Blue & teal small expedition ship with pointed bow sits among ice beside dark snowy peaks on a sunny day in Svalbard.
Zodiac boat with Svalbard circumnavigation travelers moves among floating iceberg bits beside tall white glacier on a sunny day.
Polar bear mother & cub walk a snowfield with dark rocks on a sunny day in Svalbard, seen on a circumnavigation cruise.
Male walrus with long tusks & mottled brown skin raises head out of water beside shoreline with brown seaweed in the sun.
Teal house sits among green & gold arctic tundra backed by tall peaks on a cloudy day in Ny Alesund, Svalbard.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest

From the mountainous fjords of the south to the north polar pack ice, from the wildlife hotspots of northwest Svalbard to the polar deserts of Hinlopen Strait, this thrilling expedition offers the complete Arctic experience. Explore this magnificent archipelago by land and by sea, venturing into one of the largest protected areas in the Arctic.

During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer, geese and arctic foxes are busy amassing energy for the icy polar winter. The cliffs shimmer with life as every surface is populated with countless birds. On shore, walrus enjoy the short Arctic summer as seals, whales and polar bears forage along the edge of the pack ice. Zodiacs allows you to take every opportunity for exploration–from historical sites to glacier fronts and remote lonely beaches, no area is off limits.

The highlights are many on this long, in-depth Svalbard expedition. Visit the world’s northernmost community, the scientific town of Ny-Ålesund. See charismatic wildlife including walrus, reindeer and polar bears. Venture into the Arctic pack ice. Explore on foot, by kayak and by Zodiac to see Svalbard from every angle!

Purpose-built Ocean Albatros serves as your floating basecamp. This 192-guest ice-breaker polar ship features modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency, a smooth ride and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Her fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, plus citizen science equipment, keep travelers active outside the boat. And her inviting lecture room and library, plus relaxing wellness amenities, keep guests engaged between excursions.

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



Itinerary

Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest Itinerary

The Svalbard Circumnavigation voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, in an attempt to travel clockwise around the entire island.

Route map of Svalbard Circumnavigation: Ultimate Arctic Quest round-trip from Longyearbyen with visits clockwise around the island.
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Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!

Optional: Begin with a pre-booked charter flight from Oslo, Norway.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard

During the Arctic “night,” sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Northwest Svalbard

Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Into the Ice

The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, everchanging wilderness, shifting seasonally and stretching beyond the North Pole to Alaska and Siberia. Though seemingly barren, this icy habitat supports diverse wildlife, from fish and seabirds, to seals, belugas and bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground of polar bears. The ship navigates through ice channels to explore this remote environment, hunting for wildlife, ending the day cruising toward the Hinlopen Strait between the islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Northeast Svalbard

From the Arctic ice, the journey continues into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, crowded with guillemots and fulmars amid predatory skuas and gulls. The unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard are  surrounded by iceberg-studded seas, where vibrant marine life thrives. Walruses rest on beaches, belugas frolic in pods and baleen whales feast offshore, showcasing Svalbard’s rich biodiversity despite the harsh Arctic conditions.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
East Svalbard

In Eastern Svalbard, cold polar waters meet the weak last gasp of the Gulf Stream, and the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. On Edgeøya, evidence of past large-scale walrus and beluga hunting contrasts with today’s strict wildlife protections and extensive nature reserves. Highlights you may visit include the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, or the vast bird colonies at Sundneset, before you return toward the main island of Spitzbergen via Sørkapp.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
South Svalbard

After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, the expedition enters the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
West & Central Spitsbergen

During the night, enter Forlandssundet, the strait which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Your destinations may include Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. The remote beaches, rugged mountains and tundra plains of the region positively beg to be explored! From Forlandsundet, return southwards during the afternoon into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as you return to civilization.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

On the final morning of your expedition, arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! After exploring Longyearbyen and bidding a fond farewell to the crew and fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland-with memories to last a lifetime.

Optional: End with a pre-booked charter flight back to Oslo, Norway.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Arrival transfer from airport to ship (Day 1), for guests arriving on optional charter flight or recommended flight (inquire for details); shipboard accommodations; waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition; English-speaking expedition team; guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary (excluding optional activities with cost); briefings and educational lectures; citizen science program; all meals on the  ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands); 24-hour access to tea, coffee and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food; welcome and farewell cocktail parties; taxes and landing fees; 500MB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device; digital expedition memento.

Exclusions

Optional return transfer charter flight package ($850-$1,000 depending on departure; see Internal Flights for details); international or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary; excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary (such as optional, added-cost activities); meals and beverages not listed as included; voluntary gratuity for the crew and expedition team; personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry and communications unless specified; mandatory travel insurance and insurance of any kind; visa, reciprocity and passport fees; medical care or emergency evacuation; expedition jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes (inquire for more details); life jackets for selected minors (inquire for more details); optional charter flights ($850-$1,000 depending on departure); optional return transfer package (see Internal Flights for details); premium alcohol and any alcohol not mentioned in Inclusions; WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB 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 120 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 fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – $1,250 cancellation fee
180 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 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

No Charter Flights: The Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is included if arriving on the recommended arrival flight (inquire for details). The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend booking your return flight as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 12:00pm Noon, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Optional Charter Flights: The Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise begins and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL), with charter flights linking travelers to the embark/disembark point of Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. Transfers in Longyearbyen are included. The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary, followed by the return charter flight to Oslo. We recommend booking your return flight from Oslo as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 12:00pm Noon, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Optional group charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen are offered on this trip’s itinerary (see Exclusions for pricing). Detailed information is available approximately 11 months prior to departure. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early on Day 1 of the itinerary. A group transfer from the Longyearbyen airport to the ship is part of the package. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier around 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Oslo (as part of the package).

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise. Per-person prices for the 2026 season: discover kayaking $350; photography, citizen science, trekking, the polar plunge and Zodiac cruises included. For the discover kayaking program, the minimum required age is 14 and all kayakers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; weight limit is 260 pounds per person. Discover kayaking one-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the immersive kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s discover kayaking excursion may be pre-booked or booked on the ship. Note: Activities are capacity-controlled; book early via your Adventure Specialist to reserve your space. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the activity fee is required per person at time of booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers (18+ only) wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Aboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, third person rates are available at 50% reduction of the double occupancy rate, in Junior Suites and Deck 4 Superior Balcony Suites (inquire for pricing).

Families & Children

Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an Arctic voyage. However, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 7-11 may be accepted with additional screening prior to booking. Children under 18 years old must room with a responsible adult who is designated as the lead passenger on the booking.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $150,000 USD per person. This plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. 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 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 28 - Jul 07, 2026
Ocean Albatros • 10 days
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $7895USD
Per Person
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Jul 07 - Jul 16, 2026
Ocean Albatros • 10 days
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $7895USD
Per Person
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A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Albatros

The 2023-built, 192-guest Ocean Albatros offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, and design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires March 31st, 2026
Save Up To 15% On 2026 Arctic Expeditions Aboard Ocean Albatros

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

Svalbard Pre-Embarkation Tour (4-day) is based out of Hotel Polfareren in Longyearbyen, with included meals and transfer, and guided daily activities. Enjoy a walrus safari, a fossil hike to the Longyear Glacier, an ATV safari and an excursion with dogs on wheels.

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