Wild Wonders of the Arctic

Welcome to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago which lies midway between continental Norway and the North Pole! Fly into Svalbard Airport, 5kms from Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard. Make your way to our expedition cruise ship, the Ocean Albatros, which is docked in the port of Longyearbyen.

Board the ship and settle in. The Expedition leader will provide a safety briefing as well as information about the daily routine onboard. Then head onto the outer deck to enjoy a glass of champagne as we leave civilisation behind and our Arctic Adventure commences.

Please note: An optional transfer package will be available to book 11 months prior to departure. This includes flights between Oslo - Longyearbyen - Oslo and a group transfer between Longyearbyen Airport and the vessel.

We spend day 2 and 3 exploring North West Svalbard, a vast wilderness with a rich history dating back to early human explorations. Discover remnants of the past, from Dutch whaling settlements to the thriving wildlife that now calls this area home. Witness Arctic flora and fauna flourishing amidst the harsh conditions, keeping a vigilant eye out for polar bears in their natural habitat.

This morning we cruise into the icy expanses of northeastern Svalbard, which is characterized by rocky landscapes and towering glaciers. Despite its barren appearance, this region teems with life, from Arctic foxes to seabirds nesting on rocky cliffs. We explore the coastal waters and keep an eye out for walruses as we navigate through this remote wilderness.

The exact locations we visit will depend on the sea, wind and ice conditions in the area, which vary year on year, and can change rapidly even in summer - this is the essence of polar exploration, moving with the rhythms of Mother Nature, and taking the opportunities to explore which she provides!

On day 5 we reach the northly coasts Svalbard, which are some of the northmost pieces of land on Earth! We hope to reach the island of Nordaustlandet and the smaller islands of Sjuøyane. Weather permitting we will land and explore the desolate landscapes of these remote islands. Encountering unique flora and fauna adapted to extreme conditions, with opportunities for birdwatching amidst the barren terrain. The birdlife is rich in this area, with flocks of grazing geese and some of the rarer gulls frequently seen on these islands. So pack your binoculars!

As the day draws to a close we set course towards the Arctic ice pack, a vast expanse stretching from Svalbard to the North Pole.

Experience the mesmerising environment of the Arctic ice pack, a dynamic realm filled with diverse wildlife. Witness the beauty of floating ice formations and encounter seals, beluga whales, and possibly polar bears as you navigate through icy channels. Marvel at the resilience of life in this extreme environment, guided by the expertise of your expedition leader.

The Arctic ice pack is one of Earth's largest habitats, although unlike most it varies hugely year on year, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary wildly - however, your Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise our chances of wildlife sightings and exploring this impossibly remote environment.

During the night we cruise past the saw-toothed mountains of Prins Karls Forland and arrive in magnificent Kongsfjord. Wake up and soak up the serene beauty of this remote corner of the world. Surrounded by rugged mountains, Kongsfjord is bound by the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kongvegen Glaciers and the Three Crowns (a set of mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway, Sweden and Denmark). We land and explore the historic settlement of Ny Alesund, the northernmost human settlement on Earth (if a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours can be described as a settlement)! The geographical location of these islands has made them the staging post for exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries - a proud legacy which continues to this day.

Ny Alesund - Longyearbyen. Today our expedition cruise comes to an end as we return to the port of Longyearbyen. Enjoy a final breakfast onboard before we disembark the Ocean Albatros. Make your own way back to Svalbard Airport for your flight back to the Norwegian mainland.

Note: If you book the optional transfer package, a group transfer back to the airport and flight to Oslo will be included.