Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Lonyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen and the world’s most northerly inhabited town, with more than 1000 inhabitants. We recommend travelling into Longyearbyen the day before you are due to join the boat, as flights can often be delayed due to the Arctic fog and weather conditions. Discover the town’s fascinating history and maybe take a wildlife safari on land before joining Noorderlicht on the ‘floating pier’. You can drop luggage off during the day if needed; the floating pier is a short ten-minute shuttle or taxi ride from the airport and a short 15-minute walk into the town centre.

Once everyone is aboard, it’s a prompt 4 pm departure as the Captain cruises out of the bay while the crew show guests their cabins and gives some safety briefings and operational introductions.

The aim of the first 24 hours is usually to get as far north as possible so the boat will be travelling into the night and dropping anchor in the early hours. There is no watch system aboard so after dinner, you are free to do as you wish.

Day 2: Visit to seabird cliff Alkhornet
After a hearty breakfast, the crew will prepare for your first zodiac landing in Trygghamna to explore the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Pomor hunting station. Then, hike to the 428-meter Alkhornet cliff, home to about 10,000 seabirds, with the surrounding tundra supporting wildlife such as reindeer, geese, and Arctic foxes.

Before lunch, enjoy a hot meal on board as the crew sails north. Weather permitting, we may explore St. John Fjord at night, which is famous for its stunning scenery and glaciers.

Day 3: St. Johns towards 14th Julibukta
In the morning, we’ll meet with the expedition leader to choose a landing spot, although a long walk might be challenging in icy conditions.

After lunch, if the wind allows, we’ll sail out of the fjord toward Forlandsundet, where we might see wildlife like seals. Despite challenges posed by the Forlandsrevet sandbank, the Noorderlicht can navigate these waters. Watch for walrus groups at Sarstangen and Poolepynten.

Depending on our progress, we may head to Krossfjord or Poolepynten to see walruses. If the fjord is ice-free, we’ll sail into St. John Fjord at night and listen for bearded seals among the glaciers.

Day 4: The glaciers of Kongsfjord and Krossfjord
In the morning, you’ll wake up in the stunning Kongsfjord and Krossfjords, greeted by the impressive “14th July” glacier. You might spot bearded seals on ice floes and breeding colonies of black-billed guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins.

Explore Blomstrandhalvoya peninsula, home to a marble mine in Ny London, which has views of the Tre Kroner peaks. In bad weather, we can visit Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement and a polar research centre linked to explorers like Roald Amundsen.

After lunch, we may sail through Forlandsundet, spotting ringed and bearded seals. Although navigation can be challenging due to the shallow sandbank, chances to see walruses at Sarstangen and Poolepynten await.

Depending on the conditions, we’ll head to Krossfjord or Poolepynten. If the entrance is free of ice, we may explore St. John Fjord at night. This serene area is filled with glaciers and the sounds of bearded seals.

Day 5-6: Walruses and panoramic view at Murray Points
This morning, we’ll head south to Grimaldibukta, aiming to land at Murraypynten, a peninsula where we can observe walruses and enjoy views of Spitsbergen’s mountains and glaciers. We’ll also explore a hut from a 1963 German expedition.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Ymerbukta for the night. Depending on the weather, we might visit Blomstrandhalvoya to see a marble mine and the Tre Kroner peaks or Ny Alesund, the world’s northernmost settlement.

After lunch, if conditions permit, we’ll sail through Forlandsundet, where we might spot seals. We’ll then navigate towards Krossfjord or Poolepynten for walrus sightings. If the fjord entrance is ice-free, we’ll enter St. John Fjord at night, enjoying its glaciers and the sounds of bearded seals.

Day 7: Sailing towards Longyearbyen
In the morning, we plan to land in Colesbukta, a former coal transport port for Grumantbyen. We’ll explore the remains of the coal industry and visit the abandoned hut of geologist Vladimir Rusanov. Weather permitting, we’ll sail back to Longyearbyen for some free time to buy souvenirs or enjoy a walk. You’re expected back on board around dinner time, followed by an evening with the crew and fellow travellers.

Day 8: Time to say Goodbye
After breakfast at 8 a.m., you can depart the boat at 10 a.m. If you need to leave earlier for the airport, please make sure to book a taxi in advance, as they can get busy around flight times.