The Best of Svalbard on Our Classic 7-Night Expedition Cruise

Join us aboard the Ocean Albatros on an unforgettable Arctic expedition through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness, cruising among whales, walruses, polar bears, and millions of seabirds. This ice-class vessel is specially built to navigate the polar pack ice, allowing exploration of remote and pristine environments. Experience the high summer in the Arctic, when reindeer and Arctic foxes prepare for winter and seabird cliffs teem with life. This expedition aims to sail as close as possible to the northern pack ice, the favored summer habitat of polar bears, while also visiting accessible locations along Svalbard’s west coast kept navigable by the warm Gulf Stream. From wildlife hotspots to eerie historical sites, glittering icebergs to breathtaking glaciers, this voyage offers a true immersion into nature’s high-Arctic paradise, blending staggering scenery, wildlife-watching, and historical discovery.

Itinerary

day 1 | All Aboard in Longyearbyen!

Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship Ocean Albatros awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!

day 2-3 | Northwest Svalbard

Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at sites such as Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, rich in Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.

day 4 | Northeast Svalbard

In the morning, the expedition enters the icy wilderness of northeastern Svalbard, a stark polar desert shaped by the absence of warming ocean currents. Here, vast glaciers descend into ice-choked waters, surrounding rugged landscapes which appear barren, yet teem with life. Arctic foxes prowl the chilly shores, while hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs above. These cold coastal waters are rich in shellfish, attracting the walrus, which are common in the area. Our exploration plans depend on rapidly changing sea, wind, and ice conditions, embodying the dynamic and unpredictable essence of true polar adventure.

day 5 | North Svalbard

Next, we strive for some of the northernmost pieces of land on Earth – stark landscapes almost permanently beset by ice. With luck, we may reach the polar desert island of Nordaustlandet, or the smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km further north than mainland Norway’s famous Nordkapp. Weather permitting, we will land and walk upon these most northern landmasses. These high Arctic islands are quite barren, and only moss, hardy tundra plants and lichens cover the stones. The birdlife is rich in this area, with scampering shore birds and nesting terns and skuas – keep your binoculars handy! At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Arctic ice pack which stretches from Svalbard to the North Pole and beyond.

day 6 | Into the ice

The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, ever-changing wilderness stretching to the North Pole and beyond to Alaska and Siberia, forming one of Earth’s largest and most dynamic habitats. Though it appears empty at first, this icy realm conceals abundant wildlife—from tiny cod-like fish to seabirds and seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and the elusive polar bear, the region’s apex predator. Ocean Albatros can navigate these narrow ice channels, offering a rare glimpse into this mysterious, shifting environment where nature’s secrets unfold with patience and careful observation.

day 7 | Kongsfjorden Area

During the Arctic “night,” we sail into the stunning Kongsfjord, a vast fjord system framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. Here we will visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers such as Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings, blending the frontiers of science and exploration.

day 8 | Longyearbyen Disembarkation

On the final morning of our expedition, we arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! After exploring Longyearbyen and bidding a fond farewell to the crew and fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.

Ships

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros is a modern, innovative expedition vessel deployed to a wide selection of destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and other exciting destinations. It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly expedition cruise vessels globally, boasting a more than 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional ships and implementing the Green Initiative Program to ensure sustainability and comfort.

Features of the vessel:

Design and Technology: Beneath its sleek exterior, the ship features the patented, ice-conquering X-BOW® by Norwegian Ulstein Design. This design ensures the highest level of stability and comfort, especially in head seas, and enhances vessel performance. The ship is built to the highest Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliance, offering superior safety and access to remote areas. It also features Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning, and Zero Speed Stabilizers.
Accommodation: It offers 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea views, and most include their own private balcony. It also offers dedicated solo travel cabins without a single supplement, unlike the Ocean Victory. The staterooms are designed to keep the Polar regions front and center, with a generous view from every room.
Onboard Amenities: The Ocean Albatros provides two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, and a modern lecture lounge. Unique to this vessel is a panorama sauna. Guests can also find two outdoor Jacuzzis offering spectacular 360° views of the mesmerizing landscape.
Expedition Access: Two hydraulic platforms can be lowered for near-water-level views and rare photographic opportunities. A spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors ensures quick, safe, and effortless Zodiac boarding.
Promotions: Cruise Norway, an expert Albatros Expeditions travel partner, can provide expert advice and many advisors have sailed on the Albatros ships. The vessel has previously offered special promotions such as no single supplement on certain Antarctic departures.

Discoverer

A Boutique Vessel, with an Expedition Soul!

Built for the polar regions and refined for the people who explore them, the Discoverer carries just 140 guests, intimate enough for personalized service and flexible shore landings, yet capable enough to push into remote coastlines that larger vessels can’t reach. Every stateroom faces outward, many with private balconies or Juliet balconies, while the wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6 puts you as close to the ice, wildlife, and open horizons as a ship will allow. Back on board, the Discoverer features outdoor jacuzzis, a panoramic observation lounge, and a wellness suite with gym, sauna, and steam room, offering a level of comfort that feels distinctly boutique, but with an expedition soul at its core.

Intimate Size. Boutique Atmosphere

Carrying just 140 guests, the Discoverer strikes the perfect balance between comfort and capability, Thanks to its small guest capacity, the vessel allows for flexible landings and meaningful wildlife encounters, while keeping its size comfortable enough for upgraded public spaces, amenities, and lounges, creating a welcoming atmosphere that remains expedition-first, but with a little more polish.

Elevated Comfort in the Polar Regions

The Discoverer has undergone significant refurbishment in recent years, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel throughout the ship. Guests will enjoy a timelessly elegant cabin design, upgraded bathrooms and furnishings, brighter public spaces, and a refined dining experience. Wellness facilities, including a spa and fitness center, add another level of comfort after a day exploring glaciers, wildlife, and remote coastlines.

Built for True Exploration

The Discoverer remains a true expedition vessel at heart. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising, and expansive outer decks – including a wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography – make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. This expedition capability allows guests to spend more time experiencing the landscapes and wildlife of the polar regions and less time simply observing from afar.

Ship Facilities:

Wellness Center — sauna, steam room & treatment room
Fitness Center with ocean views
Outdoor Jacuzzis on Deck 6
Observation Lounge with panoramic windows
Lecture Theater
Restaurant, Bar & Outdoor Grill
Boutique & Library
Expedition Office & Mudroom
Elevator serving all passenger decks

Excursions

Kayaking

from

$345

per person

Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing.

Exercise your body while engaging your mind and heart in an unforgettable outing, safely guided by Kayak masters throughout the journey. Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.

Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.

In order to sign up for this activity you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master.

Kayaking is offered on all ships and all trips, if conditions allow. Excluding our South American, Mid-Atlantic, and Scotland voyages

For our Antarctica-based trips, we offer 2-4 outings per voyage. On Arctic-based trips, the number of outings will generally be fewer. Please note that each participant can only sign up for one outing per trip to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to experience these unique excursions. In the event that we have more signups than available spaces, we will conduct an onboard lottery system to allocate spots.

Booking: You can book kayaking on board during your stay.

Experience level: You need to have previous kayaking experience.

Weather conditions: Weather, sea, and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience. The expedition leader will do their best to ensure the kayaking activity takes place.