Northwest Spitsbergen, Polar Bear Special

Your northern Spitsbergen expedition cruise will begin in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago, where after having arrived independently you can enjoy a stroll around this former mining town before making your way to the port to embark your ship in the afternoon. After settling in to your cabin and exploring your new surroundings, the ship will depart in the early evening. As we sail out of Isfjorden we recommend spending some time on deck where you may spot the first minke whale of your voyage following the ship in the waters below.

Various flight and land package options are available for transport to and from Longyearbyen, please enquire for full details.

Having sailed north along Spitsbergen’s dramatic west coast overnight, this morning we will arrive in Krossfjorden to enjoy the first of many Zodiac boat excursions of our trip. Cruising along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and down along its neighbouring green slopes, you will witness a beautiful variety of flowers blooming along with fantastic numbers of Brunnich's guillemots and kittiwakes nesting on the nearby cliffs. We also have good chances of spotting bearded seals here along with Arctic foxes who patrol the base of the cliffs in search of eggs and chicks that may drop from above.

After our exploration of Krossfjorden, later in the afternoon we will sail to Ny Alesund for more bird spotting and an introduction to some of the history of this remarkable island. Ny Alesund is the world's most northerly settlement, which, when it was a mining village, was served by the world's most northerly railway, which we can see as we enjoy a walk around the village. The history enthusiasts amongst us may enjoy a walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile, in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928, before their flights to the North Pole. The birding enthusiasts may enjoy a walk to the nearby breeding ground for Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Arctic Tern.

The next two days will be spent sailing north around Raudfjorden, on the very north coast of Spitsbergen. As we sail you will be able to sample some of the spectacular scenery that Spitsbergen is famous for as we travel through an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers. We will be on a constant lookout for fascinating wildlife sightings including the ringed and bearded seals that often frequent the fjord and the thriving seabird colonies that reside in the cliffs and along the shorelines. We may also have good chances of spotting polar bears here!

Your program of expert lectures and presentations will continue as you sail, covering everything from the history of Polar exploration to the geological features and wildlife you are likely to encounter throughout your voyage. During our time in this northern part of the archipelago we may also visit magnificent Magdalenafjorden.

Our final day of adventure will take us to the remarkable Prins Karls Forland. Here you can enjoy an exploration around Fuglehuken, Sarstangen or Poolepynten in search of the fascinating wildlife that resides here including walrus, abundant seabirds, Arctic fox and reindeer.

In the evening your ship will begin its sail back towards Longyearbyen, arriving at the port by night fall.

This morning signals the end of our exciting Arctic polar bear cruise and after breakfast you will disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team and new-found friends. You may wish to spend some further time here exploring this unique Arctic town or enjoying some of the many extra excursions and activities that are on offer here. Please enquire for details of the land-based activities that we would be happy to arrange for you. Otherwise, it’s sadly time to make your way to the airport for your onward or homeward flights, filled with memories of the adventure of a lifetime.