You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded there. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

On your first day, ease into the activities with a relaxed start. Blomstrandhalvoya, located on the northern side of the fjord, offers sheltered waters and flexibility in weather changes. In the afternoon, visit Ny Alesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a mining village, Ny Alesund's historic railway tracks remain, though it is a significant research hub today.

Nearby, you can find breeding grounds for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. Those interested in Arctic history should visit the anchoring mast used by explorers Amundsen and Nobile for their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928). In the evening, you sail north along the west coast, spending the night in the tranquil surroundings of Krossfjorden.

Next to your activities, head toward Amsterdamoya, where you can hike past the remains of a 17th-century whaling station. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of Smeerenburgsleta. In the afternoon, make for the islands around Fair Haven.

At Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers—and maybe even be visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. You can find the right balance between safe activities and wildlife watching here.

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1-mile) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a famous polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, you may use an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Near Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, there are also some great hikes.

This is your reserve day for activities around North Spitsbergen. Weather and wildlife permitting, choose the right location for another day of splendid outdoor adventures.

Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here, and seabirds can be found around Fuglehuken. You may also see walrus populations around Sarstangen and Poolepynten. Alternatively, you might sail into St. John's Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs; Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks; and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. Arrive in Longyearbyen later that night.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.