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Norway landscape

The Complete Spitsbergen Expedition

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard MS Spitsbergen
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Start at Norway's capital city checking out museums, parks, and cutting-edge architecture and embark on a 10-day cruise from the unique Arctic town of Longyearbyen. Eastern Svalbard boasts the highest population of polar bears on the archipelago, admire this incredible species while you discover this wonderful island. Explore the Isfjord, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard. The landscape features immense U-shaped valleys carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers that covered the area some 10,000 years ago. The area is home to large populations of Svalbard reindeer.
Norway wildlifeColorful houses of SvalbardSvalbard reindeer in springSailboat in Svalbard, NorwayNorway landscape
Highlights
  • Visit Kongsfjord, considered one of Spitsbergen's most beautiful fjords
  • Admire the beautiful and dramatic bird cliffs at Alkefjellete
  • Enjoy close encounters with the spectacular Spitsbergen wildlife
  • See the enormous Monaco Glacier in the Liefdefjord
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Oslo| Fly to Longyearbyen

  • 1 Dinner
This grand Arctic circumnavigation starts with an evening flight from Oslo. Spend the day in Norway's capital city checking out museums, parks, and cutting-edge architecture or enjoy the lively cafe or bar scene. The contrast can be significant when you arrive in Longyearbyen.

Day 2: Longyearbyen | Embark

After an overnight hotel stay and before boarding MS Spitsbergen, tour the unique Arctic town of Longyearbyen. A polar environment dominates here, but the town maintains a surprisingly cosmopolitan character. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to modern-day life and today serves as a prime destination for adventure travelers. 

Day 3-5: North West Spitsbergen National Park

Sail into the Kongsfjord, considered one of the most beautiful fjord regions in Spitsbergen. Watch mighty glaciers calve icebergs into the sea, framed by the backdrop of stunning mountain formations. Then visit the former mining settlement of Ny-Alesund. Sailing northwest, we reach the Krossfjord and Mitrahalvoya, See the enormous Monaco Glacier in the Liefdefjord.

Day 6-8: Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Parknd Oslo.

Eastern Svalbard boasts the highest population of polar bears on the archipelago! Explore the Sorgfjord, which borders the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve. Enjoy the view as we pass the spectacular bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Continue to the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen. Ice being pushed into the fjord early in the season attracts polar bears that hunt on the floes, so keep an eye out.

Day 9: Isfjord

Spend today exploring the Isfjord, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard. The landscape features immense U-shaped valleys carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers that covered the area some 10,000 years ago. The area is home to large populations of Svalbard reindeer.

Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Oslo

  • 1 Breakfast
Sadly, every great expedition comes to an end. Many of your guests report a subtle exhilaration after journeying to the very top of the world. A transfer takes you early in the morning to the airport for your flight back to Oslo.

Ship/Hotel

MS Spitsbergen

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Polar Inside - B
Outside cabin, 193 sq ft. With limited/ no view, queen bed, kettle, TV, bathroom with shower. Accessible to guests with limited mobility
Polar Inside - I
Most cabins have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, some have a double bed or upper and lower berths, shower/wc
Polar Inside - K
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, shower/wc
Polar Outside - AJ
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
Polar Outside - J
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
Polar Outside - A
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc
Polar Outside - N
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
Polar Outside - O
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
Arctic Superior - P
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
Arctic Superior - U
Some cabins have a double bed, some have 3 or 4 beds, some have a seating area, kettle, coffee/tea, TV, mini bar, shower/wc, limited/no view
Arctic Superior - QJ
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
Expedition Suite - Q
One room with a double bed, some with seating area, some with 3-4 beds that can be upper beds, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc, view
Expedition Suite - MG
One or two rooms with seating area, double bed, TV, stereo, mini bar, kettle, tea/coffee, shower/wc, some with bathtub, most with private balcony or bay window
Expedition Suite - MX
Two rooms with a double bed, seating area, dining table, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, stereo, shower, w/c, private balcony
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gratuities
  • Complimentary Reusable Water Bottle 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
  • Use of the Ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
  • Citizen Science Program where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
  • Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Optional shore excursions with local partners
  • Optional small-group activities with the Expedition Team

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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

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