Experience the remote Arctic wilderness on this 11-day Svalbard cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Search for polar bears on the ice, spot beluga whales in coastal waters, and observe seabird colonies including guillemots nesting on rugged cliffs. Walk across tundra dotted with seasonal wildflowers, and keep an eye out for reindeer and arctic fox. Visit former hunting and exploration camps that reflect the region’s history. Navigate through pack ice in search of walrus and bearded seals, and take in the stunning scenery of deep fjords, glacier fronts, and towering peaks. This expedition is designed for individuals seeking to discover Svalbard’s raw beauty and abundant wildlife while learning from an expert team dedicated to safety, education, and environmental responsibility.
Highlights
Explore Oslo’s cultural hub and prepare for your Arctic expedition
Experience Svalbard’s majestic fjords and ice-clad peaks
Spot walrus lounging along remote Arctic beaches
Hike Svalbard’s tundra rich with Arctic wildflowers
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.
After arriving in Oslo, be greeted by an Aurora Expeditions representative and transferred to the designated group hotel. Once there, please stop by the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and speak with the ground operations team. They can provide details about pre-embarkation procedures and offer local recommendations for dining, ATMs, pharmacies, or nearby shops for any last-minute essentials.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is clearly labeled with your name and cabin number using the provided tags. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen. Keep all valuables and personal items with you throughout the day. Upon arrival, take part in a guided tour of Longyearbyen to learn more about this remote Arctic town.
Following the tour, the team will transfer you directly to the pier for late afternoon embarkation. Once on board, settle into your cabin and attend mandatory safety briefings before you set sail—marking the exciting start of your voyage.
Note: The excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.
Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of your experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.
Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.
If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you can have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you can hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you can savor for years to come.
Day 11: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Oslo
1 Breakfast
During the early morning, cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.
Note: The arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated flight slot of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.
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.
$18,6952-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1
Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting)
Return charter flights between Oslo and 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
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
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.
