09/10 DAYS SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Enjoy one night of pre-cruise stay in the charming Nordic capital of Helsinki (for Ultramarine) or Oslo (for Silver Endeavour).

You will be flown to Longyearbyen and transfer to the pier for embarkation.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. If time permits before embarkation, you may have leisure time to explore highlights in this Arctic frontier town such as UNIS center which is one of the most prominent buildings, the Svalbard Museum covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard, Svalbard International Seed Vault, and remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen.

Svalbard’s northern region shows more ice than the southern region, with quite a number of impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. Several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the possibility to see polar bears and to visit historically important sites make this an area prone for exploration. Ice conditions will dictate which sites can be seen.

Svalbard’s Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard. Several fjords cut into the western coast and have been used by trappers and hunters, as well as the different mining companies. Remains of huts and mines, as well as active commercial and scientific settlements can be found and visited. Hornsund will reveal fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains, spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, itinerary is flexible. Take Zodiac cruises, walk along the Arctic landscapes, or kayak in this region away from the noise and close to the water.

[For Ultramarine]

Spend one more day in Spitsbergen towards Longyearbyen.

Your cruise ends in Longyearbyen. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Helsinki (for Ultramarine) or Oslo (for Silver Endeavour). An additional one night of post-cruise hotel stay in Oslo is included for guests of Silver Endeavour.