Why Travel to Svalbard & Spitsbergen?
Administered by Norway but truly in a world of its own, Svalbard—and its main island, Spitsbergen—is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. With more polar bears than people, it’s the ultimate base for Arctic cruising.
Spitsbergen is a destination in its own right or a springboard for broader Arctic adventures, including Greenland and Iceland. Cruises from Longyearbyen offer stunning wildlife encounters—think whales, walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and thousands of seabirds—plus a variety of itineraries to suit any timeframe.
Historically a launchpad for polar expeditions, Svalbard continues to be the gateway to the High Arctic—remote, wild, and unforgettable.
Circumnavigate
Svalbard,
the land of the
polar bear
A bucket list cruise opportunity - this adventure will attempt to circumnavigate Svalbard.
Day 1 – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Fly from mainland Norway to Longyearbyen – the northernmost town in the world. Nestled amid snowy peaks and icy fjords, this frontier town greets you with Arctic charm and a hint of adventure. After boarding the Ocean Albatros and a safety briefing, toast your voyage as you set sail into the polar wilds.
Day 2 – Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund
Sail past jagged mountains into stunning Kongsfjorden, ringed by glaciers and crowned by the “Three Crowns.” Visit Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost civilian settlement, once a hub for polar exploration. Walk among relics of historic expeditions in this breathtaking scientific outpost.
Day 3 – Northwest Spitsbergen & Smeerenburg
Enter one of Europe’s largest wilderness reserves. Explore the historic whaling station of Smeerenburg, where 17th-century ovens and graves whisper of a brutal past. Today, Arctic flowers bloom and walrus haul out on quiet beaches—nature is reclaiming this wild corner.
Day 4 – Into the Ice
Push into the drifting pack ice north of Svalbard. This surreal landscape of endless white is home to seals, whales, and the elusive polar bear. As the ship navigates narrow leads, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in the kingdom of ice.
Day 5 – Hinlopen Strait & Nordaustlandet
Cruise along the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet, alive with thousands of nesting guillemots. On land, explore the stark beauty of Nordaustlandet’s polar desert and look for walrus, beluga pods, and seabirds in this rarely visited wilderness.
Day 6 – Edgeøya & Freemansundet
Navigate through Freemansundet to Edgeøya, a landscape steeped in history. Once the site of large-scale walrus hunting, today it’s a peaceful reserve home to walrus colonies and seabird cliffs. Experience the raw beauty of one of Svalbard’s most remote islands.
Day 7–8 – Hornsund & Bellsund
Arrive in Svalbard’s warmer southwest fjords, a haven for Arctic wildlife. Explore glaciers, bird cliffs, and tundra slopes where reindeer and Arctic fox roam. Weather permitting, visit historical sites and stunning bays tucked between dramatic peaks.
Day 9 – Poolepynten & Forlandsundet
Visit Poolepynten, where walrus lounge on the shore and snowy peaks rise above tundra plains. Enjoy final moments in the Arctic wilderness before returning toward Longyearbyen.
Day 10 – Longyearbyen & Departure
Disembark in Longyearbyen for your return flight to mainland Norway—leaving behind the ice, silence, and surreal beauty of the High Arctic.
From NZ$14607 per person, twin share if booked by 30 June 2025, for a 28 June and 7 July 2026 departure.