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Polar bears in the Arctic

Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Svalbard

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution
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Svalbard is the best place on the planet to see polar bears in their native habitat: the sea ice. Look for these legendary bears from the proximity and safety of the decks of your ship, the National Geographic Resolution. Observe all manner of behavior, from hunting for seals amid the floes to frolicking cubs. On this 10-day expedition cruise, spot polar bears as well as other distinctive Arctic wildlife, from whales and seals, to Arctic foxes and reindeer, to several species of seabirds. 
Beautiful Hornsund, NorwayHiking in SpitsbergenVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northWalking through vast arctic landscapes. Walruses huddled together on the icePolar bears in the Arctic
Highlights
  • Enjoy polar bear & walrus sightings with our skilled veteran spotters
  • Learn about the Arctic wildlife and natural history
  • Take part in active exploration using kayaks, Zodiacs, hiking & walking
  • Enjoy incredible photography opportunities and on-board photo assistance
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 and check in to the Continental Hotel. For the remaining part of the morning you can rest in your comfortable hotel room. Highlights of an afternoon tour include a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in park lands and a visit to the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of Arctic exploration. This evening try one of the harbor restaurants or turn in early.

Day 2: Oslo | Longyearbyen | Embark

Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn the story of Svalbard and its context in Norway and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern mining, research, and tourism. Then tour the Gallery Svalbard to view the permanent art and cultural collections as well as studios of local artists. Embark National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days

Day 3-8: Exploring Svalbard

Travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design. This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you'll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife, and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions.

Your main focus is the search for Svalbard's amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer, and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic — majestic polar bears. At any time an announcement may be made that a polar bear has been spotted. This is a call for everyone to come on deck to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Often they are on the pack ice searching for a meal, but a few times each season we find a bear that has recently caught a seal.

Cruising in Svalbard's fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. We take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs and experience the geology, wildlife, and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic.

Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Oslo

Disembark in Longyearbyen, meet up with a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Here, you’ll discover a unique collection of buildings including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center, and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the friendly, sled dog huskies that reside at camp. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.

Day 10: Oslo, Norway

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight home, or continue on to other adventures.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution ship
A photographer taking stunning views of Patagonia aboard the ship National Geographic Resolution
A guest relaxing in the Infinity Edge Pool while soaking in the breathtaking views of the wild Patagonia

Oslo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Cabin
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Category 1
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 183 square ft. #406, 408, 411, 413, 415. Standard Cabin Amenities
Category 2
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Category 2
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 205 square ft. #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
Category 3
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Category 3
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #512-524
Category 4
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Category 4
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa, 205 square ft. #608, 610, 612, 613-623 Standard Cabin Amenities
Category 5
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Category 5
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #708, 709, 711, 713
Category 6
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Category 6
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed 344 square ft. #710
Category 7
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Category 7
Bridge Deck—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet 430 square ft. #700-707, 712, 714-717
Category A Solo
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Category A Solo
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #504-510, 513
Category B Solo
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Category B Solo
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #604, 606, 609, 611

Notes

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 7 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
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
  • Gratuities for the Crew
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
  • Gratuities for the Expedition Leader

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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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