Land of the Ice Bears: An Exploration of Arctic Svalbard - Endurance
This brand-new ship with National Geographic-level guiding, offers one of the world's most outstanding trips for searching out the elusive polar bear.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
126
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the best place on the planet to see polar bears—wild and majestic in their native habitat. Over the past 30+ years, ace spotters have given this ship's guests multiple opportunities to experience close sightings. In addition to the bears, you’ll have the opportunity to see and observe walrus, fascinating creatures and wonderful photo subjects, reindeer, elusive arctic foxes, fur seals, and a glory of birds. The islands of the archipelago are ideal for walking, with some hikes revealing artful, sculptural arrangements of whale bones on pebbled beaches, and the ghostly remains of trapper’s huts.
- • Search for polar bears and walrus alongside skilled veteran spotters who know where to look for them.
• Explore under the midnight sun—and take advantage of spectacular photo ops with tips from a National Geographic photographer.
• Travel on a brand-new, purpose-built expedition ship with kayaks and an underwater viewing device for seeing the ocean floor.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $13,526 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
May 30-June 8, 2024
June 13-22, 2024
June 7-16, 2025
June 10-19, 2025
June 17-26, 2025
Ask us for later dates.
May, June
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S./Fly Overnight to Oslo
Fly to Oslo on an overnight flight.
Day 2: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo, the capital city where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the presence of the King of Norway. Check in to the Hotel Bristol (or similar). In the afternoon, our introduction to Oslo begins with a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures--hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced Frogner Park. Next, we visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception then the evening is at leisure for dinner on your own. (This day includes Lunch.)
Day 3: Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn the story of Svalbard and its context in Norway and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern mining, research and tourism. Then tour the Gallery Svalbard to view the permanent art and cultural collections as well as studios of local artists. Embark National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution, your base for the next six days.
Day 4-9: Exploring Svalbard
Our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design, and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruise in Svalbard’s fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. We take our Zodiacs and kayaks among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic.
Day 10: Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen, meet up with a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Here, you’ll discover a unique collection of buildings including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center, and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the friendly sled dog huskies that reside at camp. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. (This day includes Breakfast & Lunch.)
Day 11: Oslo/U.S.
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for flights home.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of this operator.
Sample Airfares in USD:
Economy: from $1,180pp
Business: from $3,960pp
Charter(round-trip Oslo/Longyearbyen): from $760pp
Special Offer (Subject to change): Travel aboard the National Geographic Endurance or Resolution on any voyage and this operator will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew.
Children: Take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
Back-to-Back: Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of this operator's expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only and are not valid on extensions or airfare. Ask your Travel Curator for dovetailing options.
Group Rates: Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from regular policies.
National Geographic Endurance
The first new polar build in this operator's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions.
• Capacity: 126 guests
• Cabins: 69 outside cabins, 53 cabins with balconies
• Specialists: Nat Geo Experts, Full-Time Doctor, and Wellness Coach
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Condé Nast Traveler - "Best Small Ship Cruise Line in the World"
2019 Travel + Leisure - "Best Small Ship Ocean Cruise Line"
2018 Cruise Critic - "Best for Adventure"
"The brand new, state-of-the-art X-Bow ship, the National Geographic Endurance, offers one of the most exciting, cutting-edge expedition experiences available. With her spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, expedition equipment, and National Geographic-level experts onboard, the NG Endurance is an outstanding choice for any of her far-flung destinations. Highly recommended!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Questions?
I enthusiastically recommend 'Land of the Ice Bears' to travelers looking for an experienced operator with great skill and an excellent track record for locating polar bears.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Includes two hotel nights; accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance (recommended) Air transportation; charter flights Oslo/Longyearbyen/Oslo; immigration/passport fees; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD.
