Discover the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard on this 11-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson. This expedition takes advantage of the 24-hour daylight to maximize opportunities for spotting the region's apex predator: the polar bear. Navigate deep into rugged fjords and push through the pack ice to observe Atlantic walruses and bearded seals hauling out on the floes. Scan the waters for pods of white beluga whales and gaze up at sheer cliffs teeming with thousands of nesting guillemots. On shore excursions, hike across the tundra where summer wildflowers bloom against a backdrop of massive glaciers. Keep a lookout for the elusive Arctic fox scavenging near bird colonies and the endemic Svalbard reindeer. This voyage offers a complete immersion into the raw nature of the polar frontier.
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.
Upon arrival in Oslo, meet a representative for a transfer to the group hotel. Once at the hotel, visit the hospitality desk to collect cabin luggage tags and consult the ground operations team regarding pre-embarkation details. They can also provide recommendations on dining, withdrawing cash, or purchasing last-minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with all meals at personal expense.
This morning, ensure cabin luggage bears tags clearly labeled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen. Keep all valuables and personal items on your person throughout the day. Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. Afterward, transfer directly to the pier for embarkation in the late afternoon. Settle into the cabin before attending mandatory safety briefings, then enjoy the thrill of departure as the ship sets sail.
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 back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your charter flight back to Oslo.
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.
$19,1952-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Single
Cabin size: 9.85m2 (106ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
Deck 3 Cabin size: 15.18m2 (163.4ft2)
Deck 7 Cabin size: 10.97m2 (118.1ft2 )
There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Decks 3 & 7.
Aurora Stateroom Triple
Cabin size: 22.57m2 (242.9ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, both with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
The Douglas Mawson features two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring windows, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Cabin size: 13.97m2 - 16.17m2 (150.4ft2 - 174.1ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Cabin & balcony combined size: 27.77m2 - 36.27m2 (298.9ft2 - 390.4ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Junior Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: Up to 41.47m2 - 41.87m2 (446.4ft2 - 450.7ft2)
The four 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
Cabin & balcony combined size: 45.22m2 (486.7ft2)
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite 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
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
Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites
Excluded
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.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
