Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

8 days

Jul 2027 - Aug 2027

Aurora Expeditions Ships

2027

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$11,836

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Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

from $11,836 per person

8 days

Greg Mortimer

Date:

Focussing on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. We keep our eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra adorned and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters.

Itinerary Suites & Cabins Ship info

Itinerary

day 1-2 | Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

day 3-7 | Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen: The Arctic’s Crown of Pointed Mountains
Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago, a Norwegian territory located deep within the Arctic Ocean, about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. It is a premier destination for high-Arctic exploration and a vital center for international research.

day 8 | Longyearbyen

During the early morning, we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkationand enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue yourjourney.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

Ships

Sylvia Earle

The Sylvia Earle is a purpose-built expedition vessel, designed to connect like-minded travelers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to the planet's most remote, unique, and spectacular regions.

Expedition and Guest Experience

Intimate Capacity: With a maximum capacity of just 132 guests, the ship ensures a personalized and intimate experience, operating with a low guest-to-crew ratio.
Maximize Off-Ship Adventure: Designed as a comfortable base camp for adventure, the primary aim is to get you off the ship and experiencing the natural environment as much as possible.
Treading Lightly: The small group size not only enhances the experience but also allows the vessel to tread lightly, minimizing environmental impact and actively contributing to a positive presence in the environments visited.

Features and Ethos

A Floating Ambassador for Conservation: The ship serves as a powerful ambassador for global conservation, paying tribute to its namesake, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and six other pioneering female conservationists. Each of the vessel’s public decks is dedicated to one of these inspiring leaders—Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr. Asha de Vos, and Hanli Prinsloo—educating expeditioners on their impressive and important conservation work.
Certified 100% Climate Neutral: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the Sylvia Earle is certified 100% Climate Neutral, utilizing the latest in expedition ship technology.
The Citizen Science Centre: The ship is equipped with a fully furnished Citizen Science Centre, which is the heart of its onboard educational programming. Through expert lectures and participative Citizen Science programs, the Centre enriches your knowledge and deepens your connection to the places we travel.

Cruise Norway is a preferred travel partner of Aurora Expeditions. You can find more than 80 Aurora expedition cruises offered by Cruise Norway at great savings here.

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer was designed by Aurora Expeditions, drawing on centuries of collective experience to create a purpose-built vessel for sailing to the most remote places on Earth. It has redefined expedition cruising for the future, offering the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.

Key Features and Guest Experience:

The Revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®: The Greg Mortimer was the first passenger ship to feature the ground-breaking X-BOW®. This inverted bow design allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently by cutting through waves and reducing the pitching motion, resulting in a smoother journey and less fuel consumption.
Intimate Capacity & Luxurious Staterooms: The ship accommodates an average of 132 expeditioners across 76 cozy, comfortable cabins. Crucially, all cabins have an ocean view, and an impressive 85% include their own private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery directly from their room.
Expedition-Ready Amenities: The ship is equipped with features essential for deep exploration:
- Extensive Observation Decks and expansive windows to bring you closer to the environment.
- Dedicated Zodiac Launching Platforms for fast and efficient deployment of the rigid inflatable boats, maximizing time spent exploring.
- A Modern Lecture Lounge and multiple communal areas for expert presentations and socialising.
- Wellness Facilities including a gym, a wellness centre, and outdoor Jacuzzis.
- A spacious Mudroom for seamless preparation and decontamination of expedition gear.

With its unsurpassed environmental credentials and focus on bringing you closer to the polar and remote regions, the Greg Mortimer offers an unparalleled expedition experience.

Cruise Norway - Worldwide Expeditions offers more than 80 Aurora expedition cruises at vast savings here.