Polar Bear Express - Into the Ice: Ocean Albatros

Svalbard

Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this 'express' adventure cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. Experience summer in the Arctic and sail as close as possible to the pack ice, the polar bears favourite summer residence. How far north we reach and the exact route will depend on ice conditions. We visit several amazing locations along the west coast of Svalbard, kept navigable by the Gulf Stream

  • Sail aboard one of the world’s only ice-class expedition ships built to meet the North Pole pack ice.
  • Former Whaling Station At Smeerensburg And Ytre Norskøya
  • Amazing Birdlife At Alkefjellet, Polar Desert Landscape At Torrelnesset
  • Liefde Fjord With Monaco Glacier And Texas Bar
  • Ny Ålesund And Ny London

Embark on an incredible journey as you traverse through icy waters and landscapes in six short days. Get ready to explore and discover the unique ecology of this mountain-clad and glaciated island - and get close to a vast array of majestic Arctic creatures. Spot the charismatic walrus, their long tusks and whiskers, and the ever-resilient Arctic birds. The crowning glory, of course, will be sightings of the beloved polar bear.

Treat yourself to a grand experience on this Ocean Albatros Arctic adventure cruise - onboard one of the few ships that are built to traverse through pack ice and polar seas. Get ready to share waters with whales, walruses, polar bears, and an abundance of birds while also witnessing the astonishing beauty of Svalbard at the peak of summer. With our fleet of zodiacs, you can explore the majestic glacial landscapes, get closer to the wildlife, and embark on fascinating landings on the shore.

30% off!

Stewart's Take

Unforgettable experiences await you in Svalbard on this state-of-the-art vessel.

Overview

Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this 'express' adventure cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. Experience summer in the Arctic and sail as close as possible to the pack ice, the polar bears favourite summer residence. How far north we reach and the exact route will depend on ice conditions. We visit several amazing locations along the west coast of Svalbard, kept navigable by the Gulf Stream.
DAY 1 LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN. EMBARKATION Arrival at Longyearbyen, capital of Svalbard – possibly the northernmost ‘real’ town in the world. After our initial onboarding and a celebratory toast from our Expedition Leader, you will be provided with all essential information regarding the voyage, the daily routine of the ship, and important safety protocols. We are all then required to partake in a safety drill, before our captain steers us away from Advent Fjord, and into the unknowns of our Arctic adventure. DAY 2 FORMER WHALING STATION AT SMEERENBURG AND YTRE NORSKØYA On entering North West Svalbard, declared a national park in 1973, we begin the day with a cruise through Danskergattet, in search of seals at Virgohamna. Then, we travel from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya, to visit Smeerenburg, the famous 17th century whaling settlement. It is said that during the peak of blubber production, over two-hundred men were living (and unfortunately dying) there. This northwestern area of Spitsbergen contains many points of interest that we can visit, should the weather be accommodating - among them, Ytre Norskøya, a lookout post used by whalers in the past. DAY 3 AMAZING BIRDLIFE AT ALKEFJELLET, POLAR DESERT LANDSCAPE AT TORRELNESSET In the morning, we glide by the iconic Alkefjellet with fingers crossed for clear skies to observe the vertiginous cliffs. Swarmed by an enormous population of Brünichs guillemots, almost every surface is cloaked with the avian species. In the summer, their frenzied courting is an awe-inspiring sight, both on the cliff face and in the waters below. The polar desert of Torrelnesset also holds numerous walruses lounging on its shoreline, as they feed on the clams and molluscs found in the shallow waters of Svalbard. DAY 4 LIEFDE FJORD WITH MONACO GLACIER AND TEXAS BAR During the night, we will venture to the Wood Fjord and its side arm, the Liefde Fjord. Our mission is to travel slowly alongside the sweeping glacier face of Monacobreen, giving us a rare perspective of the tremendous force of glacial activity and its varying iceberg creations. This glacier was dubbed after Albert I of Monaco, who heavily backed Svalbard's research pursuits. This expanse was heavily traveled by trappers in the past, some even living here over winter and constructing cabins. A particularly renowned cabin, referred to as Texas Bar, is thought to be named after the US state of Texas and erected in 1927. Our plan is to take a tour around this area and enjoy the amazing scenery. DAY 5 NY ÅLESUND AND NY LONDON We enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord, renowned for its former mining settlement and captivating beauty. Our first destination is Ny Ålesund - a scientific research centre situated even further north than Longyearbyen, though it can be argued whether this constitutes an actual town. Our Captain will do their best to bring the boat close to the shore, allowing us to explore the area on foot. Our next destination is the abandoned marble mining settlement of Ny London. It experienced a brief but eventful existence, beginning in a flurry of mining activity reminiscent of the Klondike Gold Rush before being crippled by wars and financial losses just nine years later. We can still see the remains of workshops, locomotives, and cranes that tell the story of the ambitious yet failed enterprise. Finally, we will return southbound to the entrance of the Isfjord and onwards to Longyearbyen, hopefully with one last glimpse of the amazing wildlife and unparalleled landscapes of Svalbard. DAY 6 LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN. DISEMBARKATION By the morning, our vessel will arrive back at the place where it started, Longyearbyen. After a goodbye to the team and crew and after breakfast, people will begin disembarking the boat. Travel to the airport is provided.

Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.

M/V OCEAN ALBATROS

Ocean Victory

The brand-new luxury infinity vessel Ocean Albatros is one of the most modern small ship vessels in the world. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited to small-ship expeditions, with a total of 93 comfortable cabins for guests, all with a view of the ocean, 90% with a balcony, even a suite with a French balcony! Ocean Albatros is deployed and dedicated to varied Arctic polar voyages. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-BOW® – Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification, which facilitates a safe return to port. The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • 6-day/5-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double room with a private bathroom in the category chosen
  • Fights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
  • Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
  • English-speaking expedition staff
  • Guided walks with the expedition team
  • Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
  • Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Full board on the ship
  • Dinner drink package
  • Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Excluded
  • Hotel accommodation in Oslo
  • Travel insurance
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement
  • Meals not on board the ship.
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea).
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day).
  • Personal expenses.
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received from time of booking to 91 days prior to departure 20 % of the total cruise tariff. From 90 days until departure: 100% of the total cruise tariff. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Albatros Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
Booking Request
Back To Top

Expeditions Online Newsletter

Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!

Subscribe

* indicates required