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Beautiful Hornsund, Norway

Around Spitsbergen, In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Roundtrip Longyearbyen - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Ortelius, beginning in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Spitsbergen. Explore its historic sites and set sail through Isfjorden, with opportunities to spot minke whales. Circumnavigate West Spitsbergen, visiting Krossfjorden’s glacier fronts, Ny Alesund’s research station, and the massive Monaco Glacier, a polar bear hunting ground. Reach 80° north in the Seven Islands, explore Hinlopen Strait’s bird cliffs, and marvel at Nordaustlandet’s polar desert. Cruise through Hornsund’s majestic spire-like peaks and Bell Sund’s lush fjord systems, rich in wildlife like seals, beluga whales, and reindeer. Conclude back in Longyearbyen, carrying memories of glaciers, wildlife, and Arctic wonders.
Bell Sund’s flora, faunaA zodiac landing on remote shoresColorful flora of SpitsbergenZodiacs will take you close to the wildlifePolar bear relaxing on an iceberg.It's a beautiful day in the ArcticAdmire the colorful houses of LongyearbyenBeautiful Hornsund, Norway
Highlights
  • Explore Longyearbyen, a historical hub with unique Arctic cultural landmarks
  • Sail Isfjorden, a fjord offering breathtaking views and minke whales
  • Visit Krossfjorden, home to majestic glacier fronts and Arctic wildlife
  • Spot wildlife at Seven Islands, including walruses and Arctic foxes
Places Visited
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

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Take some time to explore this former mining town, home to the charming parish church and the captivating Svalbard Museum, which offer a window into the region's rich history and culture. The surrounding landscape boasts over a hundred recorded plant species despite its rugged appearance. As evening approaches, your ship sets sail through the stunning Isfjorden, where you may catch your first glimpse of a minke whale, marking the beginning of your Arctic adventure.

Day 2-9: Clockwise circumnavigation of West Spitsbergen

Krossfjorden and Ny Alesund

Heading north along the west coast, you may arrive by morning in Krossfjorden, which has excellent views of glacier fronts. In the afternoon, you sail to Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world's most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Alesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you're interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a popular polar bear hunting ground. Another possibility is the mouth of Wijdefjorden, which has both sides of a tundra landscape and a glacier in front of Nordbreen. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Stop at the Seven Islands

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, at Chermsideoya and Phippsoya in the Seven Islands. You reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again. When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), you can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July), you may turn to Sorgfjord, where you can find a herd of walruses near the graves of 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans. The opposite side of the fjord at Heclahamna is also a beautiful area for an excursion.

Highlights of Hinlopen

Today, you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals and polar bears. At the entrance, there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjord in the Zodiacs, you then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brunnich's guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing in Palanderbukta, where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Alternatively, at Torrelneset, you can visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world's third-largest ice cap. During a coastline hike over the area's raised beaches, you may encounter walruses.

Storfjorden's many bounties

The plan is to sail through Freemansundet, the strait between Barentsoya and Edgeoya, with a stop on Barentsoya at Sundneset with the small Wurzburgerhytta and lakes with waterfowl. Later in the day, you may land at the mouth of the valley Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeoya, near a canyon with a large Kittiwake colony, is also an option. Other landings, like at Kvalhovden near mighty glacier fronts, are also possible.

Land of the Pointed Mountains

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area, and there are opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. You may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where you have great opportunities for a long walk.

Bell Sund's flora, fauna, and haunting history

Today, you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here, there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvoya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternatively, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore the tundra where reindeer like to feed and rock slopes where little auks are breeding near Vaarsolbukta.

Note: Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO before the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan.

Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

m/v Ortelius at Orne Island
m/v Ortelius Reception
m/v Ortelius Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,650 2-3 travelers
M/V Ortelius Quadruple Porthole
Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Triple Porthole
Triple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe
Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Superior Cabin
Superior
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Ortelius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 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
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
  • Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability.

  • Transfers and Baggage Handling between the Airport, Hotels & Ship Only for Those on the Group Flights to/from Longyearbyen.
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
  • Transfers to/from the Vessel Outside Spitsbergen
  • Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages. 

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