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Polar bear in the Arctic

Polar Bear Express

Longyearbyen Roundtrip - Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Albatros
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Embark on an incredible vacation as you cruise through icy Arctic waters and landscapes in six days aboard Ocean Albatros. Get ready to explore and discover the unique ecology of this mountain-clad and glaciated island - and get close to a vast array of Arctic wildlife. Spot the walrus, their long tusks and whiskers, and the ever-resilient Arctic birds. The crowning glory, of course, will be sightings of the polar bear. Get ready to share waters with whales, walruses, polar bears, and an abundance of birds while also witnessing the astonishing beauty of Svalbard at the peak of summer. With the fleet of zodiacs, explore the majestic glacial landscapes, get closer to the wildlife, and embark on fascinating landings on the shore.
A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscapeColorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northAdmire the colorful houses of LongyearbyenHiking in SpitsbergenPolar bear in the Arctic
Highlights
  • Explore the majestic glacial landscapes, get closer to the wildlife
  • Encounter whales, walruses, polar bears, and an abundance of birds
  • Enjoy the amazing scenery of Liefde Fjord
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: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen | Embark

Arrival at Longyearbyen, capital of Svalbard – possibly the northernmost ‘real’ town in the world.

After the initial onboarding and a celebratory toast from the Expedition Leader, guests will be provided with all essential information regarding the voyage, the daily routine of the ship, and important safety protocols. All are then required to partake in a safety drill before the captain steers away from Advent Fjord, and into the unknowns of the Arctic adventure.

Day 2: Smeerenburg | Ytre Norskøya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
On entering North West Svalbard, declared a national park in 1973, begin the day with a cruise through Danskergattet, in search of seals at Virgohamna. Then, travel from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya, to visit Smeerenburg, the famous 17th-century whaling settlement. It is said that during the peak of blubber production, over two-hundred men were living (and unfortunately dying) there.

This northwestern area of Spitsbergen contains many points of interest that you can visit, should the weather be accommodating - among them, Ytre Norskøya, a lookout post used by whalers in the past.

Day 3: Alkefjellet | Torrelnesset

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, glide by the iconic Alkefjellet with fingers crossed for clear skies to observe the vertiginous cliffs. Swarmed by an enormous population of Brünichs guillemots, almost every surface is cloaked with the avian species. In the summer, their frenzied courting is an awe-inspiring sight, both on the cliff face and in the waters below.

The polar desert of Torrelnesset also holds numerous walruses lounging on its shoreline, as they feed on the clams and mollusks found in the shallow waters of Svalbard.

Day 4: Liefde Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During the night, venture to the Wood Fjord and its sidearm, the Liefde Fjord. The mission is to travel slowly alongside the sweeping glacier face of Monacobreen, giving a rare perspective of the tremendous force of glacial activity and its varying iceberg creations. This glacier was dubbed after Albert I of Monaco, who heavily backed Svalbard's research pursuits.

This expanse was heavily traveled by trappers in the past, some even living here over winter and constructing cabins. A particularly renowned cabin, referred to as Texas Bar, is thought to be named after the US state of Texas and erected in 1927. The plan is to take a tour around this area and enjoy the amazing scenery.

Day 5: Ny Ålesund | Ny London

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord, renowned for its former mining settlement and captivating beauty. The first destination is Ny Ålesund - a scientific research center situated even further north than Longyearbyen, though it can be argued whether this constitutes an actual town. 

The next destination is the abandoned marble mining settlement of Ny London. It experienced a brief but eventful existence, beginning in a flurry of mining activity reminiscent of the Klondike Gold Rush before being crippled by wars and financial losses just nine years later. See the remains of workshops, locomotives, and cranes that tell the story of the ambitious yet failed enterprise.

Finally, return southbound to the entrance of the Isfjord and onwards to Longyearbyen, hopefully with one last glimpse of the amazing wildlife and unparalleled landscapes of Svalbard.

Day 6: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
By the morning, the vessel will arrive back at the place where it started, Longyearbyen. After a goodbye to the team and crew and after breakfast, people will begin disembarking the boat. Travel to the airport is provided.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros BBQ Deck
Ocean Albatros Fitness
Ocean Albatros Pool Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save 30% Off
Book by April 30, 2024, and save 30% off on select Arctic and Antarctica 2024-2025 departures. This promotion is valid for new bookings and cannot be combined with other promotions. To qualify, personal details and deposit payment must be received within seven working days of the booking. For trips with less than 90 days until departure, personal details and full payment must be received within 48 hours of the booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Jun 16, 2024 departure

Per person starting at
$4,990
Ocean Albatros Cat GOcean Albatros Cat G
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Category G
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2 Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
Ocean Albatros Cat FOcean Albatros Cat F
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Category F
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2 There are four Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Ocean Albatros Cat EOcean Albatros Cat E
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Category E
French Balcony Stateroom - 14 m2 The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
Ocean Albatros Cat DOcean Albatros Cat D
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Category D
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2 The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
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Category C
Balcony Stateroom - 18-22 m2 The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
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Category Csp
Superior Balcony Stateroom (48) app. 24 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
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Category Cxl
Grand Balcony Stateroom (4) app. 30 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat BOcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
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Category B
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2 Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Ocean Albatros Cat AOcean Albatros Cat A Balcony
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Category A
Junior suite - 39 m2 The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Ocean Albatros Premium SuiteOcean Albatros Premium Suite
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Premium Suite (Freydis Suite)
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite) The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
Ocean Albatros Family SuiteOcean Albatros Family Suite
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Family Suite (Brynhilde Suite)
Family suite - 52 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite) The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is going to be located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.

Notes

Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages. 
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea, and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $345/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.

Possible shared staterooms for same-gender, single travelers: Category C (Balcony Stateroom) and Category F (Triple Porthole Stateroom)
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more.
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Guided walks with the expedition team
  • Dinner drink package
  • Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
  • Fights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
  • Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'inclusions'
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance of at least $200,000 per passenger is required. Please bring a copy of your insurance onboard.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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