Girl in orange jacket paddles a sit-on-top yellow kayak in glassy water beside snowy mountains on a Norwegian Discovery cruise.
reindeer on green grass seen on norway's fjords & arctic svalbard cruise
a flock of kittiwakes, a seabird, fly in the sky above an iceberg and the ocean, on the national geographic voyage to the northeast passage
polar bear jumping between floating ice pieces on norway's fjords & arctic svalbard cruise
full zodiac passes nearby seal on ice in norway's fjords & arctic svalbard cruise
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords Cruise

On this Norwegian Discovery expedition, seek polar bears, wild isles and picturesque fjords. Discover remote islands, iconic wildlife and legendary beauty. In the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, spend several remarkable days amid the ice floes and follow nature’s rhythms in search of the most famous creature of the north—the polar bear—plus see walrus, seals and myriad seabirds. Kayak and Zodiac cruise for water-level exploration and, conditions and wildlife permitting, go ashore to hike. Continue to mist-shrouded Bear Island to encounter towering cliffs populated with thousands of seabirds. Then head further south to the coast of Norway and spectacular isles of Sørøya and Senja, where nature flourishes amid vibrant coastal cultures.

Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard under the midnight sun in search of polar bears hunting along the pack ice. Zodiac cruise along the towering cliffs of Bear Island that rise straight from the sea and are home to tens of thousands of raucous seabirds. On Senja Island visit pristine Ånderdalen National Park to search for reindeer, elk, red foxes and more. Explore the lovely fjords of Sørøya by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance offers active exploration via hiking, walking, kayaking and Zodiac riding amidst stunning scenery. Explore under the sure guidance of expedition leaders, an assistant expedition leader, veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler. Their collective knowledge and passion paired with the unparalleled beauty of the Arctic region ensures an extraordinary experience on this once-in-a-lifetime Arctic cruise.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, cruises to northern Norway and Svalbard and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords Itinerary

The 13-day main Norwegian Discovery cruise begins with a charter flight from Oslo to embark the ship in Longyearbyen, explores Svalbard, cruises southbound with a visit to Bear Island and time along the Norwegian fjords before disembarking in Tromso, with a charter flight back to Oslo, Norway.

Route map of Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords cruise, operating round-trip from Oslo, Norway.
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Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, your introduction to Norway
begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at your leisure.

Accommodations

Hotel Bristol (or similar)

Meals

lunch

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Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen & Embark

Depart Oslo on a private charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of Svalbard and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Explore the Svalbard Art Gallery, home to a permanent collection of historic items as well as contemporary exhibitions of local artists. Later, embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 8
Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, nature guides the course. This flexible itinerary and trip leaders with years of experience in the archipelago enable the itinerary to shine based on ice and weather conditions. With a fully stabilized, ice-class ship, probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. Join spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears. Venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations. With onboard photographers, experts and seasoned naturalists, make the most of the days here. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders being encountered, and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by the ship’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different and every day is an adventure.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Bjørnøya (Bear Island)

Sail south to isolated Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Board a Zodiac to explore the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island. Gaze up at sheer cliffs and use those binoculars to take in the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes and murres.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
Sørøya Island & Senja Island

Off Norway’s coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes, and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes you to its shores as you make your way south from Bear Island. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county, head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your certified photo instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak, or explore village streets and shops as you get to know Norway’s second-largest island.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Tromso & Fly to Oslo

Disembark in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board the charter flight to Oslo and check in to the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.

Accommodations

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Depart Oslo, Norway

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; two hotel nights in Oslo; accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, and from Tromso to Oslo, Norway (total $850 per person in 2024, subject to change); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.) 

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 2024 main Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), with a charter flight to embark the ship in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR), on Day 2 of the itinerary. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 12 in Tromso, Norway (TOS), followed by a charter flight to Oslo, Norway (OSL). Plan to depart Oslo anytime after breakfast on Day 13 of the outlined itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The charter flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen and Tromso to Oslo are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled charter flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. See Exclusions for sample airfare rates, subject to change. There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs checked luggage and 18 lbs cabin baggage on the flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen. For the flight between Tromso and Oslo, there is a strict luggage limit of two checked bags weighing up to 57 lbs (25 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (8 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, Zodiac excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jun 13 - Jun 25, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 13 days
From $16726USD
Per Person
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Jun 14 - Jun 26, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 13 days
From $17425USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Kids Save $500 On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions Worldwide

Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

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Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

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 conjunction with this cruise, the following pre-cruise option is available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

Norway’s Fjords Extension is a 7-day pre-cruise exploration of Bergen, Oslo, and Norway’s two longest fjords, with nightly hotel accommodation. Kayak, canoe and hike, and enjoy a ride on the Flåm Railway, one of world’s most scenic train journeys.

Add to Wishlist
16 - 16 Day Cruise
Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland's East Coast Cruise

On this expedition cruise, link Iceland and Greenland with Svalbard. Step aboard 126-guest Nat Geo Resolution for stunning fjords, icebergs, remote villages and iconic wildlife including polar bears, walruses, reindeer and whales.

Special Offer
From $21269USD
Jun Jul
Add to Wishlist
16 - 16 Day Cruise
Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands & Iceland

Follow the Viking trail on this expedition cruise from Norway to Iceland, visiting the Faroes & other far-flung North Atlantic islands.

Special Offer
From $20265USD
Jun Jul
Add to Wishlist
13 - 30 Day Cruise
Jewels of the Arctic

Discover the jewels of the Arctic aboard cutting-edge small expedition ships. Among Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland there is something for every traveler to discover. Add-ons like kayaking, rock climbing and scuba diving make the journey even more rewarding for the adventurous.

Special Offer
From $16195USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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