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A walrus pops up for to say hello

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Atlantic
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If there is such a thing as a "classic Arctic" expedition cruise, this is it. Get all the best of Spitsbergen on this 11-day cruise by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas, home to polar bears and walrus. Come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the "wildlife capital of the Arctic."
Explore Alkhornet on the Arctic island of SpitsbergenAlkefjellet on Spitsebgerg Islands provides the ideal roost for hundreds of Arctic birdsSeals lounge along the Arctic seasOcean NovaA walrus pops up for to say hello
Highlights
  • View unique Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walrus, and reindeer
  • Experience the beauty of the Arctic in a more personal way through kayaking
  • Explore the polar deserts and immense glaciers of magical Spitsbergen
  • Visit a memorial for whalers who lost their lives working in the Arctic
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen

Arrive in Lonyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. Embark the Ocean Atlantic. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew while you take in great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.

Day 2-10: Exploring Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Sail around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition covers western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.

Each expedition presents new opportunities, so there is no fixed itinerary, however there are some favorite destinations, including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Straight.

The destinations visited on your voyage are selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas and the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing many free bird egg meals for both them and the arctic fox. Torellneset and Phippsoya are great places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t forget either. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene, as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

If you’re itching to get a little closer to the action, then taking a sea kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended. Smeerenburg is a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages), as you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. See something new each day, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago.

Day 11: Disembark in Longyearbyen

  • 1 Breakfast
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Atlantic

Theater
Coffee Lounge
Mudroom

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Category G
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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category F
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category E
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category D
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category C
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category B
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
Category A
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Premium Suite
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).

Notes

Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages. 
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners

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