Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise

Polar Bear

Polar Bear

Polar Bear

The Plancius

The Plancius

The Plancius

Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen

A Bearded Seal

A Bearded Seal

A Bearded Seal

Walrus

Walrus

Walrus

Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise

These expedition cruises, specifically designed for small groups, allow you to visit the remotest destinations normally only accessed by boat. Experience spectacular scenery, fascinating flora and fauna including polar bears, walruses and a myriad of seabirds. Expert guides are intent on delivering an active shore programme as well as conducting informative and educational on-board lectures.
 
YOUR SHIPS
Both the ‘Ortelius’ and the ‘Plancius’ offer simple but comfortable cabins (all outside facing and en-suite) and carry a maximum of 116 passengers. Small enough to allow a degree of flexibility for the vessels to change course or have zodiacs ready in no time to seize the moment amongst the ice-floes and their wildlife.
Day 1
Scheduled flight to Oslo. Overnight at the Oslo Comfort Hotel Runway.
Day 2 
Early morning flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. Opportunity to stroll around this former mining town before transferring to your ship for an early evening departure out of Isfjord.
Day 3
Zodiac along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. Kittiwakes, Brünnich’s Guillemots nest, Arctic Foxes patrol and Bearded Seals cruise the fjord. Later, sail to Ny Ålesund, the launching point for many an expedition to the North Pole. Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese as well as Arctic Terns reside here.
Day 4
Sail to the mouth of Leifdefjorden and go ashore on the tundra island of Andøya. Later, sail alongside the impressive Monaco glacier, a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes whilst occasional Polar Bear are spotted.
Day 5 & 6
The northernmost landing is at Phippsøya, located in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. At 81° north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole, Polar Bear inhabit this region, along with Walrus and Ivory Gull. Savour the atmosphere, surrounded by pack ice, and absorb the spectacular surroundings with their own wildlife.
Day 7
Hinlopen Strait is home to Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gull. Navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in zodiacs. Land at Augustabukta. Explore the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third largest ice cap. Walk along coastline covered in smooth rocks, sculpted over thousands of years whilst possibly encountering Walrus.
Day 8
Visit an old trapper’s hut on Barentsoya, and walk across the tundra in search of reindeer. Later, land on a beach littered with whale bones as well as tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia. Climb to the rim of a narrow gully where, during nesting season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic Fox and Polar Bear.
Day 9
Cruise the spectacular Hornsund, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bear.
Day 10
At Ahlstrandhalvøya there remains piles of Beluga skeletons, a legacy of earlier exploitation. Fortunately, they can still be seen locally and there is a good chance of spotting a pod.
Day 11
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport
and the flight home (via Oslo).