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Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest (Ocean Albatros)

10 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

BXMU

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 175

Physical Rating

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac, plane

Accommodation

Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

From 0 (10 days)

Trip Informations

Set out aboard an expedition ship for a true Arctic adventure in a land of magnificent extremes. Gape at the mountainous fjords of Svalbard's south and marvel at wildlife in the northwest that thrives despite harsh conditions. Explore the polar deserts of Hinlopen Strait and, conditions permitting, the edge of the north polar pack ice. Venture by land and sea into one of the largest protected areas in the Arctic to reach remote beaches, glacier fronts and historic sites. Keep watch for reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, whales and polar bears and hundreds of species of seabird. Aboard a ship that can easily navigate areas of Svalbard others can't, and with a fleet of Zodiacs at the ready, exploration is guaranteed – although your exact route will be shaped by the whims of Mother Nature!

Why you’ll love this trip

Explore Svalbard on an in-depth expedition through the archipelago – see the fjords of the northwest, see one of the world's largest seabird colonies in Hinlopen Strait, then move on to the greener landscapes of the south.

Visit Ny-Alesund, one of the world’s northernmost settlements, and learn about its role in polar exploration and international scientific research.

Search for Svalbard’s charismatic wildlife like bulky walruses, leggy reindeers, sly Arctic foxes, beluga whales and polar bears.

Venture into the Arctic pack ice north of Svalbard – next stop, Alaska, across the top of the world!

Experience Svalbard from multiple perspectives, heading ashore on into the tundra and on remote beaches and cruising by Zodiac to glacier fronts and into wildlife-rich fjords.

Is this trip right for you?

The Ocean Albatros is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Arctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas. We have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.

Temperatures in the Arctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll loan you waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm, plus we’ll provide you with a waterproof jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for a packing list.

Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the areas and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Elevators may be closed in rough seas, requiring the use of stairs for meals, presentations and activities.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in an area as remote as the Arctic. The experienced expedition team and captain will always have alternative landing sites planned if the first option is no longer available due to weather.

We may be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the spa and gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Itinerary

See the wilds of Svalbard from every angle

DAY 1
Day 1 • Oslo, Norway - Embarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Hallo! Welcome to Norway. Your journey begins at the airport in Oslo, Norway. From here, you’ll fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard – the northernmost town on Earth – where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the port, where your expedition ship, Ocean Albatros, awaits you. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Breathe in that crisp polar air, take in the dramatic mountain views and heed the polar bear warning sign – a strong reminder that you're in a truly wild place. This evening, toast your departure from civilisation as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Special information
This trip includes a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. When you arrive in Longyearbyen, a shuttle service will take you to the port and the ship. Embarkation takes place between 2 pm and 4 pm. Your luggage will be transported directly to the ship, so you won’t need to carry it with you.
If our flight arrives well before embarkation time, we will provide a transfer from the airport to Longyearbyen city centre, where you’ll have free time to explore on your own.
Your final travel documents, sent approximately four weeks before departure, will include the most accurate schedule and detailed instructions.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard
During the Arctic 'night,' sail past Prins Karls Forland and into Kongsfjord, where glaciers tumble down to the sea beneath the distinctive Three Crowns mountains. Your final stop is Ny-Alesund – a remote research settlement with a long connection to Arctic exploration, including as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. Explore one of Earth's northernmost settlements, which still contributes to vital research in these glaciated surroundings.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 3
Day 3 • Northwest Svalbard
Explore Northwest Spitsbergen National Park today – a protected corner of Svalbard that preserves a long history of Arctic exploration and whaling. First recorded by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596, the region later became an important base for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens, and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Nature has reclaimed much of that history and created a haven for flora and fauna, with Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears reclaiming the coastal landscape.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 4
Day 4 • Arctic Sea Ice, North Svalbard
Head into the Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard today – a vast, ever-changing wilderness that shifts seasonally and stretches beyond the North Pole to Alaska and Siberia. Though the landscape may look stark, these icy waters support diverse wildlife like fish, seabirds, seals, belugas and bowhead whales and is a preferred hunting ground of polar bears. Navigate through ice channels to explore this remote environment, then continue towards the Hinlopen Strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 5
Day 5 • Northeast Svalbard
Watch out for wildlife on land and in the skies today as you move from the Arctic ice into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, including guillemots and fulmars, predatory skuas and gulls. Keep your binoculars trained on the polar deserts and iceberg-studded waters, where you might glimpse a walrus resting on the beach, pods of belugas frolicking in the water and baleen whales feeding offshore.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 6
Day 6 • East Svalbard
Today, you'll explore eastern Svalbard, where cold polar waters keep the seas icy even beneath the midnight sun. On Edgeoya, traces of historic walrus and beluga hunting stand in contrast to today's strict wildlife protections and the extensive nature reserves. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you may visit the distinctive geological formations and walrus colonies of Andreetangen and Kapp Lee, or the vast seabird colonies at Sundneset. Later, sail back towards Spitsbergen via Sorkapp.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 7
Day 7-8 • South Svalbard
Spend the day exploring the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund. These fertile valleys are abundant with reindeer and Arctic foxes. Watch seabirds nesting and icebergs drifting from glaciers. Have your binoculars ready for birdwatching at the towering Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs, where tens of thousands of birds nest on every ledge and crevice on the cliff faces. See (and hear) guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic skuas. You’ll also visit the historic mining settlement of Calypsobyen and the ruins of a hunter's cabin at Bamsebu.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 8
Day 9 • West/Central Spitzbergen
Sail through the night to Forlandssundet, the strait between Prins Karls Forland and Spitsbergen. Today, you may stop at Poolepynten (Poole Point) – a small headland named after British whaler Jonas Poole. Today, the area is better known for its walrus haul-outs – you may be able to see (and smell!) them from a distance as they flaunt their tusks and whiskers on the beach. While you're here, explore remote beaches and tundra plains, all in view of rugged mountain scenery, then head south into Isfjorden. Along the way, maybe get some last glimpses of Arctic wildlife and capture a few more photos of the wide Arctic views as you return to civilization.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 9
Day 10 • Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard fly to Oslo, Norway
Arrive back in Longyearbyen this morning, which may seem like a booming metropolis after days spent exploring the Arctic's remote wilderness. You'll have some time to take a look around before saying goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travellers. Then transfer to Svalbard Airport for your flight back to mainland Norway. Your trip will finish at Oslo Airport upon your arrival.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Disembarkation will begin right after breakfast and is expected to be completed by 8:30 am. Transfer from the ship to Longyearbyen Airport for your included flight to Oslo. If our flight is scheduled to depart later in the day, we will provide a transfer from the port and ship to Longyearbyen city centre, where you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Your luggage will be taken directly to Longyearbyen Airport, so you won’t need to carry it with you during your time in town.
Your final travel documents, sent approximately four weeks before departure, will include the accurate schedule and detailed instructions.
We recommend booking your onward flight from Oslo for the day after your return flight from Longyearbyen as a safeguard in case of travel delays. The schedule for your included flight is usually available 8 months prior to departure. You will fly unaccompanied on this included flight.

Inclusions

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac, plane

Accommodation

Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

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Important notes

This voyage is onboard the Ocean Albatros ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS

This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Polar Latitudes. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the voyage cost per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 120 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Polar Latitudes.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your sales agent can assist with availability and pricing.

• Discover Kayaking - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.

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