Explore the fascinating Arctic on this 5-day introductory cruise. Sail the fjords of Hornsund and the ports of Kvalrossbukta and Tromso. Keep your binoculars trained on the horizon to view whales and look skyward to witness the magnificent Northern Lights.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Located on Spitsbergen, the chain's only permanently inhabited island, Longyearbyen is the largest settlement on the islands. From here board the MV Plancius. Settle in to your cabin and set sail in the early evening.
Day 2: The Fjords of Hornsund
In the morning, quietly cruise the side fjords of the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen. As you sail, admire the towering mountain peaks and expansive landscape. From this perspective, it is easy to tell why the early Dutch explorers named the area Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and high chances of encountering seals and Polar Bears.
Day 3: Kvalrossbukta
At the south side of Bear Island, sail by the largest bird cliffs in the North Atlantic, which were once occupied by more than 10 species of seabirds. Today, the cliffs are deserted except for a very late Fulmar or Gannet. Land at Kvalrossbukta, a 19th century whaling station, and stroll the tundra along the coast. In the evening, hope for clear skies in order to observe the Northern Lights in Zenith.
Day 4: Barents Sea
Continue sailing southward across the Barents Sea for great whale watching opportunities. The area is also favorable for viewing birdlife. In the evening, admire the ever-changing sky as the Northern Lights take form.
Day 5: Tromso
Navigate through a maze of fjords, eventually stopping in Tromso, the Norwegian gateway to the Arctic. Disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your connecting flights home.
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.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and 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 occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 25% cruise cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.