Arctic Cruises - Longyearbyen & Franz Josef Land

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit the Svalbard Museum or take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in the town centre.

 

In the afternoon, embark on the M/V Sea Spirit and start your Arctic cruise. Explore the ship and get comfortable as you sail through Isfjorden where there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters. (D)

 

From Isfjorden sail to Franz Josef Land across the Barents Sea. Spend cruising time listening to lectures on the area from the expedition team and, en route, look out for  marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, arctic seals and the majestic polar bear. (B,L,D)
 

Spend cruising time listening to lectures on the area from the expedition team. (B,L,D)

Part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012 the Franz Josef Land Archipelago consists of 191 islands. Eighty-five percent of the archipelago is glaciated, with large unglaciated areas being located on the largest islands and many of the smallest islands.
See immense tidewater glaciers, glittering icebergs and interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Cape Fligely and Cape Tegetthoff. (B,L,D)

 

Cape Flora on Northbrook Island was discovered by the Lee Smith expedition in 1880. Walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers and hike to their well-preserved expedition house and visit remnants of the Jackson expedition, whose settlement is still largely intact. The towering cliffs at the southern part of Cape Flora are home to great sea bird colonies. (B,L,D)

Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.

Hall Island is a haven for photographers: huge cliffs resembling sharks’ dorsal fins emerge from the sea. Watch for polar bears here and visit the remains of the wooden structures built by the American Wellman North Pole Expedition of 1898-1899. (B,L,D)Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.

Cape Fligely is the most northern part of Europe. Almost entirely ice-covered, temperatures only rise above freezing for a few weeks each summer. A variety of arctic flora makes this area particularly interesting for botanists. From 1895-1896 explorers Nansen and Johansen spent seven months here after a failed attempt to conquer the North Pole. Visit the remains of their hut whilst on the lookout for polar bears, belugas and narwhals. (B,L,D)Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.

Continue exploring the Franz Josef Land Archipelago. (B,L,D)

Continue exploring the Franz Josef Land Archipelago. (B,L,D)

Continue exploring the Franz Josef Land Archipelago. (B,L,D)

Cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and continue along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife sightings. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales. (B,L,D)

Enjoy lectures on the unique Arctic wildlife and the dramatic landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)