Into the Polar Bear’s Realm

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki

Your Arctic adventure launches in Helsinki, a city known for its striking architecture and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Arriving early? Take the chance to explore its museums, galleries and restaurant scene, unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna or stroll through the vibrant Design District before settling into your included hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Norway

Today, along with your fellow travellers, you’ll fly north to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, inside the Arctic Circle, where you'll board your waiting ship. As you embark, enjoy wonderful views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a remarkable backdrop for this remote village.

Days 3 to 9: Exploring Spitsbergen

You’ll spend the next seven days cruising around this enchanting island, always on the lookout for wildlife. Your expedition will explore western Spitsbergen and the breathtaking fjords to the north. From vibrant polar flora to towering glaciers, the landscape is every bit as diverse as the animals that call it home.

As weather and ice conditions are constantly changing, no two expeditions are alike. There’s no set itinerary, but that said, possible stops include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. Each destination is chosen to offer the best opportunities for spotting wildlife while also highlighting the region’s rich history and fascinating geology.

Spitsbergen is a dream for wildlife photographers. With its well-protected Arctic ecosystem and remote location, it’s one of the best places on Earth to catch a glimpse of polar bears roaming against dramatic backdrops of ice and mountains.

At Alkefjellet, sheer cliffs play host to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), creating a lively scene of nesting seabirds. And if you’re lucky enough to come across a walrus haul-out, it’s a memory that’ll stay with you – a cluster of massive, whiskered pinnipeds lounging together on a narrow beach. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

If you're itching for a more personal and intimate view of the Arctic scenery, taking an optional kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended.  

In Spitsbergen, beauty is everywhere. The summer tundra comes alive with bursts of wildflowers, and each day promises something new – an ever-shifting sculpture of icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts or the haunting remains of a long-abandoned settlement.

Day 10: Disembark and depart Longyearbyen

It’s time to say farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow adventurers. Your journey comes full circle in the historic, frontier-style town of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included as part of your transfer package.

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only. Each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.