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Peregrine Travel Centre

South Spitsbergen – Bear Island – Norway Expedition Cruise

South Spitsbergen – Bear Island – Norway Expedition Cruise

From USD $3,050

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Description

Chart the icy waters of Spitsbergen, exploring spectacular fjords and glaciers in Hornsund, a world of imposing sea cliffs and Arctic history. With seas rich in seals and whales, there are chances for spotting polar bears throughout. Before reaching Tromsø, a visit to remote Bear Island awaits.

Trip Name
South Spitsbergen - Bear Island - Norway Expedition Cruise
Days
6
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 are fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of the voyage.
Day 2 - Day 2: Spectacular Hornsund
We start the day by quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and we have a chance of encountering seals and polar bears. The bird cliffs are now mostly quiet, with many species having departed aside from some first-year fulmars.
Day 3 - Day 3: Isolated Bear Island
We arrive at the southeastern end of Bear Island, an excellent place for viewing the high cliff faces and "Perleporten."Northward, in Kvalrossbukta, the opportunity to land and visit the remains of a whaling station from early in the previous century should present itself. We might also land in a shallow valley, such as Rendalen.
Day 4 - Day 4 - 5: Toward Norway, Aurora Borealis
Sailing southward, we are likely to see whales in the surrounding sea, and when night falls again, we have a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis in the skies above.
Day 5 - Day 6: Arrive in Tromsø (Norway)
Tromsø, also known as the gate to the Arctic, has been an important town from where Arctic expeditions set out to the north for centuries. From here, one can fly to Oslo and beyond.
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $3,050Quadruple Porthole
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $3,650Triple Porthole
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $4,250Twin Porthole
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $4,650Twin Window
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $4,900Twin Deluxe
07-09-202612-09-2026USD $5,450Superior
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $5,250Twin Deluxe
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $5,800Superior
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $6,600Junior Suite
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $7,100Grand Suite With Private Balcony
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $3,250Quadruple Porthole
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $3,850Triple Porthole
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $4,500Twin Porthole
17-09-202722-09-2027USD $4,900Twin Window
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $3,250Quadruple Porthole
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $3,850Triple Porthole
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $4,500Twin Porthole
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $4,900Twin Window
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $5,250Twin Deluxe
19-09-202724-09-2027USD $5,800Superior

Inclusions

    • Bear Island
    • The southernmost island in the archipelago of Svalbard, Bear Island is known for its stark beauty and precipitous bird cliffs
    • Hornsund
    • Part of the South Spitsbergen National Park, the Hornsund is a fjord found on the west side of Spitsbergen, on the southern tip of the island.
    • Longyearbyen
    • The gateway to all things Svalbard, this small coal mining settlement is the capital of the realm of the polar bear
    • Minke Whale
    • Though the smallest of the fin whales, these migrating mammals can let out a cry as loud as a plane taking off

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