Adventure into the heart of Spitsbergen on this 8-day Arctic cruise aboard the two-mast sailing vessel, Noorderlicht. Learn about the region's history with a visit to the Svalbard Museum and excursions to old whaling and mining settlements. Sail into a variety of fjords including the magnificent Bellsund fjord system. The geology and landscapes within the fjords are breathtaking with towering mountains, steep cliffs, and calving glaciers. Throughout the cruise, there are endless opportunities to view unique Arctic wildlife including polar bear, arctic fox, walrus, beluga whale, and a myriad of sea birds. In addition, the autumn Spitsbergen voyages, at the onset of winter, are ideal for observing the Aurora borealis. Spitsbergen's distinctive scenery, history, and wildlife will sure to excite all travelers.
Highlights
Marvel at the brilliant colors of the northern lights
Sail near ice floes and into the region's complex fjord systems
Visit important historical sites and learn about Spitsbergen's past
Observe abundant wildlife including polar bear, arctic fox, walrus and more
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After arriving in Longyearbyen, the ‘capital’ (actually the administrative center) of Spitsbergen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum, which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry, and polar exploration. Sail in the afternoon, setting course for Alkhornet, a prominent cliff at the mouth of Isfjorden. Below the cliffs one often sees arctic foxes and reindeer. Continue to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Russian Pomor station.
Leave Trygghamna early in the morning and sail to the north side of Bellsund. Bellsund is a fjord system with two major branches, Van Mijenfjord and Van Keulenfjord, and one smaller side bay, Recherchefjord. The geology is fascinating and has created amazing landscapes, such as the long, narrow island of Akseløya that blocks Van Mijenfjord almost completely. In Fridtjovhamna, the calving glacier Fridtjovbreen is surrounded by picturesque mountains.
The rich wildlife of the area has attracted hunters throughout several centuries - walk in their footsteps and see remains of their huts - for example, at Ahlstrandhalvøya. Recherchefjord is one of the places in Spitsbergen with the highest concentration of historical sites, dating back to 17th-century whalers and the mining period of the early 20th century. The glacier Recherchebreen ends at a lagoon, likely to be frozen in October, with many smaller icebergs. Polar bear are likely to be present anywhere in the Bellsund area, so keep a keen watch to find them. Also be on the lookout for beluga whales in this area.
Visit Barentsburg, the only inhabited Russian settlement in Spitsbergen. There is also a possibility of exploring the abandoned Russian coal mining settlement of Colesbukta.
Sail into the inner reaches of the Isfjorden system marveling at its spectacular scenery and geology. Many of the smaller fjord arms may still be locked in ice so you experience expedition cruising at its best.
Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Depart by scheduled flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.
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.
$3,150
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Twin Non Private
The ‘Noorderlicht’ provides accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins.
All cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin with hot and cold water. Shared shower (4) and toilet (5) facilities are conveniently located.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Noorderlicht - 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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
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Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
