North Spitsbergen Polar Bears
North Spitsbergen Polar Bears - 8 Days
North Spitsbergen Polar Bears - 8 Days
Aboard: MV Plancius MV Ortelius M/V Hondius M/V Janssonius
Join us as we sail to 82 degrees north to explore the fantastically beautiful north coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. Discovering the largest wilderness area in Europe, you can enjoy exhilarating Zodiac cruises and shore excursions in search of some of the finest scenery and wildlife experiences in the world, including whales, walrus, myriad birdlife and regular sightings of the magnificent King of the Arctic, the Polar bear.
This fantastic itinerary will take you from Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard, to enchanting destinations on the north of the archipelago including Raudfjorden, the Monaco Glacier and the Seven Islands. A classic Spitsbergen cruise that will bring you to 82° north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
This trip operates on various dates aboard 4 different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.
Highlights
- Explore around the north coast of Svalbard's largest island in search of unrivalled scenic and wildlife experiences
- Excellent chances of sightings of Polar bears
- Other Arctic wildlife including whales, walrus, Arctic fox, and reindeer
- Myriad birdlife
- Spectacular scenery
- Historic sites
- In-field and on-board discovery and learning workshops (select departures)
- Kayaking and snowshoeing options (select departures)
What's Included
- Full board accommodation on board with all meals, snacks and hot drinks
- All zodiac excursions and landings with expert guides
- Programme of expert lectures
- Loan of rubber boots
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Longyearbyen
Sailing North
Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
Seven Islands
Prins Karls Forland
Longyearbyen
A view from Above
All Aboard
MV Plancius
Plancius was built as a Dutch oceanographic research vessel and refurbished as a passenger ship in 2009. It has ice strengthened bow and stern and is ideal for polar sailing. There is a mixture of suites and cabins, all with window or porthole. Some have private facilities and some shared. There are twin, triple and quadruple cabins suitable for sharing. Public areas are a spacious observation lounge and bar, library, lecture theatre and dining room along with plenty of outside deck space and an open-bridge policy. Rubber boots are supplied for all passengers.
MV Ortelius
Ortelius was built as a Russian scientific survey ship with ice strengthened hull, ideal for polar sailing. She has been completely refurbished and has a selection of suites and cabins with windows or portholes and either private or shared facilities. There are twin dining rooms, lecture room, bar and observation lounge and lots of open deck space plus an open-bridge policy. Ortelius also has a helicopter landing pad and helicopter excursions are available on some itineraries.
M/V Hondius
A brand-new (2019) deluxe vessel that has been built to the very highest Polar Class for ice-strengthened vessels. The first civilian vessel in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation and designed to fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, the M/V Hondius leads the way for both safe ship operation and protection of the Polar environment.
Providing deluxe accommodation for up to 170 passengers, the M/V Hondius offers one of the highest comfort experiences of all vessels which operate in the Polar Regions. The accommodation onboard is provided in numerous suites of varying sizes, from the Hondius Suite to quadruple porthole cabins, with all cabins having either a balcony, large windows or portholes. Each cabin has been custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in a stylish décor.
The M/V Hondius has been designed to offer a deluxe feel whilst still maintaining a sense of cosy camaraderie, with welcoming communal, observation and dining areas. An entire deck has been dedicated to space for lectures and presentations, and every element of the vessel has been thoroughly thought-out to provide the very best passenger experience.
The vessel features a sheltered Zodiac boarding zone making joining and returning from land-based excursions fast and easy, and has been built to exceed the latest Green requirements imposed by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure that your trip causes as little impact as possible on the areas you will visit.
M/V Janssonius
The brand-new (late 2021) M/V Janssonius is an innovative Polar vessel which meets the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Now one of the most advanced touring vessels in the polar regions, Janssonius is thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages and surpasses the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Built to be one of the most environmentally friendly vessels on the polar seas, Janssonius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal.
Offering high-quality hotel style accommodation for up to 170 passengers, Janssonius offers immaculate cabins of varying sizes, from the Grand Suite to quadruple porthole cabins, with all cabins having either a balcony, large windows, or portholes. Each cabin has been custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in a stylish mid-century modern décor.
Onboard you will find a unique blend of deluxe surroundings combined with a cosy and informal atmosphere. The ship features an expansive observation lounge, a lecture theatre and a welcoming dining room, as well as two Zodiac embarkation platforms for swift access to sea and land activities.
Too much to choose from? This is where we come in
Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.
As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.
With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.
Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Chat Now
Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation