Arctic Cruise: Spitsbergen Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen

This small community of 1,000 souls is the largest community in the Svalbard islands. Please arrive in the morning as embarkation is in the early afternoon.

Day 2: Around Svalbard

This expedition’s goal is to circumnavigate of Spitsbergen, the major island in the archipelago, but you may visit some lesser islands if conditions permit. You’ll be sailing in a clockwise direction and your crew will hoist the Zodiacs over the side for cruising or shore explorations from time to time.

Days 3-4: 14th of July Glacier

Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the waters at its base. You’ll also visit Ny Alesund an international Arctic research station with a population of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.

Days 5-6: Smeerenburg

On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other remains of the whaling industry are still visible.

Days 7-8: Moffen Island

The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that you may visit on this expedition. On previous visits passengers have spotted polar bear and Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus!

Days 9-10: Bourbonhamna

There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As you explore, you can expect to hike through geological formations five hundred million to a billion years old. Your Expedition Team will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. You’ll be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The “white whales” are the only whales able to nod and turn their heads sideways.

Day 11: Longyearbyen

Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.