Have questions? We're here.
Reindeer feeding in the arctic.

Spitsbergen Odyssey

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Svalbard trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Revel in the diversity of Svalbard Island and sail into the kingdom of the polar bear. Explore the coastline, with no open sea crossings, against a backdrop of spectacular glacier-covered peaks. Discover deep fjords in the west; mysterious, fossil-rich desert plains in the east; and best of all, seals and whales in the Arctic pack ice. This voyage offers the best chance for seeing reindeers and polar bears, and features wildflower walks across sweeping tundra, trapper camps and historic sites. On foot and by Zodiac, visit abandoned whaling settlements, search for walrus, arctic fox and reindeer and observe in millions of migratory birds, including little auks, guillemots and puffin. 
Kayaking through the arctic waters.An arctic fox searches the rocks of the ArcticTravelers walking across the beaches of Spitsbergen.A polar bear walks across the arctic landscape.Reindeer feeding in the arctic.
Highlights
  • Sail along Spitsbergen’s glacier-filled coastline
  • Enjoy almost 24 hours of exquisite Arctic sunlight
  • Spot polar bears, walruses, ringed seals, auklets, guillemots and puffins
  • Visit abandoned whaling settlements, trapper camps, and historic sites
  • Photograph delicate Arctic tundra flowers
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Embark

Arrive in Spitsbergen and enjoy a tour of colorful Longyearbyen. Late afternoon sees you warmly welcomed on board Polar Pioneer and enjoying your departure under the Midnight Sun.

Day 2-3: Magdalenefjorden

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enjoy stunning alpine peaks and glacier valleys on the cruise up the west coast of Spitsbergen. In Magdalenefjorden, cruise in zodiacs to a safe distance from the aqua-blue cliffs of 14th July Glacier or Waggonway Glacier. Search for reindeer and Arctic fox as you enjoy long walks through summer flowers. Thanks to the nutrient-rich Gulf Stream and relatively mild temperatures, the cliffs are filled with Atlantic puffins and guillemots. Spot bearded seals and other marine life. Learn of an ill-fated ballooning attempt over the North Pole and visit the remains of a 350-year-old Dutch whaling settlement on Amsterdam Island.  

Day 4-6: Moffen Island | Woodfjorden

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Rounding Spitsbergen’s northwest coast, enter the Arctic Ocean and the world of pack ice. Ghostly beluga whales rise up in open leads and polar bears stalk ringed, bearded, and harp seals. Offshore, walrus feed on clams or haulout on beaches, especially on Moffen Island, a walrus sanctuary. Visit trapper huts and stay alert for reindeer and Arctic fox. Delightful walks reveal delicious berries and some of the tundra’s 164 exquisite flowering plants including purple saxifrage, yellow spider plants, and Svalbard poppies. If ice conditions allow, attempt to cross latitude 80° North before turning south to Woodfjorden.

Day 7-8: Hinlopen Strait | Barentsøya & Edgeøya islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Attempt to pass through narrow Hinlopen Strait, a channel flanked by austere, cream-colored slopes rich in fossils between Spitsbergen and ice-capped Nordaustlandet. This polar desert is a landscape eroded by severe frost. Even in summer, pack ice could bar the way, but there is much to strive for. Zodiac beneath Alkefjellet, sheer basalt cliffs rising more than 250 meters and literally buzzing with some 200,000 nests of Brunnich’s guillemots. On walks, seek eider ducks, Arctic foxes, and elusive Svalbard ptarmigan. As the ship passes Barentsøya and Edgeøya islands, cross polar bear migration routes.

Day 9-10: Hornsund & Bellsund Fjords

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
This is true expedition cruising, where plans are dictated by ice conditions and a desire to explore. If pack ice allows, round South Cape, returning to the world of open water and rugged coastal mountains, and sail north toward Hornsund and Bellsund, deep fjords with remarkable glaciers and wildlife. If ice stops the ship's progress on the east side, your captain adjusts the itinerary, backtracking and delving deeper into the wonders of Spitsbergen’s north and west coasts, including a visit to colonies where hundreds of thousands of little auks nest, darkening the sky as they commute to their fishing grounds.

Day 11: Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
A midnight cruise of Isfjorden returns you to Longyearbyen and the end of your spectacular voyage.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,800
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
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.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 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.

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
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
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By