Experience the Arctic on this 6-day expedition aboard MV Plancius. Begin in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest town, visiting its historic church and Svalbard Museum. Cruise the waters of Spitsbergen, exploring fjords and glaciers in Hornsund, with opportunities to see seals and whales and, occasionally, polar bears. Land on remote Bear Island to view cliff faces and historic whaling station remains. As you sail south toward Tromso, Norway, keep an eye out for whales and, if conditions are right, the Aurora Borealis. Conclude your journey in Tromso, an important Arctic gateway.
Highlights
Cruise Hornsund fjords surrounded by towering Arctic mountain peaks
Opportunity to spot polar bears, seals, and seabirds in habitats
Explore historic whaling station remains on remote Bear Island
See the Aurora Borealis, weather permitting during Arctic nights
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.
Arrive in Longyearbyen and explore the town, including the church and Svalbard Museum. In the evening, board the ship and sail into Isfjorden, with a chance to see minke whales.
Cruise the side fjords of Hornsund in southern Spitsbergen, surrounded by towering mountains. See Hornsundtind (1,431 m / 4,695 ft) and Bautaen peaks, and observe 14 glaciers. Keep a lookout for seals and polar bears, and note that bird cliffs are mostly quiet, with some fulmars remaining.
Arrive at the southeastern end of Bear Island, an excellent place for viewing the high cliff faces and "Perleporten."
Northward, in Kvalrossbukta, the opportunity to land and visit the remains of a whaling station from early in the previous century should present itself. You might also land in a shallow valley, such as Rendalen.
Sailing southward, you are likely to see whales in the surrounding sea, and when night falls again, you have a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis in the skies above.
Day 6: Tromso | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Tromso, also known as the gate to the Arctic, has been an important town from where Arctic expeditions set out to the north for centuries. From here, one can fly to Oslo and beyond.
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.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
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.
AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
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 — is required, with a minimum of EUR/USD 50,000 per person for Arctic trips, EUR/USD 100,000 per person for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, and EUR/USD 300,000 per person for the Ross Sea. A comprehensive travel insurance policy should typically meet these requirements.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
