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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,750
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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
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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
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Category 3
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #512-524
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Category 4
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa, 205 square ft. #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Standard Cabin Amenities
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Category 5
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #708, 709, 711, 713
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Category 6
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed 344 square ft. #710
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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
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Category A Solo
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #504-510, 513
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Category B Solo
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #604, 606, 609, 611
Notes
Cost Includes:
Includes two hotel nights.
Accommodations
meals indicated
alcoholic beverages (except premium brands)
excursions
services of the expeditions’ leader
Naturalist staff and expert guides
use of kayaks
Entrance fees
All port charges and service taxes
Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer,National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, and National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
Cost Not Included:
Air transportation
personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
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.
