Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen

Arctic, Svalbard
11 Jun 2026 - 18 Jun 2026
7 Nights
132 Guests

Starting from per person

£8,921

Select cruise date

Centering our journey on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we navigate through dense pack ice in search of walruses and bearded seals. Our voyage takes us along stunning fjords framed by sharp, sky-piercing mountains. Vigilant eyes scan the icy landscape for majestic polar bears on the prowl, while guillemots nest safely on towering cliffs, out of reach from the predatory arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on tundra hikes, where you'll uncover historic campsites of intrepid explorers and seasoned hunters.

Cruise Highlights

Cruise Highlights

  • Journey near 80° north to search for polar bears on the pack ice.
  • Experience the excitement of spotting walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, guillemots, and puffins.
  • Sail alongside vibrant blue glaciers and through breathtaking fjords.
  • Embark on tundra hikes surrounded by stunningly beautiful landscapes.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Experience the best of Svalbard on this 8 day voyage.

Oslo Harbour
Day 1

Oslo

Upon arriving in Oslo, check in at our group hotel near the airport. Stop by the hospitality desk to pick up your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team. 

They will provide important information about pre-embarkation procedures and the charter flight to Longyearbyen scheduled for tomorrow. Ensure you label your luggage tags clearly with your name and ship cabin number.

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. 

Accommodation: The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

A photo of Longyearbyen in Svalbard with snow on houses during the winter
Day 2

Fly to Longyearbyen and embark

Make sure your luggage is properly tagged with your name and cabin number. Keep all valuables and personal items with you throughout the day. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin prior to your arrival on board.

During the journey to Camp Barentz in Advent Valley, your guide will share the captivating history of Longyearbyen. At Camp Barentz, gather in the traditional 'lavvo' for a presentation. Meet the friendly huskies and browse for souvenirs. Later, visit the Svalbard Museum in town before boarding the vessel in the late afternoon.

After boarding, take some time to get comfortable in your cabin before attending the mandatory safety briefings. This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your expedition team and crew members.

Panorama Showing the Magdalena fjord in Svalbard
Days 3 - 7

Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard represents the pinnacle of Arctic wilderness. Our seasoned Expedition Team, armed with extensive regional expertise, will meticulously design our daily itinerary based on weather, sea ice conditions, and wildlife sightings.

Encounter awe-inspiring fjords, grand mountain ranges, and a polar desert teeming with fossils, steeped in the lore of early explorers. Observe walruses lounging on sea ice or beaches, and wander through tundra blanketed with colorful wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs alive with nesting guillemots and puffins, and explore scree slopes home to Svalbard’s largest colonies of little auks. The adventure's pinnacle is the potential encounter with the majestic polar bear on the pack ice – a moment eagerly anticipated by both you and our dedicated Expedition Team.

For those who have chosen activities like kayaking, opportunities will present themselves as conditions allow. And for the brave souls considering the polar plunge, get ready for an exhilarating dip whenever conditions are favorable – an unforgettable experience to treasure for years.

Oslo Harbour
Day 8

Disembark Longyearbyen and fly to Oslo

In the morning, we sail back to Longyearbyen. Bid farewell to your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some leisure time before transferring to the airport for our charter flight back to Oslo.

Please note that our arrival time in Oslo depends on the approved flight slot for our charter flight to Longyearbyen, which is expected to be confirmed by February 2025.

Activities

Activities

Zodiac Cruising

travellers viewing a polar bear from a Zodiac boat in Svalbard

Join us on daily adventures with our fleet of Zodiacs, expertly piloted by polar guides who will take you to the heart of stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. Enjoy the excitement of shore landings on secluded beaches and cruises through icy waters to explore intriguing sites. Every day promises new adventures and unforgettable encounters with the wild while experiencing the comfort and thrill of our Zodiacs.

Kayaking

Kayaks and Activity Platform Greg Mortimer

Embark on a thrilling sea kayaking adventure that  takes you through breathtaking polar landscapes. All necessary equipment will be provided, so you don't have to worry about a thing. As you glide through the icy waters, you'll be surrounded by stunning vistas that are sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory. This is a seamless and exciting way to experience the wonders of the natural world.

*Please note that limited spots are available for this exclusive experience and there is an additional charge. Please enquire at time of reservation.

Your Ship

Your Ship

Greg Mortimer

Starting from per person

£8,921

Select cruise date

Why Reserve With Us?

Choose Your Cabin

Choose Your Cabin

Stateroom Triple Share
  • Deck: 3
  • Cabin size: 21.4m² - 22.8m² (230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² )
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Porthole window
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Desk area
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Price per person
Contact Us
Stateroom Twin Share
  • Deck: 3
  • Cabin size: 15.8m² - 22.8m² (170 ft² - 245.41 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Porthole window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Price per person
Contact Us
Balcony Stateroom Category C
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 20.9m² - 24.8m² (224.97 ft² - 266.95 ft²)
  • King bed & Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full-size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • Icon
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • Cabin Inclusion
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Price per person
Contact Us
Balcony Stateroom Category B
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 23.6m² - 24.8m² (254.03 ft² - 266.95 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full-size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • *Please note mini bar items are chargeable.
Price per person
Contact Us
Balcony Stateroom Category A
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 24.1m² - 28m² (259.41 ft² - 301.39 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full-size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • *Please note mini bar items are chargeable.
Price per person
Contact Us
Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 28.2m² - 40.2m² (303.54 ft² - 432.70 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite (wheelchair accessible)
  • Private balcony
  • Full-size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Price per person
Contact Us
Junior Suite
  • Deck: 7
  • Cabin size: 38.9m² (418.71 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full-size window
  • Separate lounge area
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar (stocked once only, not replenished)
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1 x bottle of champagne per suite
Price per person
Contact Us
Captain's Suite
  • Deck 4
  • Cabin size: 44.5m² (478.99 ft²)
  • King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Separate lounge area
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar (restocked as needed)
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1 x bottle of champagne per suite
Price per person
Contact Us
Why Reserve With Us?

Deck Plan

All Decks Greg Mortimer

What's Included

Included

  • Transfers as outlined in the itinerary
  • One night's hotel stay with breakfast in Oslo on Day 1
  • Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2
  • Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).
  • Transfer from pier to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 8.
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo on Day 8
  • One 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket included
  • Onboard accommodation throughout the voyage, with daily cabin service
  • Complimentary use of Muck Boots for the duration of the voyage
  • All meals, snacks, tea, and coffee provided during the voyage
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials provided
  • All port surcharges, permits, and landing fees included
  • Beer, house wine, and soft drinks served with dinner
  • Captain’s Farewell reception featuring a four-course dinner, house cocktails, beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises included
  • Educational lectures and guided services provided by the Expedition Team
  • Complimentary initial consultation with the onboard expedition doctor and access to the medical clinic

Optional Extras

  • International or domestic flights not specified in the itinerary
  • Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity, and vaccination fees and charges
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation costs
  • Hotels and meals not included in the itinerary
  • Optional excursions and activity surcharges
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks outside of dinner service, gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email, and phone charges
  • Note: A gratuity of $15 USD per person per day for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. You can adjust or remove this tip when settling your bill. Tipping the expedition team members is not necessary. For suite guests, this gratuity is included as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

Important Information

  • All expeditioners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. If you are unvaccinated, your participation on an expedition is subject to a medical review.
  • Onboard, you may be tested if you present with any COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact with a passenger who has tested positive for COVID-19, or upon request.
  • In the event that you test positive for COVID-19 onboard, you will be required to wear a mask for a period of 5 days. Close contacts will be closely monitored for 5 days and encouraged to wear a mask during this period.
  • We highly recommend that all passengers have an Influenza vaccine prior to travel.
  • All health and safety protocols are subject to change and may vary due to local regulations in the countries visited.

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

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