In North Spitsbergen we see a zodiac returning from an excursion to see a glacier
A hut left in the desolation in North Spitsbergen highlighting the harsh winters experienced here.
North Spitsbergen is home to Polar Bears that range the ice and waters seeking their next meal.
Kittiwakes can be seen in Spitsbergen as they engage in territorial displays on the cliffs and other settlement sites
Seeing puffins as they settle in from a day of hunting the seas on the cliffsides in North Spitsbergen
View Photos
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

North Spitsbergen

The 8-day North Spitsbergen small ship cruise explores rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers and has a special focus on spotting polar bears. Sail within 600 miles of the North Pole and immerse in the virtually unspoiled wilderness of the true High Arctic. 

Begin and end in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. Immediately sail north to Raudfjorden, taking in the expansive fjord spilling with glaciers. Weather allowing, sail to the massive 3-mile-long Monaco Glacier, where kittiwakes and polar bears roam. In the Hinlopen Strait, search for bearded and ringed seals, polar bears, pink-footed geese, walrus, reindeer and blue whales. Zodiac cruise between ice floes in Lomfjordshalvoya and view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet where thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots nest.

When the ship reaches 80 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole, she parks for several hours in pack ice, waiting and searching for polar bears. The return route offers even more arctic wildlife viewing like the elusive bowhead whale, fin whales and minke whales. At Forlandsundet, walruses are known to haul out and at Alkhornet, arctic foxes pick their way between grazing reindeer to rummage below the sea cliffs in search of fallen seabird eggs. 

In addition to the classic 8-day North Spitsbergen voyage, two 8-day itineraries generally follow the main itinerary but do not attempt to reach Nordaustlandet and/or Seven Islands: North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More, and North Spitsbergen Explorer – Into the Pack Ice.

A few ships sail the North Spitsbergen cruise: the 170-guest Hondius, and 108-guest Ortelius and Plancius. All three ships are ice-strengthened vessels designed for polar expedition. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Arctic small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the High Arctic. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard & Spitsbergen Cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife Itinerary

The 8-day North Spitsbergen voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway, cruising along Spitsbergen’s northwest coast as far north as 80 degrees.

North Spitsbergen Arctic itinerary route map.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord you may see your first minke whale.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Raudfjorden

Sailing to Raudfjorden on the north coast of Spitsbergen, take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers and sometimes visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 3-mile-long face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Hinlopen Strait, Alkefjellet & Nordaustlandet

Today sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals and polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. Navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in Zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, pink-footed geese, breeding ivory gulls and walruses. There is an alternate route in case ice prevents entry in Hinlopen.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Seven Islands - 80 Degrees North!

The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here, reach 80 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours in the pack ice, taking in the spectacular surroundings before turning west again.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Sailing the Continental Shelf

While retracing the route west, keep watch for polar bears and the elusive Greenland (bowhead) whale. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where fin whales forage in summer in the upwellings (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjord, there’s a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, the next stop. Alternatively, sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on the cliffs and Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. At nighttime arrive in Longyearbyen.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Disembark in Longyearbyen and take home memories of a lifetime. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo and home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main North Spitsbergen voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Transfers in Longyearbyen are provided on specified group flights. Travelers arriving on independently arranged flights should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation.

Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 8 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your North Spitsbergen voyage. Kayaking is available (limited capacity) for $470(2025) per person. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and to pre-book.

Snowshoeing (with rentals) is an included, optional activity. Additionally, guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

North Spitsbergen, Basecamp, Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop & Cleaning the Shores Itinerary

The 8-day North Spitsbergen Basecamp voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway and follows a similar route to the main, but does not attempt to reach Nordaustlandet. These departures offer the added bonus of free kayaking, hiking, a photography workshop and a shore clean up effort.

Route map of North Spitsbergen Basecampe cruise, round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard with visits along the northwest coast.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord you may see your first minke whale.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Kongsfjorden & Blomstrandhalvøya

On the first day, slowly ease into things. Blomstrandhalvøya is located on the northern side of the fjord, which will offer shelter and room to change plan in case the weather changes. In the afternoon, visit Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928). In the evening, head north along the west coast and spend the night in the sheltered surroundings of Krossfjorden.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Amsterdamoya & Smeerenburgsleta

Next head toward Amsterdamoya, where you have the chance to hike past the remains of a 17th-century whaling station. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of Smeerenburgsleta. In the afternoon, make for the islands around Fair Haven.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Raudfjorden

At Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers–you may even be visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears. Here find the right balance between safe activities and wildllfe watching.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 3-mile-long (5 kilometers) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, the ship may use an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Near the area of Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, there are also some great hikes.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
North Spitsbergen

This is a reserve day for activities around North Spitsbergen. Weather and wildlife permitting, choose the right location for another day of splendid outdoor adventures.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet

Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here and seabirds can be found around Fuglehuken. You may also see walrus populations around Sarstangen and Poolepynten. Alternatively, the ship might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. At nighttime, arrive in Longyearbyen.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Disembark in Longyearbyen and take home memories of a lifetime.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The North Spitsbergen Basecamp voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Transfers in Longyearbyen are provided on specified group flights. Travelers arriving on independently arranged flights should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation.

Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 8 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your North Spitsbergen Basecamp voyage. Added-cost polar diving ($620 in 2025) is available for 8-24 divers and you must be experienced in dry suit and cold-water diving. Complimentary activities include kayaking, hiking, a photography workshop and a beach clean up. Additionally, guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More Itinerary

The 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway, cruising along Spitsbergen’s northwest coast as far north as 80 degrees. This itinerary is similar to the main but does not attempt to reach Nordaustlandet or Seven Islands.

Route map of North Spitsbergen: Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More Arctic cruise around northwest Svalbard.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Accommodations

Plancius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 7
North Spitsbergen's Natural Beauty, Wildlife & Pack Ice

This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Your landings are subject to change due to sea ice, weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The expedition leader determines the final plan. Places you might visit include:

Raudfjord
On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears.

Hamiltonbukta
Here you can see an impressive colony of Brünnich’s guillemots.

Ytre Norskøya
This small island was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers, and in fact you can still follow their tracks to the summit of the island. The remains of 17th-century blubber ovens can also be seen near about 200 graves. The north side of the island offers the rare opportunity to see puffins near their breeding places, and there is even a small colony of kittiwakes.

Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather and sea ice, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 3.1-mile-long (5 kilometers) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent the ship from sailing here early in the season, you can implement an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Northwest of Raudfjord
Aim to sail into the pack ice outside the territorial waters of Svalbard, watching for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. As you sail from 80 N to 76 N along and in the outer fringes of the ice edge, look for harp seals, hooded seals, polar bears and migrating seabirds like little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes. Guests on previous voyages in this area have sometimes seen up to 100 bowhead whales. You also have the chance to see northern bottlenose whales and the first fin whales of the season. The pack ice sailing will be a highlight of this voyage and may take up to 3 days.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet
Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.

Accommodations

Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Longyeabyen, Svalbard

Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. The vessel arrives back in Longyearbyen in the early morning, and bus transportation to the airport will be provided.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Transfers in Longyearbyen are provided on specified group flights. Travelers arriving on independently arranged flights should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation.

Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 8 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More voyage. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the Pack Ice Itinerary

The 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer – Into the Pack Ice voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway, cruising along Spitsbergen’s northwest coast as far north as 80 degrees. This itinerary is similar to the main but does not attempt to reach Nordaustlandet.

Route map of North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the Pack Ice Arctic cruise around northwest Svalbard.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 7
North Spitsbergen's Natural Beauty, Wildlife & Pack Ice

This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Your landings are subject to change due to sea ice, weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The expedition leader determines the final plan. Places you might visit include:

Raudfjord
On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears.

Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather and sea ice, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 3.1-mile-long (5 kilometers) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent the ship from sailing here early in the season, you can implement an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

The Seven Islands
The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you may reach 80° north, just 540 miles (870 km) from the geographic North Pole. At Phippsøya there is a walrus haul-out site, while Rossøya is the northernmost landmass in Spitsbergen. The vessel may sail deeper into the pack ice when wheeling around west again.

Sailing in the Pack Ice
While the ship retraces her route west, keep watch for polar bears, ringed seals and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. This is also the habitat of ivory gulls. About 40 nautical miles (74 km) west of Spitsbergen, sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet Wildlife
Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, at Palfyloddden. But if the ship cannot go there, then you might sail to the mouth of Isfjorden, where you may see different species of rorqual whales. The intended landing site is Alkhornet, where seabirds nest on the cliffs, arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs, and chicks and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. Another possibility is the glacier front in Ymerbukta, where you can see congregations of various eider duck species.

Accommodations

Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Longyeabyen, Svalbard

Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. The vessel arrives back in Longyearbyen in the early morning, and bus transportation to the airport will be provided.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The North Spitsbergen Explorer – Into the Pack Ice voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Transfers in Longyearbyen are provided on specified group flights. Travelers arriving on independently arranged flights should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation.

Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 8 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your North Spitsbergen Explorer – Into the Pack Ice voyage. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Jun 03 - Jun 10, 2025
Plancius • 8 days
two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 09 - Jun 16, 2025
Hondius • 8 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 10 - Jun 17, 2025
Plancius • 8 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 12 - Jun 19, 2025
Ortelius • 8 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2025
Hondius • 8 days
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 19 - Jun 26, 2025
Ortelius • 8 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background themed trip icon of a blue bird flying
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 23 - Jun 30, 2025
Hondius • 8 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 24 - Jul 01, 2025
Plancius • 8 days
two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 26 - Jul 03, 2025
Ortelius • 8 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background brown diver icon depicting diving activity brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $4300USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background Alternative Itinerary
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying Themed
brown diver icon depicting diving activity Diving
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
Long Hikes
two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered Snowshoeing
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ortelius

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Expedition Ship
Plancius

The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.

Expedition Ship
Hondius

The 170-guest M/V Hondius was built exclusively for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. She is one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels currently cruising in the polar regions.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Arielle Lightcap • January 7th, 2020
Expert Review: What to Expect on a Polar Bear Cruise

A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In 2025, the North Spitsbergen Basecamp itinerary can be combined with the South Spitsbergen Explorer itinerary for the 16-day Extensive North & South Spitsbergen – Bear Island operating round-trip from Longyearbyen with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details.

Add to Wishlist
10 - 12 Day Cruise
Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis

Spend 10-12 days experiencing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special voyage to the Scoresby Sund, East Greenland, the longest fjord in the world, aboard a selection of small expedition ships.

From $5650USD
Aug Sep Oct
Add to Wishlist
11 Day Land Tour
Iceland Adventure: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

On this 11-day Iceland Adventure, experience traditional, remote locales that unveil Iceland's rich natural history in further detail, along with a few major highlights. Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path adventure by land, with time spent on the water too.

From $15695USD
Jul Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
10 Day Land Tour
East Greenland Arctic Adventure

Discover Greenland like never before! The safari-style Base Camp Greenland offers an eye-level vantage point of Arctic icebergs, whales and seals in frigid waters. Kayak, hike and meet local Inuit who live in harmony with nature.

From $13795USD
Jul Aug Sep
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

North Spitsbergen

test message
View Wishlist