Small Ship

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen

Svalbard, Arctic
Jul 9 - Jul 23 2026
14 Nights
138 Guests

Starting from per person

£12,926

Select cruise date

Embark on a 14-day adventure through the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, offering the most comprehensive exploration of Spitsbergen. This journey provides the opportunity to encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, including walruses, reindeer, and polar bears, and to delve into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites. You'll also have the rare chance to enjoy stunning views at birdwatching havens like the 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. If conditions permit, we will attempt a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, a true rite of passage for Arctic enthusiasts.

This expedition promises unforgettable wildlife-viewing experiences, capturing the walrus with its impressive tusks and whiskers, the diverse majesty of Arctic birds, small herds of reindeer traversing the tundra, and the iconic polar bear patrolling the pack ice. Shore excursions by Zodiac will take you to places rarely seen by human eyes. This voyage is the ultimate Arctic adventure you’ve been dreaming of.

Cruise Highlights

Cruise Highlights

  • Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and reindeer.
  • Observe a variety of Arctic bird species, such as puffins, Arctic terns, and purple sandpipers.
  • Explore the tundra, landscapes and polar desert
  • Anticipate the possibility of a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.
  • Immerse yourself in the icy Arctic with optional kayaking adventures.

Itinerary

Itinerary

An immersive expedition cruise to discover the highlights of Svalbard

Helsinki cityscape
Day 1

Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Start your Arctic journey in Helsinki, a city celebrated for its remarkable architecture and fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences. Should you arrive ahead of schedule, take the opportunity to discover the array of museums, art galleries, and dining spots, unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, or stroll through the lively Design District. Your stay at an included hotel will ensure a restful night before the adventure.

View of plane wing
Day 2

Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark

This morning, we'll head to the airport and catch our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. As we embark on our ship and begin our voyage, take in the breathtaking first sights of the island's imposing, glacier-crowned mountains ascending dramatically from the icy waters.

Top places to visit in the Arctic - Hornsund mountain in Svalbard
Days 3-13

Exploring Spitsbergen

Anticipate a new adventure every day as we embark on our journey around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring its smaller, outlying islands. Our goal is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, and if conditions permit, we'll extend our route to include many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Each expedition is unique, adapting to the ever-changing weather and ice conditions. Possible destinations include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet, and the rarely visited Kvitøya.

Though the names may be unfamiliar, each site offers its own distinct charm. Spitsbergen is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with its colorful tundra meadows and colossal glaciers. Bird enthusiasts will find joy at 14th of July Bay, home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are crowded with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Always on the lookout for wildlife, keep your camera ready to capture reindeer at sites like Ny-London, Sundneset, and Alkhornet. The search for the iconic polar bear is a constant endeavor for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta, often home to sea ice, offer prime opportunities to observe these majestic predators in their natural hunting grounds.

Understanding Spitsbergen's history enhances the experience, offering insights into both modern life and early exploration. Whaling was a significant industry, and you'll encounter remnants of 16th-century outposts and other whaling artifacts at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.

Longyearbyen
Day 14

Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

The moment has arrived to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow travellers. Your journey concludes where it all started, in the charming, historic town of Longyearbyen. We'll provide transportation to the airport for your group's return charter flight to Helsinki, which is included in your transfer package.

Helsinki cityscape
Day 15

Onward flight home

After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.

Activities

Activities

Zodiac Cruising and Shore Landings

Zodiac Crusiing pas Iceberg

Zodiac inflatable boats are integral to every expedition and perfect for exploring the polar wilderness. Zodiacs are used to ferry you to the shore and mini explorations amidst icebergs, whales, and seabirds. Throughout your expedition, they enable you to reach secluded spots only accessible by these sturdy watercraft.

Driven by our expert team of knowledgeable polar guides, we will explore the Zodiac daily as part of your expedition.

Hiking

Guests hiking in Svalbard

Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking across the polar wilderness, led by our seasoned polar guides. Wander the vast tundra, marvel at the majestic glaciers, and come face-to-face with the land's inhabitants, including reindeer and Arctic foxes, in their natural habitat. It's an adventure that brings you into the heart of the Arctic's untamed beauty.

Polar Plunge

polar plunge activity on an expedition cruise

During each voyage, we carve out a special moment for the Polar Plunge, a thrilling dive into the icy waters, scheduled just once for those daring enough to leap. Our Expedition Leader and Captain are always on the lookout, assessing the weather and sea conditions to pick the perfect spot and moment for this exhilarating experience. Whether it's from the shore, off the gangway, or the edge of a Zodiac, participants, clad in tethered harnesses for safety, leap into the chilly embrace of the polar sea amid the cheers and encouragement of their fellow adventurers and the Expedition Team.

Safety is our top priority during the Polar Plunge. The onboard physician is always present to oversee the event, ensuring everyone's well-being. Additionally, our guides, suited in survival gear, patrol the waters in Zodiacs, ready to assist as guests make their splash into the frigid waters, whether it's a bold jump or an adventurous cannonball.

Sea Kayaking*

kayaking on Ultramarine

Experience the beauty of the polar regions from the intimacy of a sea kayak. The onboard Sea Kayak Program gathers adventurers with a shared passion to explore the stunning landscapes of fjords, glacial fronts, or intricate sea ice formations together.

This program welcomes both novices and experienced kayakers to discover the polar regions from a distinctive vantage point. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the goal is to get kayaking as frequently as possible. Sea kayaking adventures typically begin with a Zodiac boat transferring participants from the ship to an optimal launch site. After exploring the waters, kayakers are brought back to the ship via Zodiac. 

For safety, a Zodiac operated by a dedicated driver remains close at hand to provide help if needed. These kayak trips usually last from one and a half to three hours, blending adventure with unparalleled natural beauty.

*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.

Paddling*

Paddling Quark

Our Paddle Excursion Program offers guests the opportunity to explore unforgettable Arctic and Antarctic locations from a water-level perspective using stable, two-person, inflatable kayaks. These rugged and comfortable crafts provide an intimate way to experience the polar regions like never before. Onboard, you will receive comprehensive instruction and equipment, including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience, with each group accompanied by a safety driver in another kayak for added support.

Excursions typically last at least one hour and are available once per voyage. Each group consists of 10 paddlers, guided by one instructor and supported by a safety Zodiac driver. The timing and location of each Paddle Excursion are carefully selected based on wind, weather, and water conditions to optimize your adventure.

*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.

Your Ship

Your Ship

Ocean Explorer

Starting from per person

£12,926

Select cruise date

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Choose Your Cabin

Choose Your Cabin

Studio Double

Deck 3

175-186 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

Price per person
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Studio Single

Deck 3

177 sq. ft. 1

One double bed made up of two twin berths

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Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

Deck 4

168-195 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

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Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

Deck 4

203-272 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

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Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

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Deck 4

200-205 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

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Studio Veranda Stateroom

Deck 6

173 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

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Grand Veranda Stateroom

Deck 6

195-205 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

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Junior Suite

Deck 6

296-299 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

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Royal Veranda Stateroom

Deck 4

Deck 6

189-272 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

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Studio Veranda Single

Deck 7

238 sq. ft.

1 One twin single

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Explorer Suite

Deck 7

269 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

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Owners Suite

Deck 7

443 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

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Deck Plan

Ocean Explorer Deck Plan Deck 3

What's Included

Included

  • Pre and post expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
  • Charter flight to/from Helsinki/Longyearbyen
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • 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 (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • An official expeditions parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person

Optional Extras

  • International airfare
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Adventure Options listed as an additional cost

Important Information

  • This expedition involves travelling to lovely remote places with limited medical facilities. We ask you to be healthy and fit to participate. If you have a severe medical condition or have recently undergone surgery, please get in touch with us before making a reservation. Our Travel Experience Team will be happy to assist you with any questions.
  • Whilst our expeditions do not require exceptional fitness, you must be mobile enough to climb in and out of a Zodiac and undertake short walks.
  • Expedition programmes include zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks, and more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
  • Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, ice position, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may cancel or stop any activity or modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will consider the touristic quality of the sites and, above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
  • You must take out comprehensive travel insurance, which includes medical evacuation and cancellation at the time of booking. To learn more, please see our guide to Travel Insurance For Expedition Cruises.
  • You must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond completing your trip. Please check to see if you require a visa to enter the countries of embarkation and disembarkation. If you have any questions, our Travel Experience Team is always on hand to answer them.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our Travel Experience Team.

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