Hurtigruten
Spitsbergen Voyages - Polar Encounters
Kingdom of the Polar Bear - Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise
9 days 8 nights / Full board on ship
The best way to explore the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago is by small ship and this expedition cruise to Svalbard’s remote northern and eastern regions on board the MV Polar Star takes place throughout the northern summer months, when the sun never sets. Our ship is one of the most comfortable ice class vessels available for polar expeditions and with her ice-breaking capabilities she can safely explore areas that many others simply can not reach. With like-minded passengers and our expert on board team we have regular excursions to discover isolated bays and fjords, allowing us to experience at close hand the unique wildlife, awesome landscape and overwhelming silence of the Arctic. Our final itinerary is dependent on weather and ice conditions but we aim to explore the remote northern and eastern regions of Spitsbergen - perhaps circumnavigating the island.
Arctic Heritage
Starting in Longyearbyen, the largest town on the archipelago, we board our ship and sail through Icefjord to the Russian mining community of Barentsburg. Continuing north to the tiny settlement of Ny-Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, we then visit the glacier-fed Magdalenefjord, one of the island’s most beautiful fjords and Smeerenburgfjord – meaning ‘Blubbertownfjord’ – site of a former whaling station set amid dramatically barren mountainscapes.
Informative talks and lectures in the ship’s panoramic lounge will allow us to learn about the natural environment, geology, wildlife and exciting polar heritage as we sail.
Walrus at the 80º parallel
The beautiful Svalbard archipelago is host to over 170 species of plant, 110 types of migratory birds and a mammal population that includes reindeer, walrus, seal, Arctic fox, whale and the majestic polar bear. The Gulf Stream has allowed the island’s 400 kilometres long western coastline to become incredibly rich in animal and plant life, while the remote east is forever under the grips of the Arctic winter. The further north and east that we sail, the more ice we will meet and this ice will gradually build up into large ice floes with seals resting on them. On rounding the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we will cross the 80th parallel, just 1000 kilometres from the North Pole.
The remote east
Deep within the Arctic Circle, we see lonely Nordaustlandet – the second-largest island in the archipelago – before heading down Hinlopen Strait, lined by fjords and tundra. We plan to visit Vibebukta and the 200 kilometres wide ice sheet of the Austfonna Glacier. Our aim is to sail to the remote polar regions in order to experience the Arctic wilderness, drift ice, flora and fauna. This is very much the kingdom of the polar bear and there is a very good chance to see large males as well as mothers and their cubs. With the dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords, enchanting drift ice and rugged backdrop of the snow-capped landscape this trip is a voyage to the extremes of the Earth.
Voyage Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Longyearbyen. Overnight stay at Spitsbergen Hotel.
Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, board MV Polar Star and sail for the Icefjord and Barentsburg.
Day 3
Stop off at Ny–Ålesund, before heading north to Magdalenefjord and Smeerenburgfjord.
Day 4 – 7
Round the top of Spitsbergen, crossing the 80th parallel, before exploring fjords, glaciers and icebergs. From here our itinerary is based on local sea and ice conditions at the time, with regular landings and Zodiac excursions. We will explore remote locations, seek out Arctic wildlife – including polar bears – and have the chance to learn more about the heritage of this fascinating region. If conditions allow, we may circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, visit Nordaustlandet, Wahlenburgfjord, Murchisonfjord and possibly voyage as far as Edgeøya and Sørkapp (Southern Cape).
Day 8
Return to Icefjord. Farewell dinner on board.
Day 9
Early morning arrival in Longyearbyen where tour ends.
Please call our office for a full detailed Voyage Dossier or download from our website.
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