Arctic Cruises - Around Spitsbergen Cruise

Touch down in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the administrative heart of Svalbard. Wander through this former mining town, taking in highlights like the charming parish church and the Svalbard Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Arctic history and wildlife. Even amidst the seemingly stark tundra, over a hundred plant species thrive here. In the evening, board the M/V Plancius and sail out of Isfjorden, keeping watch for your first wildlife sightings, including curious minke whales, as you begin your journey into the remote Arctic wilderness. (D)

Sail north along Spitsbergen’s west coast to Krossfjorden, where glacier fronts rise dramatically from the fjord. Step into a Zodiac for an optional expedition among the ice, spotting colourful tundra flowers and flocks of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the cliffs. In the afternoon, continue to Ny Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement, once a mining village with the world’s most northerly railway and now a research hub. Discover Arctic history at the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile, and look out for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns nearby. (B,L,D)

Sail into Liefdefjorden, where the dramatic Monaco Glacier stretches 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) across the fjord. Land at Texas Bar and cruise close to the glacier’s towering ice face, a prime feeding ground for thousands of kittiwakes and a hunting area for polar bears. Alternatively, explore the mouth of Wijdefjorden, framed by tundra and the Nordbreen glacier. Early-season ice may require a west Spitsbergen route instead, but whichever path you take, the day offers awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes and exceptional opportunities to witness wildlife in its natural, remote habitat. (B,L,D)
   

Reach the Seven Islands, Svalbard’s northernmost point, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Navigate among the pack ice in search of polar bears, the iconic residents of this remote region. Depending on ice conditions, the ship may linger here for an extended exploration, or divert to Sorgfjord, where walruses haul out near historic 17th-century whalers’ graves. Optional nature walks offer encounters with ptarmigans and the chance to explore untouched tundra. Across the fjord at Heclahamna, the dramatic Arctic landscape provides another perfect spot for excursions and photography. (B,L,D)

Spend another day navigating the Seven Islands, taking full advantage of the remote Arctic environment. Search for polar bears, walruses, and seabirds among the pack ice, and enjoy the stark beauty of glaciers and ice floes stretching to the horizon. Step ashore for short walks when conditions allow, discovering untouched tundra and spotting Arctic wildlife like ptarmigans or Arctic foxes. The isolation and dramatic landscapes here offer a rare opportunity to witness the High Arctic in its most pristine form, with expert guides sharing insights into its ecology and history. (B,L,D)

Sail into Hinlopen Strait, a haven for bearded and ringed seals, polar bears, and occasionally blue whales. Cruise among the drifting ice floes in Zodiacs, taking in the dramatic Arctic scenery. Visit the towering bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, home to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots, or attempt a landing at Palanderbukta to encounter reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. Alternatively, explore the polar desert of Torrelneset near Nordaustlandet, beside one of the world’s largest ice caps. This area offers extraordinary wildlife encounters and views of the High Arctic’s stark, pristine landscapes. (B,L,D)

Sail through Freemansundet, the strait between Barentsøya and Edgeøya, with opportunities to explore Barentsøya at Sundneset, home to the historic Würzburgerhytta and nearby lakes frequented by waterfowl. Later, land at Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, just kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony, or visit Diskobukta on Edgeøya to admire a large kittiwake nesting site in a dramatic canyon. Other potential stops include Kvalhovden, with striking glacier fronts and tundra walks. Each landing offers a chance to encounter wildlife, explore remote Arctic landscapes, and appreciate the stark beauty and history of this rarely visited region. (B,L,D)

Cruise the side fjords of Hornsund in southern Spitsbergen, framed by dramatic spire-like peaks such as Hornsundtind and Bautaen, which inspired early Dutch explorers to name the island Spitsbergen, or “pointed mountains.” Marvel at 14 sizeable glaciers, their icy faces reflecting in the fjord waters, and keep watch for seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. Landings at Samarinvaagen or Birgerbukta offer scenic walks across tundra and along fjord edges, providing intimate encounters with the Arctic environment and stunning photo opportunities of this remote, pristine landscape. (B,L,D)

Explore Bell Sund, one of Svalbard’s largest fjord systems, where warmer ocean currents support relatively lush tundra. Visit Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden to see piles of beluga skeletons, a haunting reminder of 19th-century whaling, and possibly encounter surviving pods. Alternatively, cruise the side fjords of Bellsund, where reindeer graze on tundra and little auks nest on rocky slopes near Vaarsolbukta. This area combines rich wildlife, striking landscapes, and historic significance, offering a rare chance to witness the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem and reflect on its human history. (B,L,D)

In the morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)