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 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
