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Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north

Svalbard Pioneer

Longyearbyen roundtrip - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MV Vikingfjord
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Aboard the MV Vikingfjord for a 12-day pioneer micro cruise and discover the raw beauty of the Svalbard archipelago. Your Svalbard circumnavigation cruise starts in Longyearbyen and includes a stop at Prins Karls Foreland, where you can view a walrus colony. As you continue your journey north, acquire knowledge by exploring Ny-Alesund's historical sites and museum, or have a chance to sail close to a calving glacier face in Kongsfjord before you approach the island of Nordaustlandet and cruise along the stunning Austfonna Ice Cap. On the south coast of Spitsbergen, visit rarely visited landing sites, take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery, and go on wilderness hikes around Hornsund. Finally, disembark safely in Longyearbyen​.
Homes in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, NorwaySvalbard WalrusWalruses coming ashore in the arcticPolar bear and cubGlass-still waters around SpitsbergenIncredible ice in SvalbardBeautiful Hornsund, NorwayAustfonnaShore landing in SvalbardVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north
Highlights
  • Visit Prins Karls Foreland to observe walruses in their natural habitat
  • Discover the impressive calving glacier face in Kongsfjord
  • Explore the north coast of Spitsbergen and lookout for polar bears
  • Experience the Arctic wilderness by taking a hike in Hornsund fjord
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen | Embark

The Svalbard circumnavigation cruise embarks in the afternoon from Longyearbyen. The schedule stays flexible so you can soak in as much of Svalbard as possible, guided by an expert leader. With 24-hour daylight on your side, sail out of Isfjord towards Prins Karls Foreland for shore landings and a close-up visit to a walrus colony on day two. The planned route then heads north, aiming to circle Spitsbergen clockwise and take in even more amazing sights.

Day 2: Prins Karls Foreland

The Svalbard circumnavigation cruise embarks in the afternoon from Longyearbyen. The schedule stays flexible so you can soak in as much of Svalbard as possible, guided by an expert leader. With 24-hour daylight on your side, sail out of Isfjord towards Prins Karls Foreland for shore landings and a close-up visit to a walrus colony on day two. The planned route then heads north, aiming to circle Spitsbergen clockwise and take in even more amazing sights.

Day 3-5: Ny-Alesund | Kongsfjord | Ice Edge

As you head north you plan to call at the scientific community of Ny-Alesund, the most northerly inhabited settlement on earth which is home to an interesting historical site and museum. You will explore the majestic Kongsfjord and the fjords that branch into it. You will sail close to an impressive calving glacier face and there will also be an opportunity for hikes ashore with your expedition leader. If the conditions allow you will then sail north and attempt to reach the edge of the sea ice which extends all the way to the North Pole, a really impressive sight.

Day 6-9: Nordaustlandet | Hinlopen Strait

You will sail along the north coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Depending on the sea ice conditions, you aim to continue along the north coast to reach the island of Nordaustlandet and cruise along the Austfonna Ice Cap, a truly breathtaking sight. If the sea ice doesn’t allow you access then the other option is to head south through the Hinlopen Strait. You aim to make shore landings on a daily basis to explore the majestic wilderness of this area.

Day 9-11: Southern Spitsbergen

You will follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen. You will visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As you round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, you will enter the area around Hornsund where you will have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. You will then set sail north along the coast towards Longyearbyen.

Day 12: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Safely back in the port of Longyearbyen after your epic 12-day Svalbard circumnavigation cruise, you will enjoy a final breakfast together. You say your goodbyes and disembark in the morning after making new friends and sharing an incredible adventure together.

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Your expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.

Ship/Hotel

MV Vikingfjord

MV Vikingfjord facade
MV Vikingfjord facade
MV Vikingfjord Bridge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$18,435 2-3 travelers
MV Vikingfjord CabinMV Vikingfjord Cabin Ensuite
Type A - Double with En-Suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with double bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
MV Vikingfjord Twin CabinMV Vikingfjord Cabin Ensuite
Type B - Double / Twin with En-suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with twin bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on decks 1 & 2.
MV Vikingfjord Bunk Bed Cabin
Type C - Single Cabin with En-suite
Cabin size: 10 m² with single bed, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
  • Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Highly experienced Captain and Cook
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Rubber boots for shore landings
  • Polar Bear protection guides for shore landings
  • Expert Svalbard Expedition Leader
  • Lectures on Svalbard
  • Bedding and towels
  • Transfers from airport to hotel and to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Medical and Evacuation insurance coverage.
  • Any additional expenses such as museum entry

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