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Back of a large bowhead whale on the surface of the Arctic Sea

North Spitsbergen - In Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale

Roundtrip Longyearbyen - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MV Plancius
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Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the MV Plancius. Begin in Longyearbyen, where you can explore its historic mining town, including the Svalbard Museum and parish church. Once aboard, sail through Isfjorden with a chance to spot minke whales as you head toward the rugged north coast. Highlights of the journey include exploring Raudfjord, surrounded by glaciers, where seabird colonies and seals thrive, and polar bears may roam the shore. At Ytre Norskoya, visit historic whaling sites and spot puffins nesting on cliffs. Sail into Liefdefjorden to view the breathtaking 5-kilometer Monaco Glacier, a prime feeding ground for kittiwakes and a hunting spot for polar bears. If conditions allow, the pack ice north of Raudfjord offers a thrilling chance to encounter polar bears, harp seals, and elusive bowhead whales amidst seabird flocks. On the way back south, land at Forlandsundet to see walrus haul-outs or venture into St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet, where seabird cliffs, grazing reindeer, and Arctic foxes await. Your adventure concludes in Longyearbyen, with airport transfers provided.
Polar bears in the ArcticWalruses huddled together on the iceHiking in SpitsbergenGlass-still waters around SpitsbergenVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northSpitzbergen, Svalbard und Jan MayenArctic Polar Bear Bowhead WhaleBack of a large bowhead whale on the surface of the Arctic Sea
Highlights
  • Explore Longyearbyen’s history and uncover Svalbard’s fascinating Arctic heritage
  • Wander Raudfjord’s glaciers, watching for polar bears and seals
  • Encounter Ytre Norskoya’s puffins, nesting on this historical island
  • Spot Isfjorden’s whales as you depart Svalbard’s stunning coastline
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

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. Take time to explore this historic mining town, with notable sites like the parish church and the Svalbard Museum offering rich insights into Arctic life. Despite its rugged landscape, over a hundred plant species thrive here. By early evening, as your ship departs Isfjorden, watch for your first minke whale sighting of the journey.

Day 2-7: North Spitsbergen

This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Your landings are subject to change due to sea ice, weather conditions, and wildlife sightings. The expedition leader determines the final plan. Places you might visit include:

Raudfjord

On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline at Hamiltonbukta support thriving seabird colonies with Brunnich's guillemots, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. You try to land at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvoya.

Ytre Norskoya

This small island was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers, and you can still follow their tracks to the summit of the island. The remains of 17th-century blubber ovens can also be seen near about 200 graves. The island's north side offers the rare opportunity to see puffins near their breeding places, and there is even a small colony of kittiwakes.

Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather and sea ice, you could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a famous polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent you from sailing here early in the season, the team can implement an alternate route along Spitsbergen's west coast.

Northwest of Raudfjord

You aim to sail into the pack ice outside the territorial waters of Svalbard, watching for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. As you sail from 80 N to 76 N along and in the outer fringes of the ice edge, you can also look for harp seals, hooded seals, polar bears, and migrating seabirds like little auks, Brunnich's guillemots, and kittiwakes. On previous voyages in this area, they have sometimes seen up to a hundred bowhead whales. You also have the chance to see northern bottlenose whales and the first fin whales of the season. The pack ice sailing will highlight this voyage and may take up to three days.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet at Poolepynten. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.

Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The vessel will arrive back in Longyearbyen in the early morning. Bus transportation to the airport will be provided.

Ship/Hotel

MV Plancius

MV Plancius
Dining room
Plancius, Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,900 2-3 travelers
Quadruple Porthole
Quadruple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Quadruple Porthole
Triple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin porthole cabin
Twin with Porthole
9 twin private cabins with porthole. Two Lower berths. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin with window
Twin with Window
26 twin private cabins with window. Two Lower berths (ca. 15 m2)
Twin Deluxe
Twin Deluxe
2 twin private deluxe cabins. Lower berths - two single beds.(ca. 15 m2)
Superior
Superior
10 twin superior cabins. Lower berth - double bed. (ca. 21 m2)

Notes

- 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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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.

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