50% OFF Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge

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 fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen where 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.

The spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands that form the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, 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.

Whichever route is taken, throughout your time here you will experience 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. Various species of seal keep a vigilant watch on the ice floes for the predatory polar bears, reindeers and Arctic foxes roam along the flowering tundra, the waters are often filled with bountiful walruses and a wide variety of whales, and the whole area is simply teeming with migratory birds. Yet it’s the polar bears that are often the bucket-list item, and with a bit of luck you won’t be disappointed in your search for observations of the “King of The Arctic”. We will visit some of the best places in the world to observe polar bears and sail the ship as close to the Polar Ice Cap as possible to see them stalk the frozen sea in search of seals and other prey. A truly unforgettable experience.

We plan to explore around the pristine South Spitsbergen National Park, the highlight of which is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets and where ice conditions create the perfect habitat for roaming polar bears. The southern area is also home to Bellsund, a picturesque bay with fascinating geology and plenty of historical sites to explore. In the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the incredible scenery is certain to impress, alongside an abundance of birdlife, and at Ny Ålesund we will make a stop to explore around one of the world’s most northernly inhabited areas and visit the famous post office. We will also explore around the beautiful Forlandet National Park including Prins Karls Forland, one of the best places in Svalbard to observe herds of walrus hauled out on land.

Your days will be filled with exciting Zodiac excursions and land visits, and as well as the scenery and wildlife there will also be time to discover 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.

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.