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Beautiful Hornsund, Norway

Around Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet

Roundtrip Longyearbyen - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard MV Hondius
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Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the MV Hondius and experience the highlights of the Arctic journey, beginning and ending in Longyearbyen, the main settlement of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. This adventure offers incredible wildlife sightings, glacial landscapes, and historic landmarks. Start by exploring Longyearbyen, then set sail along Spitsbergen’s rugged west coast, visiting sites like Krossfjorden with its dramatic glacier fronts and the research hub of Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Journey to the massive Monaco Glacier, a renowned polar bear hunting ground, and the serene Sorgfjord, known for its walrus colonies and 17th-century shipwrecks. Explore the northernmost reaches at the Seven Islands, just 540 miles from the North Pole, where polar bears and walruses inhabit the pack ice. Continue to Nordaustlandet’s vast Austfonna ice cap, passing Kapp Mohn and Kong Karls Land, where polar bears frequently den. Cruise through the glacial fjords of Hornsund, named for its iconic spire-like peaks, and take in the vibrant flora and fauna of Bellsund, where you might encounter beluga whales and reindeer. Conclude back in Longyearbyen with unforgettable memories of this Arctic exploration.
Polar bear in the ArcticA walrus relaxes on the snow.A quiet moment in the ArcticVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northLittle AuksKittiwakes, canyons, and south EdgeøyaPorlarbear HornsundBeautiful Hornsund, Norway
Highlights
  • Visit Longyearbyen’s historic charm and unique cultural landmarks in Svalbard
  • Explore Ny Alesund’s remote settlement, learning its pioneering Arctic research
  • Discover Seven Islands’ Arctic wilderness, home to polar bears and walruses
  • Wander Hornsund’s iconic peaks, surrounded by glaciers and rugged terrain
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen | Embark

Arriving in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen—the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago—you can find much to explore in this former mining town. Wander its streets and visit notable landmarks like the Svalbard Museum and the charming parish church, each revealing unique aspects of the town’s history and culture. While the surrounding landscape may seem barren, it supports over a hundred plant species. In the early evening, your ship departs through Isfjorden, offering a chance to spot your first minke whale of the journey.

Day 2-9: Clockwise circumnavigation of West Spitsbergen

Krossfjorden and Ny Alesund

Heading north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden with great views of glacier fronts. In the afternoon, you sail to Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Alesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a famous polar bear hunting ground. Another possibility is the mouth of Wijdefjorden, which has both sides of the tundra landscape and the glacier front of Nordbreen. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Sorgfjord, a reminder of hard times

You may turn to Sorgfjord, with sunken French and Dutch ships (end of the 17th century) deep under the surface. You can find a herd of walruses west of the graves of 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans. The opposite side of the fjord at Heclahamna is also a beautiful area for an excursion in a semi-desert area.

Stop at the Seven Islands

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, at Chermsideoya and Phippsoya in the Seven Islands. You reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears and walruses inhabit this region. The ship sails eastward among the pack ice and through the area where the Italian captain Sora tried to rescue the Nobile Expedition in 1928.

The largest ice cap in Europe

You sail by the east side of Austfonna on Nordaustlandet and stop by Isisoya (formerly a Nunatak surrounded by glaciers but now an island in the sea) for a circumnavigation by Zodiac cruise. You then may pass Kapp Mohn, part of the largest ice cap in Europe and famed for its meltwater waterfalls. From there, you head for the never-visited waters of Kong Karls Land, where you sail at a distance of more than half a kilometer from the shores. It is a famous denning area for polar bears.

Storfjordens many bounties

You opt to sail against stream through Heleysundet between West Spitsbergen and Barentsoya when you arrive in a scenery of nearby glaciers like Negribreen. Later in the day, you may land at the mouth of the valley Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeoya, near a canyon with a large Kittiwake colony, is also an option. Other landings, like at Kvalhovden near mighty glacier fronts, are also possible.

Land of the Pointed Mountains

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area, and there are opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. You may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where you have great opportunities for a long walk.

Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Today, you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here, there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvoya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore the tundra, where reindeer like to feed, and rock slopes, where little auks breed near Vaarsolbukta.

Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Ship/Hotel

MV Hondius

Hondius
Hondius Grand Suite Balcony
Hondius Reception

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,650 2-3 travelers
MV Hondius
Quadruple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 upper & lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Triple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin Window
Located on deck 4. Approximately 129 to 151 sq. ft. 1 window, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin deluxe
Located on deck 6. Approximately 205 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 2 single beds, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Superior
Located on deck 6. Approximately 215 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Junior Suite
Located on deck 7. Approximately 205 to 215 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Grand Suite with Private BalconyMV Hondius
Grand Suite with balcony
Located on deck 7. Approximately 291 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private balcony, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.

Notes

Single supplement - Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate.
Child discount: Children aged 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
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
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
  • Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability. This applies to all trips scheduled for the 2024-25 Antarctic season and will continue across all future motor vessel trips in both Antarctica and the Arctic.

  • Transfers and Baggage Handling between the Airport, Hotels & Ship Only for Those on the Group Flights to/from Longyearbyen.
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
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
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
  • Transfers to/from the Vessel Outside Spitsbergen
  • Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages. 

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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