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Glass-still waters around Spitsbergen

North Spitsbergen - Basecamp

Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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The North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy this Arctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, and learn to take perfect pictures of the polar flora and fauna.
Colorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardPolar bear and cubWalruses huddling together in Svalbard.A humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic watersVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northIncredible ice in SvalbardGlass-still waters around Spitsbergen
Highlights
  • Search for the King of the Arctic, the polar bear
  • Enjoy excursions in Zodiac dinghies to get a closer look at the region
  • Explore the former mining town of Longyearbyen
  • Watch thousands of birds in the north of Spitsbergen
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
0

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen | Embark

Begin in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: Blomstrandhalvoya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Blomstrandhalvøya is located on the northern side of the fjord, which will offer shelter and room to change plans in case the weather changes. In the afternoon, you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center.

Day 3: Amsterdamoya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail toward Amsterdamoya, where you have the chance to hike past the remains of a 17th-century whaling station. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of Smeerenburgsleta. In the afternoon, explore the islands around Fair Haven.

Day 4: Raudfjorden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even be visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. Here you will find the right balance between safe activities and wildlife watching.

Day 5: Liefdefjorden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, we may use an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Near the area of Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, there are also some great hikes.

Day 6: North Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This is the reserve day for activities around North Spitsbergen. Weather and wildlife permitting, the crew will choose the right location for another day of splendid outdoor adventures.

Day 7: Forlandsundet | St. Johns Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here, and seabirds can be found around Fuglehuken. You may also see walrus populations around Sarstangen and Poolepynten. Alternatively, the ship might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. After days of cruising, arrive in Longyearbyen later that night.

Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark

Disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

The Ortelius
Dining area aboard the Ortelius.
Ortelius' dining area.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Twin porthole cabin
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Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
Twin porthole cabin
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Triple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
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Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
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Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Deluxe on the Ortelius
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Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Superior Suite on the Ortelius
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Superior
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
     
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program

  • Transfers and Baggage Handling between the Airport, Hotels & Ship Only for Those on the Group Flights to/from Longyearbyen.
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
  • During “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop), as well as standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises, are free of charge.
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
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Polar Diving Option: Rates Vary - Contact Us For More Details 

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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

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