Classic Spitsbergen & Northeast Greenland

Arrive independently to Olso and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at an airport hotel prior to your flight to Longyearbyen the following day, both of which are included. The day is free to explore central Oslo at your leisure.

This morning you will take an included flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen where you will be transferred to the port to board the first class 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 northern parts 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.

Welcome to the lands of towering icebergs, huge mountains and blooming tundra landscapes. It’s time to discover the many wonders of the world’s largest National Park! As with all Polar expeditions, flexibility here will be key, and each day your captain and crew will assess the weather and ice conditions to map out a route for an unforgettable day of adventure. Onboard and on thrilling Zodiac cruises and land excursions, you will venture through miles upon miles of untouched wilderness, sailing through ice floes and alongside snowy peaks to soak up the enchanting sights and sounds of this remarkable and incredibly expansive area that is more than 100 times the size of Yellowstone National Park and larger than all but 29 nations around the globe. Walk along the tundra and pristine Polar beaches in search of sightings of musk oxen and Arctic hares, hike across breathtaking landscapes, and sail through the incredible Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord as you become one of only around 1000 people who will step foot on these magnificent lands this year!

In this region, there are fields of tundra where we hope to spot musk oxen and Arctic hare. Here too are ancient Thule archaeological sites, old trappers' huts and modern Inuit hunters' cabins.

After an unforgettable time in Northeast Greenland your expedition ship will set course back across the Greenland Sea and back to Longyearbyen. Spend time on the panoramic decks looking out for the seabirds following the ship and even more whale sightings, and join the final presentations delivered by your expert team.

Upon return back into Longyearbyen, a transfer to the airport for your included flight to Oslo 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.