Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this 8-day expedition cruise to the remote Norwegian archipelago. Take in the wild wonders of the Arctic as we cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. Marvel at jaw-dropping glaciers and colossal icebergs, see ruined mining communities and cruise along shimmering fjords.
This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen—the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago—has to offer. It’s also known as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic,” and we’ll show you why on this 10-day itinerary, which offers multiple departures—except for one extended 12-day voyage. Spotting Arctic wildlife will be a key focus of this expedition. Just imagine photographing walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens—the polar bear—all while marveling at the surreal spectacle of continuous daylight. On this exciting introductory journey, you’ll explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, and learn about the history and geology of this remote Norwegian Arctic island. Our polar-obsessed guides will be on hand to answer all your questions about local wildlife. You have two ship options for this voyage: Ultramarine, our technologically advanced polar vessel that can access remote places most larger ships can’t reach; and our newest ship, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
26% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This 14-day journey offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, including the opportunity to witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears, a glimpse into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites, and the rare chance to appreciate breathtaking views at the birdwatching utopias 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. If conditions allow, we will also attempt a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, which is considered a rite of passage for many Arctic enthusiastists. The wildlife-viewing opportunities on this trip will leave you with plenty of memories and photos: the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers; Arctic birds in all their varied majesty; small herds of reindeer loping across the tundra; and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear, as it roams the edges of the pack ice. Shore excursions by Zodiac will enable you to explore places where few humans have ever set foot. This voyage truly is the big adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Helsinki, Svalbard, Spitsbergen
Helsinki, Svalbard, Spitsbergen
20% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, walrus haul out on sea ice and guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs. In East Greenland, sail deep into the world's largest fjord, visit remote Inuit settlements and cruise amongst iridescent icebergs. On this exclusive special departure, you'll experience something very few ever will - witnessing the celestial eclipse. You will be joined on board by former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra H. Magnus who will share her insights through engaging lectures, offering a fascinating look at the connections between space exploration and the polar regions. Her stories of scientific discovery and environmental stewardship will no doubt inspire and this experience will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Solar Eclipse in Greenland, alongside a true space explorer.
Witness a solar eclipse - a truly unforgettable experience
Experience complete wilderness - in remote Northeast Greenland
In Svalbard, push through pack ice, searching for polar bears and ringed seals
Arctic highlights - experience three Arctic regions in one voyage
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Oslo, Ittoqqortoormiit, East Fjo
Oslo, Ittoqqortoormiit, East Fjord, Denmark Strait, Reykjavik, Spitsbergen, Greenland Sea, Jan Mayen
Iceland, the mystical island nation sculpted by fire and ice, is popular for its thunderously cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, geysers spontaneously erupting in full furies of steam, stunning shorelines dotted with fishing villages, expansive glaciers, rarely-visited wild places, and hard-to-reach coastal areas of breathtaking splendor. But how does a traveler experience all the wonders Iceland has to offer? Most visitors have confined themselves to very established tourist routes, largely by automobile, and thus have limited their experience of Iceland. That’s the challenge we presented to our team of innovators: how can you do it all on a trip through Iceland? How can you authentically explore the entire country, take in all of its main attractions—while also exploring the rarely-visited side of Iceland? That kernel of inspiration led to the creation of our 12–day Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes, which enables us to take travelers around the entire island—a complete circumnavigation starting and ending in Reykjavik—and explore by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach bus, kayak and helicopter.
Iceland is a remote volcanic island, with mind-blowing landscapes and fascinating culture. With most of the country uninhabited, much of Iceland's terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks and fertile lowlands. The landscape is characterised by volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, geysers and geothermal hot springs, all accompanied by black sand beaches, bubbling mud pools and lava fields. Enjoy dramatic deep fjords, ideal for Zodiac cruising and some of the largest glaciers in Europe, whilst soaking up the abundance of birdlife. A circumnavigation of Iceland, is an experience not to be missed.
Keep watch for blow holes, breaching and tail flukes - as we spot whales in Húsavik
Westfjords offer some of the remotest fjords, bays and pristine environments in Iceland - perfect
for kayaking, hiking and bird-watching
Visit Vatnajökull National Park - featuring Europe's largest glacier, glacial lagoons, colourful mountains and rich wildlife
CruisePolar bestsellers
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN- TRIP CODE GMGI
August 2024
We joined the Greg Mortimer in Svalbard having spent the night in a hotel in Longyearbyen. The ship is modern, clean and bright. Our cabin was on the 6th deck with a balcony accessed by a sliding door with room to sit out so long as we put enough clothes on. It had ample storage space, a wonderful en-suite with a heated floor, sheer luxury! All types of plug were catered for so recharging batteries was easy. The first 3 days were spent round Svalbard looking at the wildlife and scenery. Leaving the ship on the zodiacs was very easy and well thought out. We ended up wearing 5 layers to stay warm. Sitting in the zodiac for a couple of hours could get very cold with out the right gear. The ship itself is well appointed with plenty of observation space, both indoor and outdoor. The lecture theatre is excellent and, if you don’t want to attend, you can watch the proceedings from your cabin on the TV.
The food was very good, Buffet style lunches and a good menu in the evenings.
Crossing the Greenland Sea on the 4th day was a little rough but the ship has stabilisers which worked well. There was a noticeable lack of people in the dining room on the first night though.
Reaching Greenland, the itinerary was adjusted based on the weather and conditions. Each day we generally had two zodiac trips with landings when we could. The supplied Wellington Boots were comfortable and warm although we did supplement them with a thermal sole insert and two pairs of socks.
The landscape is fantastic with towering cliffs and glaciers coming down to the sea. The scale is hard to describe as there is not much to compare it with but some mountains like the Devil’s Castle loom over the ship at some 1100m. Very impressive. Each day was at a different site with the ship moving overnight.
We did get to see a couple of Polar Bears, seals, walruses, musk ox and plenty of birds.
All in all, a wonderful trip full of fantastic scenery and wildlife on a comfortable ship designed for the job. The crew were excellent and always helpful as were the very knowledgeable Expedition staff.
If you want to see a mostly untouched wilderness with stunning views and wildlife, we can recommend this trip.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
