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West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Sea Spirit
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Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise to and from Longyearbyen aboard the Sea Spirit. The adventure starts in Longyearbyen, the lively administrative center of Svalbard. After exploring the stunning views of Longyearbyen, board the ship and sail through Isfjorden. During the following days, explore the striking fjords, coasts, and islands of western Spitsbergen. Encounter polar bears, walruses, and other iconic Arctic animals while navigating national parks and remote wilderness areas. Witness breathtaking landscapes and bird colonies, and visit Ny Ålesund, a historical mining town turned research base. The expedition ends in Longyearbyen, where you say goodbye to new friends and unforgettable memories.
A polar bear walks across the arctic landscape.Admire the colorful houses of LongyearbyenSpitsbergen excursionWalruses huddling together in Svalbard.Take a zodiac tour to see polar bears.
Highlights
  • Discover the vibrant culture of Longyearbyen
  • Explore Forlandet National Park, home to herds of walrus
  • Visit South Spitsbergen National Park, known for its picture-perfect fjords and glaciers
  • Encounter polar bears and diverse Arctic wildlife
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: Longyearbyen (Hotel Night)

Upon arriving at Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard, the staff will greet you at the airport. Then, transfer to a quality hotel that has been arranged by the team and is included in the price of the itinerary. The town center is charming and walkable, making it easy to explore.

It would help if you began your discovery of this fascinating Norwegian High Arctic territory at the Svalbard Museum, where you can also purchase hard-to-find polar books and maps. Afterward, you can enjoy an excellent dinner at one of Longyearbyen's many delightful restaurants. If you awake at midnight, notice the sun has not set. The sun will not set for the entire duration of your stay in Svalbard.

Day 2: Longyearbyen | Embark

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free to explore Longyearbyen and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding icy fjords and glaciated mountains. You can shop for souvenirs or pick up last-minute necessities like cold-weather gear. Receive a parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, several quick and easy meal options are available in Longyearbyen, including the most northerly pizzas and kebabs in the world.

In the afternoon, transfer to the pier to board the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. During the coming adventure, you have ample time to settle into their spacious suite and explore the ship, your comfortable home. Once the ship is underway, a full schedule of events will begin with informative briefings and introductions from the expedition staff. After enjoying one of many delicious dinners on board, you can step out onto the open decks to admire the gorgeous scenery in 24-hour daylight as the ship passes through the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden.

Day 3-9: West Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge

The itinerary for this voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands of western Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. This area contains Svalbard’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Your exact schedule and route will be shaped by the weather and ice conditions you encounter. Polar bears and other iconic Arctic animals can be spotted at any time, anywhere in your area of exploration.

One of the pristine natural areas on this itinerary is South Spitsbergen National Park, a vast region of varied landscapes, including polar deserts and impassible mountain ranges. The centerpiece of this park is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where countless mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. At this time of year, you are sure to encounter fast ice—sea ice fastened to the shore. This situation offers an excellent chance to observe polar bears hunting for ringed seals. The park also includes the southern shores of Bellsund, a picturesque bay where you find the remains of historical whaling operations, including wooden boats, cabins, and thousands of whale bones—a scene from the distant past, literally frozen in time. This area also offers excellent hiking opportunities through landscapes rich with Arctic flora, birdlife, and fascinating geology.

Also on your route is Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders. Here, you can find deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain peaks and immense tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise waters. The whole area is alive with migratory Arctic seabirds. On this voyage, you are just in time to witness the return of millions of murres, guillemots, and little auks to the small islands, mountainsides, and sea cliffs where they breed within the park. This is also a great area to encounter marine mammals, including various kinds of whales and Arctic seals. Set among this incredible scenery and wildlife activity, you can also find evidence of Svalbard’s earliest sealers and whalers.

Your area of exploration also includes the gorgeous Forlandet National Park. Here, you can find Prins Karls Forland, one of the best places in Svalbard, where you can observe herds of walrus hauled out on land. Also along the route is North Isforden National Park, where you can observe endemic Svalbard reindeer grazing and Arctic fox romping in lush tundra meadows.

Human habitation along your route can be found at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements, where you can find a museum, gift shop, and post office.

In addition to exploring the terrestrial environment and inshore waterways of western Spitsbergen, you make a special effort to reach the edge of the polar pack ice. You can witness the dramatic interplay between polar bears and seals at this dynamic boundary between solid sea ice and open ocean. Take the ship as close as safely possible to the jumbled and constantly shifting ice floes, hoping to observe polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat. At this time of year, the ice edge is close to mainland Spitsbergen, and your sailing time in open seas will be relatively short.

The West Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge route offers a stunning variety of Arctic landscapes and animals with minimal sailing time between excursions. Every day offers something new and exciting. Take advantage of every opportunity to encounter unique Arctic wildlife, witness incredible polar scenery, and walk in the footsteps of historic expeditions that came before.

Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, bid farewell in Longyearbyen. Transfers are provided to the airport or the town center if you plan to stay longer in Svalbard. By now, you may have already planned your next amazing trip with the team into the polar world!

Ship/Hotel

Sea Spirit

Travelers board a Zodiac to get a closer look at the terrain and wildlife
Sea Spirit
Outdoor Bistro at the Jacuzzi area of the Sea Spirit

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Holiday Deals 26264
Book by December 9, 2024, and take advantage of up to 40% off on select Arctic and Antarctic 2025 cruises. Valid for new bookings only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Jun 7, 2025 departure

Per person starting at
$7,495 2-3 travelers
Sea Spirit
Triple Classic
Averaging 226 sq ft. Two twin beds (convert to a King) and a sofa bed, picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
Main Deck Suite
Averaging 248 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, minimum two portholes, and en suite facilities.
Single Suite
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a king-size bed.
Sea Spirit
Classic Suite
Averaging 226 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, picture window, two wardrobes, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
Superior Suite
Averaging 215 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, picture window overlooking outside walkway, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
Deluxe Suite
Averaging 258 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, private balcony, walk-in closet or wardrobe, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
Premium Suite
Averaging 323 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, private balcony, lounge area, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
Owner's Suite
Averaging 463 sq ft. King size bed and sofa bed, separate living room with game and meeting area, private deck, and en suite facilities with jetted bathtub.

Notes

Solo Travelers:
All rates posted are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement: 1.7 for Main Deck and Classic, Superior Suite; twice the posted price for Deluxe, Premium and Owner's Suite.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
  • All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather conditions)
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
  • Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
  • Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka
  • Group transfer upon disembarkation
  • 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in a hotel in Longyearbyen
  • Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
  • The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise;
  • Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
  • Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges

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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

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