Luxury Svalbard and Northeast Greenland

Your adventure will begin in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. You are invited to arrive at a time that is convenient to you and spend the day exploring this remote settlement. Accommodation tonight is included as part of your package.

This morning you will have some time to explore this unique Arctic town at your leisure. You could visit the excellent Svalbard museum, take a walk round the cafes and shops or enjoy a hike nearby. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the port to board the luxury polar vessel M/v Sea Spirit. Make yourself comfortable in your new surroundings as your ship sails into the wilderness through Isfjorden. Spectacular scenery abounds and with virtually 24 hour daylight at this time of year, we can already be on the lookout for marine mammals.

As we make our way through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, this is where your true High Arctic wilderness experience begins. The spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands in the western and north-western part of Svalbard are a haven for wildlife and your ship will traverse through these lands in search of the polar bears, Arctic fox, reindeer, walrus, a variety of whales and an abundance of birds that call these lands their home.

This is a true expedition style cruise and as such the route taken will be heavily dependent on ice and weather conditions. Your experienced captain and expedition leaders will decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be assured that the best possible advantage will be taken to explore as much of this wild and remote corner of the Arctic as possible.

Throughout your time here you will experience some of the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks and immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters.

Your days will be filled with exciting Zodiac excursions and land visits, and as well as the scenery and wildlife there should also be time to discover some of the rich history and geological features of the area including the historical remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for historic attempts to discover the North Pole, and even an abandoned polar research station.

We will now spend two relaxing days at sea sailing towards the eastern coast of Greenland. As we sail you can enjoy the lecture and presentation programme that will be delivered throughout by your expert expedition team. Enjoy some time relaxing in the comfort of your luxury Polar vessel and keep an eye out on deck for sightings of whales, seals, seabirds and maybe even polar bears.

It’s time for your next Arctic adventure as we arrive off the eastern coast of majestic Greenland. As with every expedition, our itinerary here will be flexible and determined by weather and sea conditions. Again, you can be sure that our experienced captain and expedition leader will take advantage of every opportunity so that you can experience excellent wildlife viewing, discover incredible scenery and go ashore wherever possible.

In the wonderful Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest and most remote national park, we will discover the deep fjords and narrow channels of the Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems where imposing ice-clad peaks reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. The beautiful multicoloured tundra which is home to Arctic hare and musk oxen lies amongst a backdrop of colossal icebergs that float by to create the most unexpected vistas. The area is also home to numerous Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins which we will hope to visit to learn more about the area’s rich history and culture.

After an enthralling time in Northeast Greenland it’s time to head back towards Svalbard as we sail back across the Greenland Sea. Spend time on the panoramic decks looking out for the seabirds following the ship and even more whale sightings, and join the last of your expert presentations and talks. In the evening you can enjoy a farewell cocktail with your crew and shipmates.

Upon return back into Longyearbyen, a transfer to the airport or to the town center will be provided. You may wish to spend some further time here and if so, be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and take advantage of the quality cultural and dining opportunities in this fascinating Arctic settlement. Please ask us about our land-based options and ideas for extending your trip.