Spitsbergen and Polar Bears - an Arctic Adventure

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.

Option 1

Day 1 Longyearbyen Arrival and Day at Leisure

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.

Day 2 Longyearbyen Embarkation and Barentsburg Visit

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.

Day 3 Into the Arctic Wilderness

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.

Day 4 Fjords, Glaciers and Research

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.

Day 5 Cruising into Isfjorden

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.

Day 6 Longyearbyen Departure

Transfer to the airport and end of arrangements.

Option 2

Day 1 Longyearbyen Arrival and Day at Leisure

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.

Day 2 Longyearbyen Embarkation and Barentsburg Visit

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.

Day 3 Into the Arctic Wilderness

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.

Day 4 North West Spitsbergen National Park

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.

Day 5 Fjords, Glaciers and Research

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.

Day 6 Longyearbyen Departure

Disembark in Longyearbyen, transfer to the airport and end of arrangements.

2022 departures (Option 1):
15, 22, 29 May
05, 12, 19, 26 June
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 July
07, 14, 21, 28 August

2022 departures (Option 2):
18, 25 May
01, 08, 15, 22, 29 June
06, 13, 20, 27 July
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 August

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.