Circumnavigate Svalbard

Circumnavigate Svalbard 10 Days

Prices From £6,168pp
June to July | 9 nights

Single Cabins Available

Circumnavigate Svalbard 10 Days

Aboard: Ocean Albatros The Discoverer

Set sail for the immense beauty of Svalbard on this thrilling Arctic expedition. With the goal of reaching the pack ice at 80° north before circumnavigating around the entirety of the archipelago, you will discover a world of spectacular scenery and enchanting wildlife including the possibility of spotting Polar Bears. Travelling in the Arctic’s high summer, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the natural life on Svalbard, including reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, whales and a myriad of seabirds. Exciting Zodiac cruises will allow you to view wildlife at close proximity and enjoy exploratory mini cruises in the fjords and glacial landscapes, whilst shore visits accompanied by your expert guides will see you enjoy nature walks whilst learning all about these remarkable Arctic lands. Sailing aboard one of the world’s only ice-class expedition ships built to meet the North Pole pack ice, this is the ideal itinerary for those seeking to discover the far northern reaches of the world.

This trip operates on various dates. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Attempt to reach 80° north and the pack ice aboard one of the world’s most capable ice-class expedition ships
  • Circumnavigate around the entirety of the Svalbard archipelago (conditions dependent)
  • Great chances of seeing Polar bears
  • Incredible scenery throughout
  • Get up-close to Arctic wildlife including reindeer, walrus, Arctic fox, seals and whales
  • Witness an abundance of birdlife, particularly around the spectacular Alkefjellet
  • Enjoy thrilling Zodiac cruises, and hikes and nature walks on land
  • Travel with a dedicated expedition photographer who will provide lectures and tips for capturing the perfect pictures
  • Kayaking options (select departures - fees apply)

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship with all meals, tea, coffee and snacks
  • Dinner drink package, and welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Zodiac cruises, nature walks and hikes as per itinerary
  • Special photo workshop
  • Informative lecture and presentation programme
  • Post-voyage digital journal link with images and voyage log from your trip

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Longyearbyen - Embark
1Day

Longyearbyen - Embark

Arrive independently to Longyearbyen today, the uniquely charming administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago and the world’s northernmost town. Here you will board your vessel and begin your Arctic adventure. After a welcome drink and time to familiarise yourself with the ship, there will be voyage and safety briefings before your captain steers the ship out of Advent Fjord and into the wilderness.

Please note: flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen can be arranged for you at an additional cost.

Kongsfjorden Region
2Day

Kongsfjorden Region

As with all Arctic expeditions, our exact route in Svalbard will be dictated by weather and ice conditions, as well as embracing wildlife opportunities as and when they arise, with your experienced captain and crew charting the perfect course each day for unforgettable sights and adventures. This itinerary describes the expected route but may be subject to change.

Heading north, overnight (although what is night when the sun never sets?) we will have passed Prins Karls Forland to reach the beautiful Kongsfjord area to land at the famous former mining settlement of Ny Ålesund for an enjoyable walk to learn about the history and scientific importance of this area. There will also be chance to visit the world’s northernmost Post Office.

Smeerenburg - Ytre Norskøya
3Day

Smeerenburg - Ytre Norskøya

We continue our exploration of the spectacular northwest coast of Spitsbergen as we plan to cruise in Danskergattet and look for seals in Virgohamna before making our way to Amsterdamøya to land at the famous 17th century whaling town of Smeerenburg, where the remains of 16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen and are a startling reminder of historic industries here. Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya reveal an even darker side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home.

Although home to such a dark history, nature has since reclaimed this scenic area, with wildflowers defying the brutal conditions to flower in the brief summer, and various wildlife thriving here including walrus, geese, eider ducks and other seabirds. Polar bear sightings are also possible here.

Into The Ice
4Day

Into The Ice

An incredibly exciting day will see us steer far north towards the edge of the polar pack ice, pushing as northernly as possible with the goal of reaching 80 degrees north! This portion of the trip offers the best possibilities of spotting Polar bears and as we sail through the icy seas and floes we will be on a constant lookout for sightings of the “King of The Arctic”.

Northeast Svalbard
5Day

Northeast Svalbard

As we sail into the Hinlopen Strait we plan to enjoy a leisurely cruise along the steep cliffs of the famous Alkefjellet where a dense congregation of Brünichs guillemots covers almost every inch of land…a truly unforgettable sight.

Moving on to the magnificent polar desert landscapes of Nordaustlandet, Svalbard’s second largest island, we will enjoy a thrilling exploration here hoping for sightings of the walruses that are often found in good numbers here feeding on the clams found in the shallows of Svalbard’s waters. We will also hope for sightings of the beluga and baleen whales that are regularly spotted here.

Edgeøya & Sørkapp
6Day

Edgeøya & Sørkapp

If the ice is passable through the Hinlopen Strait, we will continue our circumnavigation today and cruise through the scenic Freemansundet which separates Barentsøya and Edgeøya to land at Kapp Lee. We will also hope to enjoy a Zodiac cruise along the coast of Edgeøya, Svalbard’s third largest island.

Overnight we will sail west across Sørkapp on the southern coast of the island, and then north along the west coast.

Hornsund
7Day

Hornsund

This morning will see us arrive in the spectacular Hornsund area, where the 30kms long fjord with its glaciers and towering coastal mountains make it one of the most beautiful and impressive regions in all of Svalbard. We will spend some time here soaking up the incredibly impressive surroundings and the ice shows that may unfold before us, as well as enjoying a possible visit to the Polish research station that can be found here.

Bellsund
8Day

Bellsund

As we are travelling in the Arctic summer, the ice will hopefully have melted enough for us to visit the Bellsund fjord area today, where we will explore around in search of wildlife sightings and scenic photo opportunities. A landing at Vårsol Bay should bring us close to an impressive little auk cliff whilst a walk along the tundra and beach may reward in sightings of Svalbard reindeer and the chance to spot remains from early industrial eras.

During lunch, we will cross the fjord along the 4 km long (but quite narrow) island of Akseloya. We will make a Zodiac landing at Calypsobyen in Recherche Fjord, a previous mining area which offers visitors a glimpse of the era of Neo-Industrialism. A pleasant walk can also be enjoyed along the tundra.

Prince Karls Forland
9Day

Prince Karls Forland

Overnight we will have sailed into Forlandssundet which separates Spitsbergen from Prince Karls Forland and is an excellent place to spot (and smell!) walruses, who haul out here in large numbers. We will visit Poolepynten for a close-up look at these iconic animals before sailing back into the exceptionally scenic Isfjord area to search for more wildlife sightings and discover even more unforgettable landscapes. We will arrive back into Longyearbyen this evening.

Longyearbyen - Disembark
10Day

Longyearbyen - Disembark

After breakfast this morning it will sadly be time to bid farewell to the crew as you disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport or to a downtown location should you wish to explore more of this magically unique settlement.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Albatros
Luxury  first class vessel

Ocean Albatros

The brand-new (November 2022) Ocean Albatros has been built to the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A and is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to its sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves. Designed to surpass environmentally friendly standards, the Ocean Albatros is part of the Green Initiative Program and is a low-energy vessel with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. The ship will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels. The vessel also features a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

There are 95 very comfortable and stylishly furnished staterooms and suites, which are split into 9 different categories with varying features, with many offering unobstructed sea views and many which also offer a private balcony. 12 dedicated solo travel cabins are also available without a single supplement. The communal areas on board this high-end vessel include 2 restaurants, an Albatros Nordic Bar, a fantastic panorama sauna, open-air swimming pool with lounging deck and jacuzzis, an open deck dining area, wellness area with gym and Polar spa, an observation lounge, boutique giftshop and a modern lecture theatre.

The Discoverer
Mid range vessel

The Discoverer

Blending true expedition capability with contemporary comfort, the Discoverer is a refined small ship designed for immersive exploration in the polar regions. Carrying a limited number of guests, it maintains an intimate, boutique atmosphere while offering the strength and agility needed to navigate remote, ice-filled waters. With an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and expansive outer decks for wildlife viewing and photography, Discoverer ensures guests can experience dramatic landscapes and wildlife encounters up close, rather than from a distance.

On board, a recent refurbishment has introduced bright, modern interiors and enhanced public spaces that feel both welcoming and stylish. Guests can relax in the panoramic Observation Lounge, attend expert-led talks in the lecture theatre, or unwind in the wellness centre with its sauna and spa facilities. The restaurant offers a relaxed setting for international cuisine, while outdoor jacuzzis provide a memorable way to take in the scenery. Accommodation ranges from comfortable staterooms with ocean views to spacious suites with private balconies, creating a restful retreat between each day’s unforgettable adventures.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Start your adventure here

From first ideas to final itinerary, we'll guide you every step of the way. Tell us where you'd love to go and a specialist will be in touch.

We take your privacy seriously. See our privacy policy for how we handle your data

Call Us
0161 568 2004
From outside UK:+44 1625 58 11 43

Lines are open from 9am -5.30pm Monday - Friday