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Explore Alkhornet on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen Explorer

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Nova
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If there is such a thing as a "classic" Arctic expedition cruise, this would be it! Join the Ocean Nova on this 11-day voyage to get the best of Spitsbergen. Explore the western edge of the island and venture into some northern outlying areas, where polar bears and walruses make their homes. Come across colonies of seabirds and watch for whales. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the "wildlife capital of the Arctic."
Longyearbyen is one of the largest Arctic communitiesZodiacs give a new perspective on this rugged terrain and bring you closer to the wildlifeExplore historic buildings along your Arctic voyageBirds play on icebergs in the Arctic.Explore Alkhornet on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen
Highlights
  • Cruise stunning fjords, glaciers & outlying islands in search of wildlife
  • Learn and appreciate the island's history, geology, and unique culture
  • Grab a walking stick and explore tundra, rugged coastlines, and calm bays
  • Ramp up your expedition with optional kayaking and snowshoeing adventures
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen, Norway | Embark

Your Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board the Ocean Nova in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. As you embark, take in excellent views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.

Day 2-10: Exploring Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Sail around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition covers western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.

Each expedition presents new opportunities, so there is no fixed itinerary - however your ship's crew does have some favorite destinations: 14th of July Glacier, Smeereburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait.

The destinations visited on your voyage are selected for optimum wildlife viewing and for appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas and the towering cliffs of Alekfjellet providing many free bird egg meals for both them and the arctic fox. Torellneset and Phippsoya are great places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won't forget. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene, as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

If you're itching to get a little closer to the action, take a sea-kayak excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen. Smeerenburg is a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages), as you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago.

Day 11: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova library
Lecture lounge aboard the Ocean Nova
Dining room aboard the ship

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,495
Quad Cabin
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Quad
Averaging 157 sq ft. Equipped with 4 twin beds (two lower berths, two upper berths). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Triple Cabin
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Triple
Averaging 140 sq ft. Equipped with 3 twin beds (two lower berths, one upper berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Bridge Deck Twin Cabin
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Upper (Lower Berth) Deck Twin
Averaging 90 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds (one upper berth and one lower berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Upper Deck Twin Cabin
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Upper Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 115 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Upper (Lower Berth) Cabin
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Bridge Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 105 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Bridge Deck with private facilities and exterior views.

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 we match you with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate. 

Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 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
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
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
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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