Explore the High Arctic wilderness within the Arctic Circle on the 10-day Svalbard Discovery cruise on board a boutique expedition ship. Admire the striking scenery on a voyage around Norway’s outlying Svalbard archipelago where only a few intrepid adventurers and explorers have been before. These remote islands of Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya reveal their secrets as you come ashore to rugged landscapes bordered by tundra where wildflowers blossom under the midnight sun. Polar bears prowl the icy wilderness for hapless walrus, beluga whales swim along and expect to see black-legged kittiwakes swooping overhead as you cruise through icy fjords and past towering glaciers. The journey to and from the world’s most northerly town will leave you feeling on top of the world.
Highlights
Discover Longyearbyen's main street, the world's most northerly town
Sail past Spitsbergen’s most beautiful glacier, Monacobreen
Watch dozens of polar bears, walruses, whales, and arctic foxes
Explore Wijdefjorden, and observe wildflowers that thrive in tundras
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen and embark on SH Vega for your Polar adventure.
Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and with it comes the world’s most northerly high street and pub. On Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, Longyearbyen is home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum which chronicles early efforts to reach the pole by air. The nearby Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicates of seeds held in gene banks worldwide. The surrounding Arctic waters are populated by whales including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling.
Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard archipelago feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world. Known as the kingdom of the polar bears, hoping to spot some of its subjects as you explore some of the most varied polar landscapes in the Arctic. Down in Zodiac boats, you’ll get close to the gargantuan glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans that they feed. In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent fjords, the remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, the landscape is punctuated with large areas devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and exposed beaches. Alongside Svalbard’s 3,000 polar bears, this Arctic wildlife hotspot is also home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seal, the arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds.
Hinlopen Strait is a waterway that divides Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen, from its second-largest island, Nordaustlandet. Whilst often congested with ice, this is a scenic place with interesting history and rich wildlife, including polar bears and several species of ducks and geese. The name is probably derived from the director of a Dutch whaling company in the 17th century. Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait, in the heart of the Arctic Ocean promises an unforgettable experience and offers offers breathtaking panoramas.
Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard archipelago feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world. Known as the kingdom of the polar bears, hoping to spot some of its subjects as you explore some of the most varied polar landscapes in the Arctic. Down in Zodiac boats, you’ll get close to the gargantuan glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans that they feed. In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent fjords, the remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, the landscape is punctuated with large areas devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and exposed beaches. Alongside Svalbard’s 3,000 polar bears, this Arctic wildlife hotspot is also home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seal, the arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds.
Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and with it comes the world’s most northerly high street and pub. On Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, Longyearbyen is home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum which chronicles early efforts to reach the pole by air. The nearby Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicates of seeds held in gene banks worldwide. The surrounding Arctic waters are populated by whales including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling.
Fly from Longyearbyen to Oslo and check-in at Clarion Hotel & Congress Oslo Airport or similar.
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.
$11,138
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Notes
At Swan Hellenic, we want to ensure your experience with us is an effortless experience, leaving you to make the most from your expedition, which is why we have included the following within your cruise fare:
One Night pre-cruise accommodations with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or Onboard
All transfers between Airport, Hotel and Ship
Room service 24 hours a day
Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 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
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.