Adventure into the heart of Spitsbergen on this 8-day Arctic cruise aboard the two-mast sailing vessel, Noorderlicht. Learn about the region's history with a visit to the Svalbard Museum and excursions to old whaling and mining settlements. Sail into a variety of fjords including the magnificent Bellsund fjord system. The geology and landscapes within the fjords are breathtaking with towering mountains, steep cliffs, and calving glaciers. Throughout the cruise, there are endless opportunities to view unique Arctic wildlife including polar bear, arctic fox, walrus, beluga whale, and a myriad of sea birds. In addition, the autumn Spitsbergen voyages, at the onset of winter, are ideal for observing the Aurora borealis. Spitsbergen's distinctive scenery, history, and wildlife will sure to excite all travelers.
Highlights
Marvel at the brilliant colors of the northern lights
Sail near ice floes and into the region's complex fjord systems
Visit important historical sites and learn about Spitsbergen's past
Observe abundant wildlife including polar bear, arctic fox, walrus and more
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After arriving in Longyearbyen, the ‘capital’ (actually the administrative center) of Spitsbergen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum, which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry, and polar exploration. Sail in the afternoon, setting course for Alkhornet, a prominent cliff at the mouth of Isfjorden. Below the cliffs one often sees arctic foxes and reindeer. Continue to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Russian Pomor station.
Leave Trygghamna early in the morning and sail to the north side of Bellsund. Bellsund is a fjord system with two major branches, Van Mijenfjord and Van Keulenfjord, and one smaller side bay, Recherchefjord. The geology is fascinating and has created amazing landscapes, such as the long, narrow island of Akseløya that blocks Van Mijenfjord almost completely. In Fridtjovhamna, the calving glacier Fridtjovbreen is surrounded by picturesque mountains.
The rich wildlife of the area has attracted hunters throughout several centuries - walk in their footsteps and see remains of their huts - for example, at Ahlstrandhalvøya. Recherchefjord is one of the places in Spitsbergen with the highest concentration of historical sites, dating back to 17th-century whalers and the mining period of the early 20th century. The glacier Recherchebreen ends at a lagoon, likely to be frozen in October, with many smaller icebergs. Polar bear are likely to be present anywhere in the Bellsund area, so keep a keen watch to find them. Also be on the lookout for beluga whales in this area.
Visit Barentsburg, the only inhabited Russian settlement in Spitsbergen. There is also a possibility of exploring the abandoned Russian coal mining settlement of Colesbukta.
Sail into the inner reaches of the Isfjorden system marveling at its spectacular scenery and geology. Many of the smaller fjord arms may still be locked in ice so you experience expedition cruising at its best.
Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Depart by scheduled flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.
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.
$3,150
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Twin Non Private
The ‘Noorderlicht’ provides accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins.
All cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin with hot and cold water. Shared shower (4) and toilet (5) facilities are conveniently located.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Noorderlicht - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 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 | 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.