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A colony of walruses resting on the beach

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

Roundtrip Helsinki - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Explorer
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Embark on this 15-day Arctic adventure beginning in Helsinki, a city known for its architecture and cultural blend. Fly to Longyearbyen and start your thrilling circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. Each day brings new opportunities to explore dramatic fjords, massive glaciers, and isolated Arctic islands. Highlights include Alkefjellet’s seabird cliffs, Ny-London’s historic mining sites, and the 14th of July Glacier, home to puffins and Arctic flora. Your Expedition Team guides you to the best spots for spotting polar bears, walrus, and Svalbard reindeer. The remote Kvitøya offers a chance to see polar bears amid sea ice, while Phippsøya provides breathtaking views of Arctic wilderness. Discover the history of Arctic whaling at sites like Smeerenburg before you conclude your journey in Longyearbyen.
Alkhornet HikingPolar Bears in SpitsbergenArctic ReindeerViewing Brunnichs guillemots on columnar basalt cliffsZodiac cruising in SvalbardA colony of walruses resting on the beach
Highlights
  • Explore Helsinki’s museums, saunas, and vibrant Design District
  • Spot polar bears hunting on the sea ice at Phippsøya
  • Visit the 14th of July Glacier, home to diverse birdlife
  • Admire Alkefjellet cliffs teeming with guillemot colonies
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: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, a city celebrated for its stunning architecture and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Arrive early to explore museums, galleries, and local restaurants, unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, or stroll through the lively Design District. Afterward, relax at your included hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Embark

This morning, the group heads to the airport and take a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest town in Spitsbergen. Once aboard the ship, admire your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-covered mountains towering above the icy waters.15

Day 3-13: Exploring Spitsbergen

Expect a new adventure every day as you begin your journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. You plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, you'll also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition is different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet, and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.

These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when you visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset, and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.

A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you'll see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.

Day 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen | Fly to Helsinki

  • 1 Breakfast
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

Day 15: Onward Flight Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer
Atrium - Two level lounge
Explorer Presentation Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$20,195 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Explorer  - Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Deluxe Veranda Forward
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Grand Veranda State Room
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer  - Studio Single
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior SuiteJunior Suite Receiving area
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Studio Veranda Single
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Explorer Suite
Penthouse Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owners SuiteOwner's Suite - Receiving area
Owners Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
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
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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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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