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Polar bears roam freely in the Arctic

Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Island, Big Adventure

2020 - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard World Explorer
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This 14-day itinerary offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen while experiencing all the adventure the island has to offer. This is one of the best regions to see polar bears, walrus and reindeer; plus, the impressive 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet cliff are both birdwatching utopias. Get a glimpse of 16th-century whaling culture at secluded landing sites. This route includes visiting the northernmost Svalbard island of Nordaustlandet if conditions allow. 
 
Colorful houses of SvalbardA walrus pops up for to say helloIcebergs litter the seas throughout the ArcticArctic puffinsPolar bears roam freely in the Arctic
Highlights
  • Explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more while Zodiac cruising
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
  • View numerous arctic bird species, like puffins, arctic terns and purple sandpipers
  • Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Oslo, Norway

Arrive in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. Arrive early to explore many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.

Day 2: Longyearbyen | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Today is the day to board on World Explorer! Take the private charter for your flight to Longyearbyen. Spend some time exploring Spitsbergen’s largest settlement before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.

Day 3-13: Exploring Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
Head north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. Circumnavigate Spitsbergen or if weather permits, the whole Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition is different depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places to visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.

For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer at the sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhorne. Phippsøya and Isbukta are two of the bears’ preferred places for hunting, which translates into the great potential for you to view and capture them in action.

A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture— not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and see the remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.

Day 14: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Oslo

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Longyearbyen around 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation and return to Oslo.

Ship/Hotel

World Explorer

World Explorer
World Explorer
World Explorer

Oslo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
World Explorer
Select a Date
Triple Cabin
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 242 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, separate combo sitting area with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Transfers Between Longyearbyen Town Center and Port on Embarkation and Disembarkation Day
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
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Paddling Excursion Option
  • Arrival and Departure Transfers in Oslo
     
  • Kayaking Option

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