HIGHLIGHTS
- The
best place in the Arctic to see polar bears in their natural habitat
- A
12-day expedition deep inside the Arctic Circle only 600 miles from The
North Pole
- Travel
in the company of marine biologist, Monty Hall and photographer Sue
Flood
- Sail
onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov and access Svalbard's most
spectacular sites
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Quad Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior |
|---|
| Jun 26, 2025 | Jul 12, 2025 | 7,690 | 9,880 | 11,320 | 12,240 | 13,040 | 14,720 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Quad Porthole | (Mid-range)
Twin Window | (High-end)
Superior |
|---|
| Jun 26, 2025 | Jul 12, 2025 | 7,690 | 12,240 | 14,720 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Embark
your expedition ship, Akademik Sergey Vavilov in Longyearbyen and sail
through Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden then out into the Greenland
Sea. So begins your Arctic cruise, 24 hours of daylight and hopefully
some great photographic opportunities and memories.
Day
2: Bourbonhamna
Arrive
at Bourbonhamna, known for the beluga whales that transit the narrow
sound. Head out in zodiacs for the first time in search of belugas.
Adult belugas are pure white and the younger calves a mottled grey
colour. It is estimated there are approximately five to ten thousand
belugas in the Svalbard population. The beluga has no dorsal fin - a
diagnostic feature of whale species that live in the high Arctic such
as the narwhal and bowhead - and it has been postulated the lack of
dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently
covered by ice. At Bourbonhamna hike to Ingebrigstenbukta stopping to
view the old hunting cabin and other artefacts along with piles of
beluga whalebones, a reminder of Svalbard's hunting past. It is also a
great place to see reindeer.
Day
3: Storfjorden
Coming
around the most southerly point of Spitsbergen, we push into the broad
expanse of Storfjorden. Exploring Dolerittneset near Kapp Lee, the lush
vegetation of this region is remarkable given the latitude -
70° North. This area has a large scattering of reindeer
antlers, however, it is the plethora of ancient whalebones that makes
the excursion so memorable. Some 400 years ago, whales were hunted
almost to extinction in the waters surrounding Svalbard. Now nature has
turned the decaying old bones into items of beauty. Time and the
elements have altered their original shape and sculpted them into works
of art, covered in blankets of green mosses and grasses, black and
orange lichen, and framed with purple saxifrage, yellow cinquefoil and
white sandwort flowers. They are fascinating photographic subjects.
Now, even after death, the noble whale supports life by robustly
protecting the delicate flora from the harsh winds and providing
nutrients to ensure their survival.
Day
4: Hornsund
Returning
to the west coast, explore the glacier-filled bay leading into
Hornsund. The entire archipelago of Svalbard is a lesson in glaciology
and our on-board guides will explain the formation of this fantastic
landscape during hikes and zodiac excursions. Hornsund is home to the
Polish Polar research station and a good place to see reindeer and
arctic foxes.
Day
5: 14th July Glacier and Krossfjorden
The
rocky shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and a
range of species. The ship will anchor in a protected harbor, launch
the zodiacs and cruise along the bird cliffs near the 14th of July
Glacier. Bearded and ringed seals are known to frequent the waters here
and we watch out for them in the dark waters of the fjord. Lilliehook
Glacier, at the northwestern head of Krossfjorden, is an incredible
sight. The glacier face stretches just over four miles and has a height
of around 80 meters - viewed from the zodiac cruise you come to
appreciate the enormous scale of your surroundings. Large colonies of
birds including kittiwakes and ivory gulls can be seen diving at the
front of the glacier when chunks calve off stirring up the nutrients in
the water. Polar Bears can often be seen patrolling here because of the
number of seals on ice.
Day
6: Krossfjorden and Smeerenburgfjorden
Sailing
out of Krossfjorden and Kongsfjorden, you may be fortunate enough to
see the historic airship anchor pylon near the scientific community of
Ny Ålesund. This remote outpost earned its place in aviation
pioneering history as a starting point for North Pole aviation
exploration. Notable pioneer aviators including Zeppelin, Amundsen,
Ellsworth, Byrd and Nobile all passed through Ny Ålesund.
Nearby, Smeerenburgfjorden has a four hundred year history of whaling
and is a favorite spot as we round the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen.
A wander along the beach looking at the blubber cookers, or an hour
behind a tripod shooting landscapes on your camera might be on the
schedule, all the while looking for wildlife that can appear anywhere
in Svalbard.
Day
7: Exploration fo the sea ice
Continue
north and east up into the ice, hoping to cross the 80° north
parallel. Approaching the ice-edge the ship slows down and all hands
are either on the bridge or out on the outer decks scanning for
wildlife. Bearded seals, ringed seals and walrus may be found hauled
out on the edges of the ice. Harp seals swim in herds of 10 to 20
through the open water channels in the ice. A buttery coloured lump
miles away on the ice metamorphoses into a polar bear as we slowly work
our way through the ice toward it. The Vavilov is perfectly designed
for near silent approach and the captain takes great pride in bringing
you in as close as possible to the wildlife without disturbing it for
some great photographic opportunities.
Day
8: Phippsoya
At
81° degrees north latitude, Phippsoya - one of the Seven
Islands - is only 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. Because of
its proximity to the permanent pack ice, Phippsoya offers the potential
for great polar bear viewings. Be sure to get up to the bridge and take
a picture of the ship's GPS showing this incredibly high polar latitude
near the top of the world. Trivia: The archipelago of seven islands is
the northernmost land in Svalbard. Named in 1780s by an English sailing
party. The smallest and least significant island being named
Nelsonøya, after the lowly midshipman, who was promoted over
the years to the rank and title of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson.
Day
9: Nordaustlandet and Hinlopen Strait
From
the ice edge, turn south into the main strait separating Svalbard's two
main islands: Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. In Hinlopen Strait, the
bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand
breeding Brunnich's guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and
black guillemots. The huge basalt cliffs and skies are thick with birds
as they hurl themselves off the rockface.
Polar
bears are common in the Hinlopen area and there are a few different
walrus haulouts Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or
cruise as the ship navigates the waterways between the islands. There
are some excellent hiking routes here up to high points with
spectacular views and further opportunities to encounter Arctic
wildlife.
Day
10: Leifdefjorden
Enter
Leifdefjorden and slowly cruise towards the Monaco Glacier. This vast
sweep of ice more than four miles wide provides a fabulous backdrop for
a zodiac cruise. Ice caves and tumbling seracs are an impressive sight
as are the thousands of black-legged kittiwakes feeding on the
upwelling of rich nutrients found near the sub-glacial outflow. A
morning of cruising in the ice is best followed by a hike on the
tundra. Red phalaropes, purple sandpipers and vibrant tundra provide
plenty of viewing and photography opportunities. The geology is
fascinating and it is a great chance to see reindeer and arctic foxes.
Day
11: Alkehornet
Alkehornet,
at the mouth of Isfjord, offers breath-taking views and an incredible
tundra walk. Arctic fox can often be seen here, as well as reindeer.
Towering above the site is a horn-shaped mount covered in guillemots
and kittiwakes. This evening, celebrate the journey with a special
dinner attended by the ship's Captain. It's a great time to reflect on
a wonderful voyage in this wild and remote place.
Day
12: Longyearbyen Disembarkation
Arrive
back into Longyearbyen this morning and disembark after breakfast.
Transfer back into town with a chance to visit the museums and buy a
few last-minute souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your
return flights.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport or
local hotel on disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes that open on
each deck
- High
quality, eco-friendly, Canadian made natural amenities in every cabin
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar lounge plus in-cabin tea, coffee, hot
chocolate replenished daily
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and community visits
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (ie. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians etc). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests
- Access
to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up
and management
- An
emergency trained Physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including personal
trainer and massage options (charge applies for massage and spa
treatments)
- Access
to well-stocked library full of polar reference books End of voyage
video, photos and take home USB Port fees and all permits to access
visited areas
