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Around Spitsbergen – In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice Expedition

Around Spitsbergen – In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice Expedition

From USD $6,000

Description

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Trip Name
Around Spitsbergen - In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice Expedition
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Class Expedition Ship Length: 107.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 170 Built: 2019 Hondius is a purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ship designed to operate safely and efficiently in the Arctic and Antarctica. Its ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation systems, and powerful twin engines support fast repositioning and reliable performance in challenging polar conditions. Interiors follow a clean, mid-century modern style, with accommodation for 170 guests across a wide range of cabin types, from suites with balconies to porthole cabins for groups. Public spaces include an expansive observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room used for workshops and briefings, reinforcing the vessel’s focus on education and discovery rather than traditional cruise entertainment. The ship is engineered for low environmental impact, using modern power management, LED lighting, and biodegradable materials. Shore access is prioritised through two gangways, an indoor Zodiac boarding area, and a large fleet of rigid-hull inflatables that support quick landings and near-shore exploration. With 70 crew, guides, and staff on board, Hondius offers the comfort of a well-run hotel while maintaining the flexibility required for wildlife encounters, shifting ice, and rapidly changing weather, ensuring maximum time in the field and minimal time at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Largest town, biggest island
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Day 2 - Day 2: Cruising Krossfjorden
Heading north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden. Here you might board the Zodiacs for a cruise near the towering blue-white face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, colorful flowers bloom while flocks of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nest on the cliffs. You have a good chance of spotting an Arctic fox scouting for fallen chicks, or a bearded seal paddling through the fjord. In the afternoon you sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).
Day 3 - Day 3: The massive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.
Day 4 - Day 4 – 5: Stop at the Seven Islands
The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again. When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), you can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) you may turn to Sorgfjord, where you have the chance to find a herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th-century whalers. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans, and the opposite side of the fjord is also a beautiful area for an excursion.
Day 5 - Day 6: Highlights of Hinlopen
Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Near Torrelneset you can also visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third-largest ice cap. Here you may encounter walruses during a coastline hike over the area’s raised beaches.
Day 6 - Day 7: Barentsøya’s many bounties
The plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though polar bears sometimes make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsøya include Sundneset (for an old trapper’s hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its kittiwake colony), and Rindedalen (for a walk across the tundra). You might also cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely your destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and the chance for hikes along Edgeøya.
Day 7 - Day 8: Land of the Pointed Mountains
You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears.
Day 8 - Day 9: Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history
Today you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding.
Day 9 - Day 10: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Day 10 - Please Note:
The chances that we can complete a full Spitsbergen circumnavigation (based on our experiences from 1992 – 2018) are about 30% in the first half of July, 70% in the second half, 90% in the first half of August, and 95% in the second half. In case we cannot complete a full circumnavigation, we may devise a program in northeast or southeast Spitsbergen. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The onboard expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $12,800Junior Suite
27-06-202606-07-2026USD $13,900Grand Suite With Private Balcony
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
03-07-202612-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $12,800Junior Suite
06-07-202615-07-2026USD $13,900Grand Suite With Private Balcony
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
07-07-202616-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
12-07-202621-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $12,800Junior Suite
15-07-202624-07-2026USD $13,900Grand Suite With Private Balcony
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
16-07-202625-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $6,000Quadruple Porthole
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $7,350Triple Porthole
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $8,600Twin Porthole
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $9,350Twin Window
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $10,050Twin Deluxe
21-07-202630-07-2026USD $11,250Superior
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
29-06-202708-07-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
06-07-202715-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
08-07-202717-07-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
15-07-202724-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
17-07-202726-07-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
19-07-202728-07-2027USD $11,950Superior
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
24-07-202702-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
26-07-202704-08-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
28-07-202706-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
02-08-202711-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
04-08-202713-08-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
11-08-202720-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $6,250Quadruple Porthole
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $7,800Triple Porthole
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $9,150Twin Porthole
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $9,900Twin Window
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $10,750Twin Deluxe
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $11,950Superior
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $13,600Junior Suite
13-08-202722-08-2027USD $14,685Grand Suite With Private Balcony

Inclusions

    • Bellsund
    • Bird cliffs of Alkefjellet
    • Brünnich's Guillemot
    • Diskobukta
    • Hornsund
    • Kittiwake
    • Monacobreen
    • Polar Bear
    • Sjuøyane
    • Snowshoeing
    • Walrus
    • Zodiac Cruising & Shore program

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