Arctic
Svalbard
Arctic
Arctic
A thrilling 10-day expedition aboard the Ocean Albatros to circumnavigate Svalbard. Explore the complete archipelago, from fjords and glaciers to the polar pack ice, in search of polar bears and vast wildlife colonies.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Starts: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Ends: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Language: English speaking voyage
This is considered the complete Arctic experience in Svalbard, aiming to circumnavigate the archipelago. The exact route and how far north the ship reaches depend on the ice conditions.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Embark on The Ultimate Arctic Quest, a thrilling 10-day expedition offering the complete Arctic experience in Svalbard. This voyage will explore the magnificent archipelago by land and by sea, venturing from the mountainous fjords of the south to the north polar pack ice, and from wildlife hotspots to the polar deserts of Hinlopen Strait. Aboard the Ocean Albatros, you will experience areas of Svalbard not easily accessible by other means, as the ship carefully navigates around this breathtaking archipelago.
The short summer season is a time of magnificent extremes and abundant wildlife. You will encounter walrus hauled out on shore, and seals, whales, and polar bears foraging along the edge of the pack ice. Daily exploration is maximized by a fleet of Zodiacs, ensuring access to historical sites, glacier fronts, and remote lonely beaches. This journey is a true polar expedition where the exact route is defined by the whims of Mother Nature, ensuring every opportunity for adventure and discovery is exploited.
Highlights:
Achieve the complete Arctic experience by circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago.
Explore the fjords and stunning scenery of North West Svalbard National Park.
Sail Into the Ice to the pack ice north of Svalbard, the preferred hunting ground of polar bears.
Witness abundant wildlife: walrus, seals, whales, and millions of seabirds.
Visit the historic outpost of Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and base for polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen.
Day 1: All Aboard in Longyearbyen!
Embarkation and sailing into the Arctic wilderness
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town on Earth. Your ship, Ocean Albatros, awaits you. Toast your departure from civilization as you sail out of Isfjorden into the Arctic wilderness.
Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard
Scientific outpost and polar history
Sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord. Visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen.
Day 3: Northwest Svalbard
Whaling history and pristine wilderness
Explore North West Svalbard National Park, a protected area with a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. Visit haunting remnants of blubber ovens and graves at Smeerenburg. The region is now a pristine wilderness hosting Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears.
Day 4: Into the Ice
Sailing the ever-changing pack ice
The Ocean Albatros navigates through ice channels to explore the vast, ever-changing Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard. This environment supports seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground of polar bears. The day ends cruising toward the Hinlopen Strait.
Day 5: Northeast Svalbard
Unearthly polar deserts and rich biodiversity
Continue into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies. Explore the unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard, which are surrounded by iceberg-studded seas where vibrant marine life, including walruses and belugas, thrives.
Day 6: East Svalbard
Geological marvels and wildlife reserves
Explore Eastern Svalbard, where the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. Visit Edgeøya and potential highlights like the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee. The area contrasts evidence of past large-scale hunting with today’s strict wildlife protections.
Days 7-8: South Svalbard
Greener fjords and historic sites
After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, enter the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys host reindeer, Arctic foxes, and nesting seabirds. You may visit the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu.
Day 9: West/Central Spitzbergen
Walruses and return to civilization
Enter Forlandssundet and explore destinations like Poolepynten (Poole Point), inhabited by herds of walruses. The area’s remote beaches and rugged mountains beg to be explored. Return southwards into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife.
Day 10: Longyearbyen Disembarkation
Farewell and return home
Arrive back in Longyearbyen. After exploring the town and bidding a fond farewell to the crew, you will be transferred to Svalbard Airport for your flight back to the Norwegian mainland.
Day 1: All Aboard in Longyearbyen!
Embarkation and sailing into the Arctic wilderness
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town on Earth. Your ship, Ocean Albatros, awaits you. Toast your departure from civilization as you sail out of Isfjorden into the Arctic wilderness.
Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard
Scientific outpost and polar history
Sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord. Visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen.
Day 3: Northwest Svalbard
Whaling history and pristine wilderness
Explore North West Svalbard National Park, a protected area with a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. Visit haunting remnants of blubber ovens and graves at Smeerenburg. The region is now a pristine wilderness hosting Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears.
Day 4: Into the Ice
Sailing the ever-changing pack ice
The Ocean Albatros navigates through ice channels to explore the vast, ever-changing Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard. This environment supports seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground of polar bears. The day ends cruising toward the Hinlopen Strait.
Day 5: Northeast Svalbard
Unearthly polar deserts and rich biodiversity
Continue into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies. Explore the unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard, which are surrounded by iceberg-studded seas where vibrant marine life, including walruses and belugas, thrives.
Day 6: East Svalbard
Geological marvels and wildlife reserves
Explore Eastern Svalbard, where the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. Visit Edgeøya and potential highlights like the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee. The area contrasts evidence of past large-scale hunting with today’s strict wildlife protections.
Days 7-8: South Svalbard
Greener fjords and historic sites
After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, enter the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys host reindeer, Arctic foxes, and nesting seabirds. You may visit the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu.
Day 9: West/Central Spitzbergen
Walruses and return to civilization
Enter Forlandssundet and explore destinations like Poolepynten (Poole Point), inhabited by herds of walruses. The area’s remote beaches and rugged mountains beg to be explored. Return southwards into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife.
Day 10: Longyearbyen Disembarkation
Farewell and return home
Arrive back in Longyearbyen. After exploring the town and bidding a fond farewell to the crew, you will be transferred to Svalbard Airport for your flight back to the Norwegian mainland.
INCLUSIONS
Prior to Embarkation
One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
On Board
Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to availability)
Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard fitness centers
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log
Post Disembarkation
Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)
Included with Ocean Albatros & Ocean Victory Suites
Wine and fruit on arrival
Restocked mini bar (non-alcoholic)
Complimentary laundry service
In-room espresso machine
EXCLUSIONS
Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
Staff/crew gratuities
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
There are two Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they\\\\\\\'re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
French Balcony Suite 16 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom.
Several of the Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.
Balcony Stateroom - app. 18-22 m2
Características
Vistas exteriores
Zona de estar con sillas o sofá y mesa
Minibar de cortesía
Televisor de pantalla plana
Teléfono
Caja fuerte para guardar sus objetos de valor
Control de temperatura independiente
Artículos de tocador de lujo
Secador de pelo
Superior Balcony Stateroom app. 24 m2, including the balcony
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Grand Balcony Stateroom app. 30 m2, including the balcony
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Two of the Category B Balcony Suites are larger in size and are equipped with HCP facilities, such as larger bathrooms and easy-access doorways.
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Junior suite - 39 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4.
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite)
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Family Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
Family suite - 50 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
There are two Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they\\\\\\\'re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
French Balcony Suite 16 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom.
Several of the Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.
Balcony Stateroom - app. 18-22 m2
Características
Vistas exteriores
Zona de estar con sillas o sofá y mesa
Minibar de cortesía
Televisor de pantalla plana
Teléfono
Caja fuerte para guardar sus objetos de valor
Control de temperatura independiente
Artículos de tocador de lujo
Secador de pelo
Superior Balcony Stateroom app. 24 m2, including the balcony
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Grand Balcony Stateroom app. 30 m2, including the balcony
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Two of the Category B Balcony Suites are larger in size and are equipped with HCP facilities, such as larger bathrooms and easy-access doorways.
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Junior suite - 39 m2
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4.
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite)
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Family Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
Family suite - 50 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
Features
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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