The High Arctic summer brings a sense of urgency, and the best way to experience its wonders is on an exciting expedition Arctic cruise. Like the Inuits and Vikings who preceded you, this 24-day Arctic trip is an exploration by sea on the Polar Pioneer. High above the Arctic Circle, explore deep fjords, polar deserts, tundra tinged with wildflowers, and vast glaciers calving into the sea. On foot and by Zodiac, visit abandoned whaling settlements, search for walrus, arctic fox, and reindeer, and revel in millions of migratory birds, including little auks, guillemots and puffin. The seas are alive with whales, bearded, and possibly ringed seals. Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling is available on most of these voyages.
Highlights
Discover the diversity of the Spitsbergen Island archipelago
Venture to the kingdom of the polar bear, reindeer, walrus, and arctic fox
Revel in millions of migratory birds - little auks, guillemots and puffins
Visit abandoned whaling settlements, trapper camps, and historic sites
Explore the coastline, deep fjords & mysterious, fossil-rich desert plains
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Enjoy a tour of Longyearbyen upon arrival, before boarding Polar Pioneer and setting sail along breathtaking Isfjorden, featuring dramatic bird cliffs, sweeping glaciers and gorgeous mountain ranges.
Awake as the ship sails along Spitsbergen’s west coast and its outstanding aqua-blue ice cliffs. The nutrient-rich Gulf Stream provides relatively mild temperatures, a delight for Atlantic puffins and Brünnich’s guillemots that have settled on these cliffs. Embark on a thrilling tundra hike, keep an eye out for reindeer and arctic fox and gaze at the majestic glaciers from the Zodiacs. Also attempt to explore the remains of the 350-year-old Dutch whaling settlement.
As the adventure continues along Spitsbergen’s northwest coast in to the Arctic Ocean, whales, pack ice and maybe even polar bears can be seen. As Polar Pioneer continues and turns south into Woodfjorden, search for ringed, bearded and harp seals and keep an eye out for fascinating walrus haul outs on the beaches. With almost 24-hour daylight, enjoy tundra walks and take the time to observe the microflora. Depending on ice conditions, cross latitude 80° North – a cause for celebration.
Air and sea temperatures start lowering due to the frigid Arctic currents around Spitsbergen’s northeast, creating a landscape eroded by severe frost. Even at summer time, there’s a chance pack ice could bar the way, but the Russian crew and expedition team ensure the highlights of the European Arctic are seen. Attempt to sail through the narrow Hinlopen Strait, and Zodiac cruise along the busy bird cliffs of Alkefjellt as well as walk along the east coast's polar desert, filled with stunted glaciers and exposed fossil fields.
Ice conditions and weather changes dictate the expedition plans. Try to reach South Cape and head north toward Hornsund and Bellsund, two magnificent deep fjords boasting superb glaciers and wildlife. In case ice stops the ship, spend more time exploring the jewels of Spitsbergen’s north and west coasts.
A midnight cruise of Isfjorden returns the ship to Longyearbyen, and enjoy a day dog sledding around Spitsbergen's interior before setting off again this afternoon on the next leg of the Arctic adventure.
As you head back north, enjoy the last moments in Spitsbergen. Cruise past calving glaciers and land ashore to learn about the area’s rich history and observe Spitsbergen’s fascinating wildlife. (Note: as this expedition is a combination of two itineraries, these days may stop at some places already visited on the voyage’s first leg.)
As Polar Pioneer sails across the Greenland Sea, search for fin whales, pack ice and sea birds. Expert naturalists and guest lecturers provide you with great interpretation of the Arctic’s flora and fauna as well as early explorers’ epic adventures through illustrated talks.
Day 16-18: Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord | Kap Humboldt | Kong Oskar Fjord
When going to Greenland for the first time, seeing ice is often an awe-inspiring moment. Even in summer time, bays and inlets can still be frozen. However, your experienced Captain and team of expedition experts know alternative options to keep you busy with exploration! In Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, enjoy walks across the tundra as you visit old trapper’s huts and observe musk ox, arctic fox and eider ducks; spend some time admiring the stunning hanging gardens of Kap Humboldt; Kong Oskar Fjord provides gorgeous glacier-carved mountains as a delightful backdrop.
Reach Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord. The huge Greenland icecap continuously sweeps down gigantic glaciers, making it the birth place for some of the world’s largest icebergs! Zodiacs take you through an incredible maze of icebergs as you head to the shores for some exciting tundra hikes, and a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the rare villages of the East Greenland coast.
Keep watch for musk ox and narwhals as you sail along the breathtaking mountains of the Blosseville Coast, before your attempt to cruise through Rømer Fjord.
Continue on with your Arctic adventure and cruise across Denmark Strait on your way to Iceland. Take time to reflect on your various experiences, gaze at northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins and whales from the ship’s bow.
Day 24: Disembark | Reykjavik, Iceland
1 Breakfast
Polar Pioneer docks in Iceland early this morning. After breakfast, there might be time for some last-minute exploration of the Icelandic environment before your short group transfer to Reykjavik.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,900
Select a Date
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Notes
Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
Initial deposit is $2700 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 23 Dinners
23 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
