The aim of this expedition is to deliver the complete Spitsbergen experience, circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago’s largest island. With superb wildlife encounters on offer, this voyage also delivers unparalleled photographic opportunities with spectacular scenery throughout.
This is the ‘star’ voyage in our Arctic portfolio, exploring the full coastline of the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen. Renowned for wildlife watching opportunities both on land and in the marine rich coastal waters, discover this last frontier of the inhabitable world on a fabulous circular voyage.
Please note that the chance of successful circumnavigation is higher later in the season when the ice has melted and more channels are open. Early departures are better for those wanting to see the region’s rich birdlife and to experience large ice-floes. All voyage itineraries are dependent on the sea-ice conditions at the time of travel.
Itinerary
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage on the MS Quest. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.
Board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the world’s most northerly town. Colourful, yet weathered building scatter the shoreline and house restaurants, cafes and the town’s museum.
Over the next few days your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of Spitsbergen, as you attempt to circumnavigate the island. Along the way you may visit the renowned basalt sea cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thick billed murres (brunnich guillemots) nest in their thousands, or visit the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden. Perhaps search for polar bears at Isbukta, beluga whales near Bourbonhamna or walrus at Moffen Island. Conditions permitting there should be plenty of opportunity to hike the Arctic tundra and enjoy Zodiac cruises in the shadow of mighty glaciers.
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Choose to extend your stay or head to the airport for your flight home.
Current offers
Prices
What's Included
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Shipboard accommodation
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All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
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Tea & coffee available around the clock
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All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
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Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £6773 Excluding Flights
7-13 Nights
Jun-Aug
The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all. Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Doug
Polar bears spotted in Spitsbergen
Polar plunges
2025 departure & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.