West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge (8 days)

Embark on an 8-day expedition cruise to discover western Spitsbergen. Explore glacier-filled fjords, observe walruses and polar bears, and navigate to the polar ice edge on this High Arctic itinerary.


Svalbard
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Duration: 8 days / 6 nights on board
Starts: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Ends: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Discover the highlights of western Spitsbergen on this Arctic expedition combining glacier-filled fjords, rugged mountains, and everchanging polar ice formations. The adventure begins with an included hotel night in Longyearbyen prior to embarkation. Throughout the cruise, you will explore national parks including Hornsund, the shores of Bellsund with its historic whaling remnants, and the dramatic sea cliffs of Northwest Spitsbergen, home to millions of breeding seabirds.

The voyage offers a unique opportunity to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat, including endemic Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, haul-out walruses, and whales. A special focus is placed on taking the vessel toward the polar ice edge and coastal fast ice, providing prime opportunities to spot polar bears hunting ringed seals. The expedition concludes with disembarkation in Longyearbyen and a guided city sightseeing tour.

Highlights:
Navigating toward the polar sea ice edge in search of polar bears in their natural habitat.
Zodiac cruising and shore landings in glacier-filled fjords within protected national parks.
Observation of walrus haul-outs and massive breeding seabird colonies on dramatic sea cliffs.
Visit to the historic scientific research center and former mining town of Ny-Ålesund.
Included pre-cruise hotel night and post-disembarkation guided sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Included hotel night
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. Take time to explore the compact, walkable town center and enjoy your first views of the surrounding Arctic landscapes.

Day 2: Welcome Aboard!
Midnight sun navigation
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the expedition vessel. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. As the vessel sails into Isfjorden, step onto the open decks and watch the mountains and wild coastlines of Svalbard unfold beneath the midnight sun.

Day 3-7: The Best of West Svalbard
Glacier fjords, sea ice, and wildlife
During these expedition days discover the highlights of western Spitsbergen. In South Spitsbergen National Park, explore Hornsund, where immense glaciers descend between rugged mountain peaks. Along Bellsund, discover the remains of historic whaling operations and hike the tundra. Farther north, Northwest Spitsbergen National Park features deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, and sea cliffs with breeding birds. Visit Forlandet National Park for walrus haul-outs, North Isfjorden National Park for Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, and the research community of Ny-Ålesund. A special focus will be navigating toward coastal fast ice and the polar ice edge to search for hunting polar bears.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Sightseeing tour and departure
After a final breakfast on board, we return to Longyearbyen. After disembarkation, join a guided sightseeing tour and discover some of Longyearbyen’s most interesting sites. Transfers to the airport or town center will then be arranged for those continuing their stay in Svalbard.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Included hotel night
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. Take time to explore the compact, walkable town center and enjoy your first views of the surrounding Arctic landscapes.

Day 2: Welcome Aboard!
Midnight sun navigation
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the expedition vessel. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. As the vessel sails into Isfjorden, step onto the open decks and watch the mountains and wild coastlines of Svalbard unfold beneath the midnight sun.

Day 3-7: The Best of West Svalbard
Glacier fjords, sea ice, and wildlife
During these expedition days discover the highlights of western Spitsbergen. In South Spitsbergen National Park, explore Hornsund, where immense glaciers descend between rugged mountain peaks. Along Bellsund, discover the remains of historic whaling operations and hike the tundra. Farther north, Northwest Spitsbergen National Park features deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, and sea cliffs with breeding birds. Visit Forlandet National Park for walrus haul-outs, North Isfjorden National Park for Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, and the research community of Ny-Ålesund. A special focus will be navigating toward coastal fast ice and the polar ice edge to search for hunting polar bears.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Sightseeing tour and departure
After a final breakfast on board, we return to Longyearbyen. After disembarkation, join a guided sightseeing tour and discover some of Longyearbyen’s most interesting sites. Transfers to the airport or town center will then be arranged for those continuing their stay in Svalbard.


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INCLUSIONS

1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 1 in a hotel in Longyearbyen;
Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
Group transfer upon disembarkation;
Cozy accommodation aboard the elegant Sea Spirit, your home away from home;
Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage;
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1;
24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost;
Sightseeing tour around Longyearbyen upon disembarkation (2 hours)
All AECO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience;
All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits
Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes;
Expert leadership from our experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team;
A stylish branded Poseidon Expeditions parka to take home as a cherished memento;
Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise;
Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure;
A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer;
Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.

EXCLUSIONS

Visa fees (if applicable)
Airfare;
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person;
Kayaking is an optional activity with limited availability and must be booked separately for an additional charge;
Staff gratuities.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sea Spirit | Date: 25 Jul 2027 - 01 Aug 2027 (5549)
Triple Suite
$9,495
$7,221
Main Deck Suite
$9,995
$7,496
$0
$11,171
Classic Suite
$10,595
$7,946
Superior Suite
$10,695
$8,021
Deluxe Suite
$11,995
$8,996
Premium Suite
$12,795
$9,596
Owner´s Suite
$15,995
$11,996

* 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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