Realm of the Polar Bear

Transfer from Longyearbyen to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation.
Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.Activity - In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.Transport - Transfer by bus between the airport and the hotel meeting point, and then from the meeting point to the port.

This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!
Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.

Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.

The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.


Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions. Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic. Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.