Spend time in the rugged capital Longyearbyen then sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen on this amazing exploration. Discover the extraordinary Arctic landscape, glaciers, fjords and scan for magnificent Arctic wildlife. If you are lucky, you might just see the King of the Arctic himself, the mighty polar bear.
Choose from two itineraries: Option 1 has two nights hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen and three nights on board. Option 2 has one night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen and four nights on board.
Transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your accommodation. Choose between staying in former coal miner's barracks, now comfortably renovated, located 2km from the town centre, or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, in the town centre. Time to explore this unique, frontier town - perhaps visit the North Pole Expedition Museum and the Svalbard Kirke. Overnight in Longyearbyen.
Morning guided sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen, including the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. This tour ends at the harbour, where you embark MS Nordstjernen. Sail south in Isfjorden to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Here you can explore Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up real Russian atmosphere in the local pub. 1st overnight on board.
Locally known as the North West Corner, this area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches, and has a long history of exploration. On the morning landing you may see polar bears, minke whales and bearded seals. 2nd overnight on board.
Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord in the Northwest coast of Spitsbergen and home to the majestic Kongsbreen glacier. Dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. It is now an advanced High Arctic research station. 3rd overnight on board.
Sail the Isfjorden, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, passing the nesting sites of thousands of guillemots. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, enjoy the day before a farewell dinner at the hotel. Disembark in Longyearbyen, remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Transfer to the airport and end of arrangements.
Transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your accommodation. Choose between staying in former coal miner's barracks, now comfortably renovated, located 2km from the town centre, or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, in the town centre. Time to explore this unique, frontier town - perhaps visit the North Pole Expedition Museum and the Svalbard Kirke. Overnight in Longyearbyen.
Morning guided sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen, including the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. This tour ends at the harbour, where you embark MS Nordstjernen. Sail south in Isfjorden to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Here you can explore Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up real Russian atmosphere in the local pub. 1st overnight on board.
Locally known as the North West Corner, this area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches, and has a long history of exploration. On the morning landing you may see polar bears, minke whales and bearded seals. 2nd overnight on board.
North West Spitsbergen National Park features beautiful terrain, as well as the fast-moving Monaco glacier and Jotunkjeldane thermal springs. We may spot a polar bear searching for bird eggs nearby. If conditions are favourable, sail past 80° North. 3rd overnight on board.
Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord in the Northwest coast of Spitsbergen and home to the majestic Kongsbreen glacier. Dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. It is now an advanced High Arctic research station. Evening farewell dinner and 4th overnight on board.
Disembark in Longyearbyen, transfer to the airport and end of arrangements.
Notes:
Maximum group size: 149 persons
This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine the final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the exact sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you may experience, and why every expedition is unique. All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions.
About the vessel, MS Nordstjernen
The ship was built in 1956, modernised in 2000, refurbished in 2014, retaining the brass and wooden classic interiors and original art. Accommodation is in basic, small interior or exterior cabins, all with upper and lower berths. Some cabins have a small bathroom with shower and toilet whilst other cabins have only a hand basin. There is a dining room and bar, a café, a panorama lounge, library, and deck space some of which is covered.
Prices vary according to your travel date and cabin choice
INCLUDES (Option 1): 3 night Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis; 2 hotel nights in Longyearbyen including breakfast (Day 1, Day 5), farewell dinner (Day 5); return Longyearbyen airport transfers (Day 1, Day 6); 3hr Longyearbyen Sightseeing including Museum and Camp Barentz, ending at the pier (Day 2); transfer pier to hotel in Longyearbyen (Day 5); voyage activity program including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team; English-speaking Expedition Team; use of trekking poles and thermal suits for optional and included activities.
INCLUDES (Option 2): 4 night Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis; 1 hotel night in Longyearbyen including breakfast (Day 1); return Longyearbyen airport transfers (Day 1, Day 6); 3hr Longyearbyen Sightseeing including Museum and Camp Barentz, ending at the pier (Day 2); voyage activity program including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team; English-speaking Expedition Team; use of trekking poles and thermal suits for optional and included activities.
EXCLUDES: luggage handling; beverages; optional activities.