Mother & cub polar bears play atop autumnal tundra with scattered gray rocks, seen on a Svalbard In Depth cruise.
Group of brown-colored walrus sit atop a small rock surrounded by calm sea under purple sky on a Svalbard In Depth cruise.
Glassy, small glacial lake surrounded by rocky green tundra & snowy peaks on a clear day during a Svalbard In Depth cruise.
Small white expedition ship sits in glassy fjord while Zodiac cruises nearby with golden tundra on 1 shore & snow on the other.
Lone polar bear raises its head while walking over large blue iceberg under hazy sky, seen during a Svalbard In Depth cruise.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Svalbard In Depth

On this 15-day Polar Expedition aboard a small, Norwegian-designed expedition ship, enjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of endless daylight where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from sea cliffs and beluga whales rise from the sea. The option to add on kayaking is particularly unique for expeditions in this region. Polar Expeditions prioritize the experience over the itinerary, adapting daily to offer the optimal experience per weather, wildlife, tides and ice conditions.

The highlights are many on this in depth itinerary. Venture close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on pack ice. Discover the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins. Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords. And enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery.

Enjoy a flexible itinerary around the archipelago, which allows 132-guest Sylvia Earle to follow the best weather and wildlife-spotting opportunities. You’ll explore tundra adorned with wildflowers and look out for arctic fox. Discover historic camps of explorers and hunters. Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, or simply enjoy breathtakingly beautiful Norwegian fjords.

Read on for details about this Svalbard route aboard Sylvia Earle or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Svalbard cruises and widespread Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Svalbard In Depth (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

Spend extra time exploring the Svalbard archipelago on this 15-day Polar Expedition. A flexible itinerary round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway, allows you to take advantage of the best weather and wildlife encounters.

Route map of the Svalbard In Depth cruise round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, bookended by flights from/to Oslo, Norway.
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Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at the included hotel, request cabin tags from the hotel check-in staff, and label the tags with your name and ship cabin number. This evening, enjoy a light refreshment as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing. Afterwards, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).

Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, ensure any cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags and take it down to hotel reception. Luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of embarkation. Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Days 3 - 14
Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The ship’s experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly-colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. Your expedition team is just as keen as you to find them— they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you’ll have the option to enjoy the activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you’ll hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating plunge, a memory you’ll savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
Disembark Longyearbyen, Norway, Fly to Oslo, Norway & Depart

During the early morning, cruise into Longyearbyen, where you will say farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey. Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated slot of the charter flight to and from Longyearbyen, which the ship’s operator expects to receive in February each year.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); group sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, prior to embarkation on Day 2 (time permitting); group transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 15; charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; all shore excursions; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 Svalbard In Depth Cruise begins and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). 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 Oslo anytime Day 1. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included. Plan flights to depart Oslo no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person prices starting at: kayaking $1,190(2025) or $1,095(2026). For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Oslo, Norway and Longyearbyen, Svalbard are required on this trip’s itinerary and are included in the listed per-person cabin rates. Transfers between the airport and the ship for these charter flights are included. Luggage weight limits for each charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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

Jul 04 - Jul 18, 2025
Sylvia Earle • 15 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $21695USD
Per Person
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Jun 18 - Jul 02, 2026
Sylvia Earle • 15 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $23495USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
Accommodation

Learn All About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle offers a robust menu of adventure activities from kayaking and polar diving to mountaineering and camping. Cruise responsibly knowing this brand new icebreaker polar expedition ship was built with cutting edge nautical technology including one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up to 25% On Select 2026 Arctic & Northern Europe Expeditions

Save up to 25% per person when you book your 2026 Arctic or Northern Europe expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up to 20% On Select 2025 Arctic Cruises

Early birds! Save up to 20% off when you book your 2025 Arctic expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • January 19th, 2021
Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle & Greg Mortimer Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review about the identical polar sister ships Greg Mortimer & Sylvia Earle and what they offer travelers. Our expert has been aboard and writes this from his firsthand experience.

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

Several hotel-based trip extensions are available in conjunction with this expedition. Book the 3-day Taste of Reykjavik pre- or post-cruise extension tour to make the most of your time in Reykjavik, with included hotels, tours and private transfers. A local guide will join you to explore the classic Golden Circle, including the sacred site of Þingvellir National Park and the thrilling force of nature at the Geysir geothermal area and thundering Gullfoss Falls. Then treat yourself to a relaxing soak at the famous Blue Lagoon. Or, opt for longer journeys like: The 10-day Iceland Complete to discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to the birthplace of icebergs: Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park. On the 10-day Iceland Self Drive itinerary, your route, car rental and hotels are covered, but you can set the pace, taking in breathtaking fjords, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and icebergs while staying in typical Icelandic villages. Or, enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys and then explore picturesque Bergen on the 6-day Norway in a Nutshell extension tour from Oslo to Bergen. This tour includes rail, bus and ferry passes; a full day sightseeing tour; 5 nights accommodation; and more. Inquire for further details to extend your trip.

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13 - 20 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 make the journey even more rewarding for the adventurous.

Special Offer
From $17095USD
Jun Jul Aug
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11 - 26 Day Cruise
Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise

Circumnavigate Iceland aboard the 132-guest Greg Mortimer on a flexible route that includes plenty of time ashore, plus add-on activities like kayaking.

Special Offer
From $13195USD
May Jun
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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
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Svalbard In Depth