Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief

Pack in all the excitement of an epic long Arctic cruise into only 7 days with the Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief itinerary. In just a week, cruise through the pack ice up to 80°N along the west coast of Spitsbergen like an explorer of long ago, on a constant search for wildlife. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a surprisingly thriving and varied ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible will provide optimal opportunities to spot the most iconic of Arctic wildlife, the polar bear.

Begin and end in Helsinki, Finland. Oslo is Norway’s capital city, where museums, restaurants and shops begin the subtle introduction to northern living. Helsinki is renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. The bulk of this expedition-style voyage is spent exploring, observing and taking in the beauty of the High Arctic with no set agenda. Possible stops include the abandoned mining settlement Ny London, Texas Bar, Worsleyneset, the famed cliffs of Alkehornet, the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam) and a walrus sanctuary at 80°N on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. 

Take in the abandoned Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, one of Europe’s most northerly outposts. And possibly visit the world’s northernmost brewery at Barentsburg. Glaciers amaze along the way, including Lilliehöök and Monaco Glaciers. Keep binoculars at the ready for reindeer, sea birds, polar bears and walrus. And appreciate opportunities to learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling and mining history.

The Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief expedition is aboard the 128-guest Ocean Adventurer, an ice-stable ship equipped for personal and intimate Arctic exploration. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the polar regions. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic small ship 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, Spitsbergen Cruises and Arctic trips.