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A polar bear and her playful cub.

Land of Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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A high Arctic archipelago situated beyond Norway’s fjord-fretted coast, a mere 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive sheets of ice glowing under the midnight sun. It’s a magnificent polar bear habitat that provides opportunities for thrilling up-close observations of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Embark on this 10-day voyage and experience Arctic nature in its purest form.
Taking a kayaking trip around Monaco Glacier on Spitsbergen Island.Travelers photographing walrus relaxing on the bank.Walrus and her pupAn Arctic fox gazes across the landscapeA polar bear and her playful cub.
Highlights
  • View polar bears on the pack ice, their natural habitat, from the ship deck
  • Observe walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, fur seals, and a glory of birds
  • Actively explore: hike, walk, Zodiac cruise, and kayak in stunning scenery
  • Enjoy superlative photos opportunities and on-board photo assistance
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: Oslo, Norway/SAS Radisson Blu Hotel

Arrive in Oslo, the capital city where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the presence of the King of Norway. Check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Hotel. In the afternoon, your introduction to Oslo begins with a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures--hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced Frogner Park. Next you will visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is free. 

Day 2: Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship

Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn the story of Svalbard and its context in Norway and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern mining, research and tourism. Then tour the Gallery Svalbard to view the permanent art and cultural collections as well as studios of local artists. Embark National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days. 

Day 3-8: Exploring Svalbard

Your travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design, and your exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. 

Your main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruising in Svalbard’s fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. You will take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Oslo

Disembark in Longyearbyen, meet up with a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Here, you’ll discover a unique collection of buildings including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center, and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the friendly, sled dog huskies that reside at camp. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the SAS Radisson Blue Airport Hotel.

Day 10: Oslo

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight home or continue on to other adventures. 

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Oslo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Norway Cruises & Arctic Adventures.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
Cat 6
Upper Deck Suite 213 has a balcony, 290 sq ft. Veranda Deck Suites 101 and 102 are 355 sq ft without balcony
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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