Early booking offer

Spitsbergen and Polar Bears – an Arctic Adventure (Monday-Saturday)

This voyage on MS Nordstjernen is the essential Spitsbergen adventure. Spend two nights on land and the rest at sea exploring Spitsbergen´s extraordinary Arctic landscape of glaciers and fjords. Scan for magnificent wildlife and we just might see the King of the Arctic; the mighty polar bear.

  • Chance of seeing polar bears
  • Cross 80° N and come ashore to explore the Arctic wilderness
  • Experience the Midnight Sun (until 23. August), giving you 24 hours of daylight to discover Svalbard
  • Explore magnificent Arctic scenery and fjords with the nostalgic MS Nordstjernen
Early booking offer

On 03 December, we released our new expedition cruise program for 2020/21. If you book this voyage before 31 March 2019, you can save £75 per person.

The price you see online already includes the discount.


Itinerary

The itinerary

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions set the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly present – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Departure May - September 2020 (Monday)

Departs from Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Overview

Crown of the Arctic

Svalbard, known as the `crown of Arctic Norway´, is a beautiful island forged by the extreme elements of the far north. The area is also a biological hot spot and home to a rich array of wildlife, with the mighty polar bear at the top of the food chain.

Longyearbyen and Barentsburg

The colourful settlements of Spitsbergen and Barentsburg are set on the edge of the vast Arctic wilderness. Our Svalbard cruise starts in the former mining hub of Longyearbyen, now a surprisingly active and vibrant frontier town, featuring the Svalbard Museum. Once underway, we´ll stop in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, to visit the Pomor Museum (optional).

Crossing 80° N

The Spitsbergern cruise continues as we sail out of Isfjorden, the second-largest fjord in Svalbard, and north to Magdalenefjord and the North West Corner. We hope to make a tender boat landing here before heading towards Moffen, located above the 80th parallel and a popular home for walrus. We will try to reach this far north if wind and ice conditions allow.

Striking Fjords and Ny-Ålesund

North Spitsbergen offers a striking landscape, and we may spot a polar bear here hunting for seals. We will explore beautiful Lilliehöökfjord, and view the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). We hope to call on Ny-Ålesund, one of the northernmost communities in the world. On our way back to Longyearbyen, we will sail through beautiful prominent fjords and deep glaciated valleys. 

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

On the Edge of Wilderness

Hotel

Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, a surprisingly cosmopolitan frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, with galleries, pubs, restaurants, and shops.

The package includes an overnight at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the world’s northernmost full-service hotel when booking a cabin with private facilities on board MS Nordstjernen. If you have booked a cabin with shared facilities, an overnight at charming Coal Miners’ Cabins is included. Hotel upgrade is available on request.

Day 2: Longyearbyen & Barentsburg

Settlements of the Far North

Embarkation

After breakfast, join a tour of Longyearbyen that includes the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. Once aboard MS Nordstjernen, we sail to the Russian coal mining town of Barentsburg to explore the exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up the real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.

Day 3: Magdalenefjord, North West Corner, Moffen and 80°North

Chances of Seeing Polar Bears

This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches. In Magdalenefjord, you’ll discover a whaling station from the 16th century. We arrive in the morning and hope to make a landing to explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Scan for polar bears, Minke whales and seals.

Day 4: Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund

Fjords, Glaciers and Research

We will spend most of the day cruising into lovely Krossfjord. The landscape here varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the fjord is the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost communities.

Day 5: Isfjorden & Longyearbyen

Cruising into Isfjorden

Disembarkation

Next, we sail the Isfjorden, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, passing the nesting sites of thousands of guillemots. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, enjoy the day before a Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: Longyearbyen

Flying Home from the Arctic

This Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen. An early morning transfer bus will take you to the airport for your flight home.

Arrival May - September 2020 (Saturday)

Location Longyearbyen
What's included

INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGE:

  • Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
  • Transfer airport to hotel in Longyearbyen
  • One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast
  • 3 hours Sightseeing in Longyearbyen incl. Museum and Camp Barentz, ending at the pier
  • Transfer ship to hotel in Longyearbyen
  • One hotel night in Longyearbyen after the voyage incl. light lunch, dinner and early morning snack
  • Transfer hotel to airport in Longyearbyen

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE

  • A rich programme of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team  
  • Professional English-speaking Expedition Team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts of various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in  
  • Loan of trekking poles and thermal suits for optional and included activities  

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION

  • In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  
  • Casual opportunities to engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
  • Opportunities to dine and interact with the Expedition Team and officers
  • Small destination-focused onboard library  
  • A Farewell event  

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT

  • Coffee and tea included throughout the day
  • No gratuities expected   

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGE:

  • International flights 
  • Travel insurance  
  •  Luggage handling 

NOTES:

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Life on board

Your ship: MS Nordstjernen

MS Nordstjernen retains the aura of an old Atlantic ship, restored to her former splendour with new brass, classic wooden interiors and all her original art.

Read more