Mother polar bear with 2 cubs walks on pack ice at the water's edge on a sunny day during the Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear Cruise.
2 arctic fox cubs peer over a grassy knoll near gray rocks during the Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear Cruise.
White expedition ship Greg Mortimer sits in calm icy water by snow-covered peaks as travelers kayak & Zodiac cruise nearby.
Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear Cruise guests in red life jackets & blue coats sit in Zodiac & cruise among snowy peaks.
Tandem kayakers in red & yellow boats sit atop glassy water beside tall, rocky cliffs on a sunny day in Spitsbergen.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear Cruise

On this 8-day Polar Expedition, focus on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago. Polar Expeditions prioritize the experience over the itinerary, adapting daily to offer the optimal experience per weather, wildlife, tides and ice conditions.

Slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters.

Check off a number of bucket list items on this adventure. Venture close to 80 degrees north, searching for polar bears on pack ice. Discover the thrill of spotting walrus, seals, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins. Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords. And enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery.

In 2025, one alternative itinerary pairs back-to-back polar cruises for an Ultimate Adventure. The 26-day Arctic Wonders: Iceland & Spitsbergen offers a combination of the main Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear + the 2025 Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise.

Adventure-ready polar expedition ship Greg Mortimer offers state-of-the-art design and technology, plus excursion-minded preparation rooms and multiple boarding platforms for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. This small ship averages 132 guests, with an educational and engaged team of expedition guides providing programming aimed at immersion into the surrounding polar wilds.

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



Itinerary

Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 8-day Polar Expedition cruise operates round-trip from Oslo, Norway, with charter flights to embark and disembark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Route map of the Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear 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, be met by a ship representative and transferred to your group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last-minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on 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 our 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

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Days 3 - 7
Spitsbergen

The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.

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 diving or 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

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
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 charter flight back to Oslo. 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 mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 12; 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 Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear 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.

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.

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 $690(2025) or $595(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.

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.

Arctic Wonders: Iceland & Spitsbergen (Ultimate Adventure) Itinerary

This comprehensive, 23-day Ultimate Adventure (a combination of Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear Polar Expedition itinerary + the 2025 Iceland Circumnavigation Discovery Expedition itinerary) begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before sailing around Iceland and then north to end in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. This itinerary adds time exploring Iceland and sailing from Iceland to Svalbard.

Route map of Arctic Wonders: Iceland & Spitsbergen cruise from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen, ending with a flight to Oslo, Norway.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at the included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

Fosshotel Reykjavik Hotel (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

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.

Enjoy breakfast and then check out. Join your guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy.

Your journey takes you to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route – Gullfoss waterfall, geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before you’ll experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station.

You’ll also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programmes, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making.

In the late afternoon, return to Reykjavik for embarkation. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 3
Arnarstapi & Grundafjordur

At Arnarstapi, take a Zodiac tender ashore. Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this area features diverse landscapes characterized by lava fields, glistening fjords and home to Breidafjordur Bay which is rich in birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Highlights of Snaefellsness excursion, visit the iconic Mount Kirkjufell (of “Game of Thrones” fame), followed by a hike or drive through Snæfellsjökull National Park, then the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur and Búðir, a picturesque hamlet. On the Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes tour, visit the iconic Mount Kirkjufell (of “Game of Thrones” fame), followed by the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave and an easy coastal trail hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar for basalt columns and various birds. And on the Snaefellsnes Adventure, visit the Eldborg crater, the basalt columns at Gerðuberg Cliffs, the Pufubjarg bird cliff, a lava field and a lighthouse.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Patreksfjörður & Dynjandi - Westfjords

Over the next 2 days, explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.

At Patreksfjörður, a shore excursion by coach takes you to Látrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Látrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the afternoon as you cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandi waterfall.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Thingeyri - Westfjords

Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village’s culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the “Alps of the Westfjords,” especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the That Viking Thing Experience, walk through a recreated Viking area including ruins and an interactive Viking Museum including opportunities to dress up and take photos, drink Icelandic Viking beer and bake Viking bread. And on the Sandafell Mountain Hike, take on a moderate-difficult hike for gorgeous views, followed by a cruise along breathtaking landscapes with possible whale sightings and a Zodiac trip to the Dynjandi waterfall.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Akureyri & Húsavik

Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Baths excursion, visit Godafoss Falls and soak at Myvatn Nature baths, an outdoor hot spring bathing complex surrounded by mountain views. On the Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Dimmuborgir tour, explore the Godafoss waterfall, Lake Myvatn and Dimmuborgir with its enormous lava rocks and cliffs. And on the Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & Dettifoss outing, visit Dimmuborgir and then take on a strenuous hike up the Hverfjall Volcanic Crater.

In the late afternoon, reboard the ship in Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Grímsey Island

Located approximately 25 miles off the mainland, Grímsey is a verdant grassy island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say they have stepped across the imaginary line. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins.

Leaving Grímsey to return closer to the mainland, spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay around Húsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s whale watching capital, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, fin whales and pilot whales.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Seydisfjordur

Spend some time exploring Seydisfjordur, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming
collection of colorful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 18701900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts center, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisansperfect as a souvenir or gift.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Djupivogur

In Iceland’s east, disembark in Djupivogur, the gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Waterfalls, Glacial Lagoons & Hot Tubs excursion, visit the Fossárfoss waterfall, explore  Vatnajokull National Park’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by a four-wheeled amphibian boat, visit the black-sand Diamond Beach and enjoy the geothermal hot tubs in Hoffell. On the Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon Hike tour, visit the Fossárfoss waterfall, take on a moderate hike in  Múlagljúfur Canyon, explore Vatnajokull National Park’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by foot and visit the black-sand Diamond Beach. And on the Falljökull Glacier Hike, ascend (partly in crampons) one of the most impressive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap: Falljökull for a moderate-difficult outing.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
At Sea

As you sail along the south coast, enjoy a sea day to catch up on editing your photos and enjoy an informative lecture from your knowledgeable expedition team.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Westman Islands

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one of the youngest land masses on earth. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refuge for a rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and when sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing tour, visit the Eldheimar Volcano Museum and head to the Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching. And on the Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum excursion, take on a difficult 2-hour hike up the Eldheimar Volcano before visiting its museum.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Reykjavik

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and bid a fond farewell to expeditioners ending their journey here. Enjoy an excursion in Reykjavik while your crew and expedition team prepare the vessel for your sailing north to Longyearbyen in the High Arctic later this afternoon.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 13 - 16
At Sea

As you sail the Norwegian Sea to Longyearbyen, enjoy informative and entertaining talks and presentations from your knowledgeable expedition team, or stay active in the fitness center before relaxing in the sauna. Your state-of-the-art vessel offers a choice of  observation lounges and a well-stocked library for you to enjoy.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Turnaround in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

In Longyearbyen, your crew and expedition team prepare to welcome expeditioners joining on the Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear voyage, while you enjoy a full-day excursion exploring Longyearbyen. In the late afternoon, reboard the vessel and meet your fellow expeditioners to begin the next part of your Arctic adventure in Spitsbergen.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 18 - 22
Spitsbergen

The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain 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 the legs on walks across tundra carpeted 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. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

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

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 23
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Fly to Oslo, Norway & Depart

During the early morning, cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team upon disembarkation before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Reykjavik on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); group tour to visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2; charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo on Day 23; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; 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 Arctic Wonders: Iceland & Spitsbergen cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. 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.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Oslo, Norway is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the ship to the airport for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the 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.

Activities

The Your Choice shore excursions listed in the itinerary are included, but your preferences must be selected at least 60 days prior to embarkation and cannot be amended after this time. If your selections are not received by this time, you will be allocated excursions by an automated system.

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 2025 prices starting at: kayaking $690 depending on departure date. 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.

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

Jun 01 - Jun 23, 2025
Greg Mortimer • 23 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $23695USD
Per Person
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Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2025
Greg Mortimer • 8 days
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From $12295USD
Per Person
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Jun 11 - Jun 18, 2026
Greg Mortimer • 8 days
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From $13895USD
Per Person
Read More
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer is a new, icebreaker polar expedition ship. Carrying an average of 132 guests, this small ship features a unique bow designed for efficiency. It features active programming with adventure gear for backcountry skiing, polar diving, snowshoeing, climbing and kayaking.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires October 31st, 2024
No Single Supplement On Select 2026 Arctic Cruises

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement when you book your select 2026 Arctic cruise.

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Offer expires October 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.

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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.

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

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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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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
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8 - 8 Day Cruise
Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Board a luxury French ship to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords, with world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys on board. From Loch Ness standing stones, prehistoric settlements and one of Europe's last ice caps, this Scotland and Norway cruise will inspire.

From $7110USD
May Jun
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