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It's a beautiful day in the Arctic

Around Spitsbergen incl. Nordaustlandet

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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Embark on a 10-day cruise from Longyearbyen aboard the Ortelius. This journey through the Svalbard archipelago offers unforgettable experiences. Begin in Longyearbyen, exploring its charming parish church and the Svalbard Museum. Sail along the western coast to Krossfjorden, which has stunning glacier views, and visit Ny Alesund, the world’s northernmost settlement. Marvel at the towering Monaco Glacier, a prime spot for polar bear sightings. Reach the remote Seven Islands, just 870 km from the North Pole, before navigating Hinlopen Strait, home to diverse Arctic wildlife. The pointed peaks of Hornsund, the rich biodiversity of Bell Sund, and the haunting history of whaling complete this remarkable voyage.
Walruses huddled together on the iceA zodiac landing on remote shoresColorful flora of SpitsbergenPolar bear relaxing on an iceberg.Zodiacs will take you close to the wildlifeAn Arctic fox gazes across the landscapeIt's a beautiful day in the Arctic
Highlights
  • Discover Longyearbyen's fascinating history and unique Arctic cultural heritage
  • Visit Ny Alesund’s remote research base, rich with Arctic wildlife
  • Spot wildlife in Storfjorden’s diverse landscapes, including reindeer and walruses
  • Explore Bell Sund’s rich history, including haunting whaling remains
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 | Embark

You arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Explore this intriguing former mining town, where highlights include the charming parish church and the fascinating Svalbard Museum. Despite the rugged landscape, over a hundred plant species thrive here. In the early evening, your ship sets sail through Isfjorden, offering the chance to catch sight of your first minke whale of the journey.

Day 2-9: Clockwise circumnavigation of West Spitsbergen

Krossfjorden and Ny Alesund

Heading north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden with great views of glacier fronts. In the afternoon, you sail to Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Alesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a famous polar bear hunting ground. Another possibility is the mouth of Wijdefjorden, which has both sides of the tundra landscape and the glacier front of Nordbreen. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Sorgfjord, a reminder of hard times

You may turn to Sorgfjord, with sunken French and Dutch ships (end of the 17th century) deep under the surface. You can find a herd of walruses west of the graves of 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans. The opposite side of the fjord at Heclahamna is also a beautiful area for an excursion in a semi-desert area.

Stop at the Seven Islands

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, at Chermsideoya and Phippsoya in the Seven Islands. You reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears and walruses inhabit this region. The ship sails eastward among the pack ice and through the area where the Italian captain Sora tried to rescue the Nobile Expedition in 1928.

The largest ice cap in Europe

You sail by the east side of Austfonna on Nordaustlandet and stop by Isisoya (formerly a Nunatak surrounded by glaciers but now an island in the sea) for a circumnavigation by Zodiac cruise. You then may pass Kapp Mohn, part of the largest ice cap in Europe and famed for its meltwater waterfalls. From there, you head for the never-visited waters of Kong Karls Land, where you sail at a distance of more than half a kilometer from the shores. It is a famous denning area for polar bears.

Storfjordens many bounties

Opt to sail against stream through Heleysundet between West Spitsbergen and Barentsoya when you arrive in a scenery of nearby glaciers like Negribreen. Later in the day, you may land at the mouth of the valley Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeoya, near a canyon with a large Kittiwake colony, is also an option. Other landings, like at Kvalhovden near mighty glacier fronts, are also possible.

Land of the Pointed Mountains

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area, and there are opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. You may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where you have great opportunities for a long walk.

Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Today, you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here, there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvoya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore the tundra, where reindeer like to feed, and rock slopes, where little auks breed near Vaarsolbukta.

Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

m/v Ortelius at Orne Island
m/v Ortelius Reception
m/v Ortelius Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,900 2-3 travelers
M/V Ortelius Quadruple Porthole
Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Triple Porthole
Triple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe
Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Superior Cabin
Superior
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.

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.
- 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 Ortelius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 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
  • 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. This applies to all trips scheduled for the 2024-25 Antarctic season and will continue across all future motor vessel trips in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights 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 with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
  • Transfers to/from the Vessel Outside Spitsbergen

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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