Svalbard
Spitsbergen & Polar Bears – an Arctic Adventure
Overview
This voyage on MS Nordstjernen is the essential Spitsbergen adventure. Spend two nights on land and the rest at sea exploring Spitsbergen´s extraordinary Arctic landscape of glaciers and fjords. Scan for magnificent wildlife and we just might see the King of the Arctic; the mighty 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
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
With an overnight, enjoy fine restaurants, art galleries and a pioneering spirit
Enjoy a tour to Camp Barentz before we board MS Nordstjernen and sail to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg
Rich with beautiful islands, fjords and beaches with glaciers calving ice into the sea, we make our landing, and later attempt to sail 80 N to sight walrus
We explore Krossfjord and other smaller bays, before sailing towards Ny-Ålesund
Sight for birds as we cruise into glacial valleys amid glaciers. We arrive in Longyearbyen for a farewell dinner in the evening
Our great exploration comes to an end. Time to transfer to the airport and take the 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
With wide windows, you don't miss any scenery while you relax indoors for some refreshments
With roofs over a lot of the deck space you can enjoy being outside, even in rough weather
With an aura of old Atlantic ship, All rooms and deck surfaces exhibit that old, beautiful wood
Go on landings and small boat cruises, as well as optional kayaking and camping opportunities 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 in Longyearbyen, a surprisingly cosmopolitan frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, with galleries, pubs, restaurants, and shops.
Day 2
After breakfast, and check out, take your bags to the bus at 9:00am to join a tour of Longyearbyen that includes the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. Once aboard MS Nordstjernen, we sail to the Russian coal mining town of Barentsburg to explore the exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up the real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.
After embarking the ship and checking-in, there will be a mandatory health and safety session for everyone. Later on, you will meet some of the crew, and of course, the Expedition Team. They will be your guides, hosts and travel companions for the next three weeks. There’ll be further opportunity to get to know each of them better during the welcome dinner.
Day 3
This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches. In Magdalenefjord, you’ll discover a whaling station from the 16th century. We arrive in the morning and hope to make a landing to explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Scan for polar bears, Minke whales and seals.
Day 4
We will spend most of the day cruising into lovely Krossfjord. The landscape here varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the fjord is the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost communities.
Day 5
Next, we sail the Isfjorden, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, passing the nesting sites of thousands of guillemots. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, enjoy the day before a Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 6
Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, 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 early 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.
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