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Photo by Basecamp ExplorerPhoto by Basecamp Explorer

Polar Bears and Arctic Adventure in Spitsbergen


- See Polar Bears in Svalbard

from £4,130 pp - 7 days/6 nights

(5/5) based on 3 reviews
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Espen Mills / Hurtigruten fotograf

Overview:

Discover Svalbard on an ultimate adventure with our Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise designed for those eager to explore the untouched beauty of Svalbard.

Combine the exciting Svalbard with an overnight stay in Oslo, before embarking on a memorable voyage aboard the MS Serenissima along Svalbard’s breathtaking west coast. As you sail past glaciers and beautiful fjords, you’ll have the chance to encounter Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and seabirds. With four nights at sea, this Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise offers prime opportunities for wildlife sightings, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Holiday price is from £ 4,130 per person based on availability and two people sharing a cabin and a standard double/twin room. Single supplement upon request.

2025 Departure Dates: Tuesday - Monday (4-night cruise)

 Deaparture  Return                 
13 May 19 May
20 May 26 May
27 May 02 June
03 June 09 June
10 June 16 June
17 June 23 June
24 June 30 June
01 July 07 July
08 July 14 July
15 July 21 July
22 July 28 July
29 July 04 August
05 August 11 August
12 August 18 August
19 August 25 August
26 August 01 September
02 September 08 September

2025 Departure Dates: Saturday - Friday (3-night cruise)

 Deaparture  Return                 
17 May 23 May
24 May 30 May
31 May 06 June
14 June 20 June
21 June 27 June
28 June 04 July
05 July 11 July
12 July 18 July
19 July 25 July
26 July 01 August
02 August 08 August
09 August 15 August
16 August 22 August
23 August 29 August
30 August 05 September
06 September 12 September

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

Arrival in Oslo and overnight in an airport hotel. 

Day 2: Oslo - Longyearbyen, Svalbard 

Morning flight from Oslo to Svalbard and your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen. This Norwegian settlement is a unique little town. While the arctic environment is dominant, it is also a surprisingly cosmopolitan place, with art galleries, pubs, long wine lists at restaurants, stores and a mini-mall.

Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to the stress of modern day life and is a prime destination for adventure travellers. Reminders of the history and heritage of early coal miners can be seen everywhere. When Coal Mine number 1 was opened in the 1930’ s, the miners moved into flimsy two-story barracks. When World War II ravaged Europe, Svalbard was also impacted when Nybyen was set on fire in 1943. After the war, the miners moved back and into the newly built barracks.

These “barracks” have been completely renovated to offer our guests a high standard of comfort. Spitsbergen Hotel was originally built as an accommodation and dining area for employees of Store Norske Spitsbergen Coal Company. It was also the company’ s official representational building. Its interior and architecture made it Longyearbyen’ s grandest construction. The hotel is preserved and decorated using its history.

Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you will be greeted at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to explore the town, visit the North Pole Expedition Museum, and later enjoy a dinner at your hotel’s restaurant. You'll spend the night at either the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or Funken Lodge, depending on your cabin category.

Day 3: Northern Settlements

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Longyearbyen, followed by a lunch at your hotel. In the afternoon, join a guided tour that includes visits to the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. Later, board the MS Serenissima and set sail through Isfjorden, where you'll have the chance to observe Arctic wildlife and explore historic landmarks along the way.

Day 4: Venture into Arctic Wilderness

Venture into remote Arctic regions with no mobile signals, where you’ll explore the alpine-like landscapes of Magdalenefjorden, discover historic whaling sites, and observe the area's abundant birdlife. Landings may be possible, weather and ice conditions permitting.

Day 5: Keeping eyes out for Polar Bears

Explore the varied landscapes of Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden, keeping an eye out for polar bears and other wildlife along the way. Weather permitting, sail beyond 80° North to reach Moffen Island, a famous gathering spot for walruses.

Day 6: Arctic Fjords and Glaciers

Explore the picturesque Kongsfjorden, where you’ll have the chance to hike across the tundra and visit the renowned research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. Learn about the rich history of Arctic exploration and even send a postcard from the world’s northernmost post office.

Day 7: Arrival back to Longyearbyen and departure

Arrival back to Longyearbyen and transfer from the ship to hotel. Explore Longyearbyen before a transfer to the airport.

We can also extend your stay in Longyearbyen to allow you more time to explore the World’s northernmost settlement, just ask us for more details!

 

It’s also possible to join a 3-night Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise with overnight stays in Longyearbyen before and after the cruise. Please ask us for more information!

Package Includes:

  • Return flights from London Heathrow (we can check other UK airports upon request)
  • 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
  • 1 night’s accommodation at an airport hotel in Oslo
  • Shuttle transfers in Longyearbyen
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Longyearbyen before your voyage
  • 4 nights onboard MS Serenissima
  • Full board as per the programme (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with complimentary tea and coffee.
  • A three-hour sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen incl. Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz, guided landings with small expedition boats during the voyage, onboard lectures, and informal gatherings
  • Local expert guides
  • Walking sticks and boots for the landings. Thermal suits are available on board.
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • ATOL protection
  • All taxes

 


Enquire now »
 

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard - 4 stars

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen is located in Longyearbyen town centre offering easy access to the charming galleries and museums as well as to exciting outdoor activities in the surrounding region.

Funken Lodge

Longyearbyen, Svalbard - 4 stars

Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen is greatly located hotel on top of the Hill giving magnificent views of Longyearbyen. The hotel was opened in 1947 and completely refurbished in 2018.

  • Genna Roland / Hurtigruten fotograf
  • Espen Mills / Hurtigruten fotograf
  • Yuri Matisse Choufour / Hurtigruten fotograf
  • Espen Mills / Hurtigruten fotograf
  • Linda Drake / Hurtigruten fotograf

June 2024
Overall rating: (5/5)

Hi Laura, we had the best time! First morning on board - sorry, can't land, there's a polar bear out there. Distant, but within range of my camera. Same afternoon - there's a mother out there, with two cubs chilling out in the snow. The mother was eating a walrus. We also got a good view of an arctic fox, and the biggest pod of walruses they had ever seen - 200, or thereabouts. We had great weather. Although the cabins were very cramped, everything else was fantastic- the food, the guides, the other passengers (only 50 of them!) We had a marvellous holiday, but very busy at the moment catching up with everything, and will post reviews in a few days time. I attach some photos - terrific trip. Thanks, Elizabeth


September 2019
Overall rating: (5/5)

Good Afternoon Julija,

Thank you for getting in touch with me as per your below email.
I can confirm that the trip to Svalbard was really well organised by the Hurtigruten team and expedition team.  Lots of pictures (almost 93) and videos (around 20) were taken at different times/locations during the cruise tour.
Although we saw many walruses (about 7 in the water and many more on Moffen Island) and 5 polar bears we were unable to get close enough to get really good camera shots or videos.  I do appreciate and understand that were they were positioned it was not feasible to get close - shallow water.
My meals on board the MS Nordstjernen was generally good and they catered well for my dietary requirements, although I did struggle a bit a diner times and was not able to the starters and main desserts.  Apart from that the food was good and I ate well.
Just before we departed the MS Nordstjernen, the Hurtigruten Guides mentioned that we would all receive an email in PDF documenting the tour in detail.  This is something that has not happened and was wondering if you could make happen.
Attached are a few photos of the Fjords and Glaciers.
Kind regards,
Kevin

 


August 2019
Overall rating: (5/5)

Hi Inga,

Thanks for your efforts in arranging the trip, I had a excellent time.  

For a start I've never been on a plane with so many visibly excited adults when we landed! It's not often when you get off the plane that pretty much everyone is stood on the tarmac taking pictures already.  The Coal Miner's Cabin was a comfy stay for the night, with a great breakfast in the morning and lunch (with time for a wander into Longyearbyen).  The "city tour" was nice, particularly the Svalbard Museum, which was a great overview to the islands.

The boat being relatively small was good as you got to know a few people well during the trip which was nice.  The food was really good for every meal.  Being an older boat it had a nice classic feel, although it did mean it was a bit noisy.  The first night was all travelling, so not the most restful, but after that we were stationary a couple of times at night, and you got used to the noise.  My cabin was 'cosy' but as expected the only time I spent in there was to sleep, and the other facilities were good.

The organisation on board, the landings and the guides were fantastic.  The guide we had was really friendly and informative, and made sure we safe.  That we did see a Polar Bear was definitely down to their efforts - a tiny off white speck on the landscape is not something you'd notice unless you knew what you were looking for and really paying attention.  We were also lucky enough to see a Blue Whale on our final leg back to Longyearbyen.  All the landings were varied with little talks about ecology, history, geology etc.

I was really grateful to be one of the people getting the flight the next afternoon, rather than the one that meant you had to be off the boat at 1am!  Instead I got a decent night sleep, and a chance for another wander round Longyearbyen, which is very different when there's not a massive cruise ship in port.

The flight back to Oslo was a bit odd with the stop at Tromso; where you have to get off, do passports, collect baggage, walk through customs, check in baggage and get back on the same plane!

The hotel in Oslo was great - nice room.  And I did a nice walking tour around the main sights of Oslo.

Overall a fantastic trip.  I've attached a few photos.

Thanks

James

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This tour is in Svalbard and Norway and is a Guided Tour, Activity Holiday, Cruise, Group Tour, Solo Traveller, Spring Holiday, Summer Holiday and Anniversary


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Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!