Voyage Overview
Follow the footsteps of the great explorers and Norwegian trappers, plunge into the history of these remote territories,
This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this stirring voyage, we show you why. Geared toward optimum wildlife viewing, this 10-day expedition provides ample opportunities to witness walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land.
Trip Details
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: Ocean Adventurer, Premium Ship, 132 passengers
Start at: Helsinki, Finland
End at: Helsinki
Highlights:
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
Day 3 – 9: Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever- changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Ocean Adventurer
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard — and the outdoor jacuzzi. It’s a comfortable vessel with spacious cabins which all have private bathroom facilities and exterior views.
Cabins & Deck Plan
Owner’s Suite
BRIDGE DECK
From 208 sq ft (19 sq m), an Owner’s Suite Cabin is equipped with one double bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Cabin 403 has a bathtub and shower; other Owner’s Suites have showers.
208 sq ft. (19 m2)
1-4
1 double
Suite
CAPTAIN’S DECK
From 215 sq ft (20 sq m), a Suite is equipped with one double bed made up of two twin berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it has windows with exterior views and private facilities.
215 sq ft. (20 m2)
1-2
1 double
Deluxe
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
sq ft.
1-2
2 single
Superior
UPPER AND CAPTAIN DECK
From 132 sq ft (12 sq m), a Superior Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has private facilities and windows with exterior views.
132 sq ft. / 12 (m2)
1-2
2 single
Main Deck Twin Window
MAIN DECK
From 115 sq ft (11 sq m), a Main Deck Twin Window Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities and a window with exterior views.
115 sq ft. / 11 (m2)
1-2
2 single
Main Deck Twin Porthole
MAIN DECK
From 115 sq ft (11 sq m), a Main Deck Twin Porthole Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities and a porthole with exterior views. Please not that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
115 sq ft. / 11 (m2)
1-2
2 single
Lower Deck Twin
LOWER DECK
From 115 sq ft (11 sq m), a Lower Deck Twin Cabin is equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private facilities, a porthole and exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
115 sq ft. / 11 (m2)
1-2
2 single
Triple
MAIN DECK
From 145 sq ft (13.5 sq m), a Triple Cabin is equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
145 sq ft. / 13.5 (m2)
1-3
3 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official expedition parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price.
