Magical Svalbard is amongst the most beautiful places in the Arctic

Svalbard Circumnavigation Kvitøya: Sea Spirit

Arctic

Participate in polar bear photo-safari cruise in continuous Arctic daylight. Discover seals and whales amongst the Arctic pack ice as we explore far above the Arctic Circle – only 600 miles from the North Pole. The mountains of Svalbard provide a continuous, spectacular backdrop and the expedition reaches all the way to seldom-visited, glacier capped White Island. All this in exclusive comfort on board the luxurious M/V Sea Spirit

  • Spectacular coasts, fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen
  • Reach the Polar pack ice of the North and Northeast coasts
  • Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus and seals
  • Huge concentrations of birdlife
  • The luxury expedition vessel Sea Spirit

Super Early Bird 2025

*Super Early Bird Prices 2025 Season (15% reduced for Triple, Main Deck, Single and Classic Suites; 20% for Superior, Deluxe, Premium, and Owner’s Suites) are now in place for all new bookings confirmed by June 30, 2024. Discounted prices as shown.

Stewart's Take

The ultimate peak-season Svalbard expedition cruise!

Overview

Participate in polar bear photo-safari cruise in continuous Arctic daylight. Discover seals and whales amongst the Arctic pack ice as we explore far above the Arctic Circle – only 600 miles from the North Pole. The mountains of Svalbard provide a continuous, spectacular backdrop and the expedition reaches all the way to seldom-visited, glacier capped White Island. All this in exclusive comfort on board the luxurious M/V Sea Spirit
Day 1: Arrival in Oslo (hotel night) Welcome to Oslo, which in 2019 was awarded the prestigious title “Green Capital of Europe”. We’ve arranged a comfortable stay for you at an Oslo Airport hotel so that you’re conveniently close for your flight to Longyearbyen on Day 2. If you’re adventurous and have the time, take the handy airport train into central Oslo – it’s a 20-minute ride and trains depart and arrive frequently during the day. Near Oslo Central Station are shops, cafes, the Botanical Garden, cultural attractions and the attractive waterfront area. Day 2: Welcome Aboard! Today you have a flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard our expedition vessel, the M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. Once underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the gorgeous scenery in endless evening light as we pass through the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden, one of the largest fjords in Svalbard. Day 3-5: Arctic adventures begin The goal of this voyage is a circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. We will make an attempt to go to the northeastern most part of the archipelago – the island of Kvitøya, famous for its polar bears. Along the way, we hope to experience the many facets of this incredible High Arctic territory. Much of the pristine nature of Spitsbergen is protected by a system of national parks, and the first one on our way will be the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, which is the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders. This area is well-known for its deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain ranges and immense tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise waters. The skies are filled with millions of murres, guillemots and little auks, whose eggs are just now hatching at countless breeding colonies located on small islands, mountainsides and sea cliffs within the park. This is also a great chance to encounter marine mammals, including beluga whales and various Arctic seals. This wildly beautiful area contains many enchanting locations like Signehamna Bay and Kongsbreen Glacier (“Kings Glacier”). Human habitation – rare along our route – can be found at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements where you can find a museum, gift shop and post office. Day 6: The Polar Ice Edge is straight ahead! The Svalbard Archipelago is located halfway between the top of Norway and the North Pole, which means the Polar Ice Edge can be found to the north of the islands! This corner of Svalbard is full of stunning scenery and wildlife as well as rich history from the age of exploration. Our plan is to navigate along the ice edge towards the island of Nordaustlandet and further to the east towards Kvitøya (White Island). However, remember, our route and research opportunities are heavily dependent on the weather. But rest assured, we’ll take the best possible advantage of the circumstances presented to us by nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. Day 7-8: Following the trails of great Arctic explorers On this part of the journey, we will make an attempt to go to the eastern and northern regions of the Svalbard Archipelago – infrequently visited aboard expedition ships – experiencing the isolation and beautiful remoteness of Svalbard’s Arctic wilderness areas. Kvitøya (White Island) is one of the most rarely visited and closest islands to Franz Josef Land. This place, almost completely covered by ice, became the final resting place of the balloon expedition of the Swedish polar explorer Salomon August Andrée. Kvitøya is not always accessible to expedition ships, but it may provide another opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. Another impressive location in this area is Karl XII Öya, which is the northernmost part of Svalbard. Polar explorers Alfred Gabriel Nathorst and Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld visited this remote island in the 19th century, and if we are lucky enough, we will be able to follow their trails. Day 9-10: Great wonders of the Arctic world During this voyage, we expect to encounter significant sea ice concentrations in the enormous Northwest Svalbard Nature Reserve, which covers the rugged northwestern parts of Spitsbergen and the entirety of Nordaustlandet, the second largest island in Svalbard. In this remote and isolated region, ice can persist very late into the summer. The massive Austfonna ice cap rises above the stunning landscapes of the High Arctic. Part of it meets the sea along the 45-kilometer ice cliff known as Bråsvellbreen—one of the great wonders of the Arctic world. The polar desert environment supports little in the way of vegetation, but hosts a prodigious number of seabirds. The cliffs of Alkefjellet are home to thousands of pink-footed geese, glaucous gulls, little auks, black-guillemots, snow buntings and (probably) barnacle geese. Historically, this icy wilderness has proven a good location for spotting polar bear and walrus. Day 11: The picture-perfect nature of Svalbard The Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve is a truly pristine and rarely visited wilderness containing hundreds of uninhabited islands. On the large islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, broad tundra valleys support the territory’s densest population of endemic Svalbard reindeer. The valleys are also important breeding areas for ground-nesting birds such as geese, eiders and sandpipers. Arctic foxes prowl the vast landscape, seeking to provide food for their young cubs, who are just now emerging from their dens. Shallow, murky seas are ideal feeding grounds for walruses resting in large numbers on gently sloping beaches. Historical sites throughout the islands provide glimpses into the region’s bygone era of trapping and hunting. South Spitsbergen National Park is a vast region of varied landscapes, including polar deserts and impassible mountain ranges. The centerpiece of this park is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where countless mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. The park also includes the southern shores of Bellsund, a picturesque bay where the remains of historical whaling operations can be found, including wooden boats, cabins and thousands of whale bones — a scene from the distant past, literally frozen in time. Throughout the park, there is always a high probability of wildlife sightings. Wildflowers will be at their peak during this time. Because of its extended length, this ambitious and in-depth Svalbard circumnavigation expedition cruise is a great chance to get a comprehensive view of the Arctic’s many faces. Every day offers something new and exciting. We will not miss a single opportunity to encounter amazing Arctic wildlife, witness incredible polar scenery and walk in the footsteps of historic expeditions. Day 12 -13: Back to the West Coast Our circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago is coming to an end. We are back to the West Coast of the Spitsbergen archipelago, with its beautiful locations like Alkhornet Mountain (which is also known as bird heaven because its cliffs support over 10,000 breeding pairs of seabirds). Day 14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen. We provide transfers to the airport and flight to Oslo. By this time, you may already be making plans for your next amazing trip with us into the polar world! Important: Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Luxury Expedition Ship M/S Sea Spirit

MS Sea Spirit, luxury, small expedition ship

Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called Zodiacs- for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available on select departures. All suites have facilities en suite and exterior views. Deluxe Suites, Premium Suites and the Owner's Suite have private balconies for viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Cruise with all the comfort of home - king-size beds (twin beds for those who prefer them), an open bar, balconies and a hot tub. Plus enjoy the amenities of a fine hotel, while a resident photographer helps you take brag-worthy photos.

For full information about this vessel click here...

Included
  • Round trip Oslo - Longyearbyen - Oslo air transportation;
  • 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen;
  • Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
  • Shipboard accommodation;
  • All meals on board throughout the voyage;
  • Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
  • All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
  • Expedition parka;
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
  • Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
  • All port fees;
  • Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
  • Pre-departure materials;
  • Wi-Fi on board
Excluded
  • Airfare;
  • Visa and passport fees;
  • Luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
  • Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person;
  • Kayaking;
  • The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise
  • Staff gratuities
Rates and Accommoation Expedition Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Cabin share is available only in the following categories: Triple Classic, Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites. Single accommodation in Main Deck Suite, Classic Suite and Superior Suite: 1.7x the shared rate; Single accommodation in Deluxe Suite, Premium Suite and Owner’s Suite: 2x the shared rate. Triple-share accommodations are restricted to either individual travellers of the same gender or parties of three. Those who booked shared accommodations aboard the ship – on either triple- or double-occupancy basis – will also share accommodations at the pre-cruise hotel, if applicable. Payments Reservations require a deposit of 20% 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 or you may pay by bank transfer in the currency chosen. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Balance payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Reservations cancelled more than 120 days prior to departure are subject to a USD 750 per person cancellation fee (or equivalent currency). Reservations cancelled from 119 to 91 days prior to departure are subject to 20% per person cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled 90 days or less prior to departure are subject to full fare forfeiture (cancellation fee is 100%). We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Fuel Surcharge Rates are based on anticipated fuel costs (MGO – Marine Gas Oil) at the time of departure multiplied by a maximum daily usage. Due to constant price fluctuations in the fuel market, the shipping operator reserves the right to apply a fuel surcharge. The surcharge is determined based on a significant increase of more than 20% per 1 mt MGO (mt MGO/$) of the average market value within 45 days prior to departure, compared to MGO cost per 1 mt at the date of the official publication of the cruise rate. In case the surcharge is considered necessary by the shipping operator, it applies even if your cruise has been paid in full, subject to notification in writing no later than 30 days before cruise departure. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of the Passenger’s holiday (excluding any amendment charges), the Passenger will be entitled to cancel the booking without any cancellation fees. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Poseidon 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.
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