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Realm of the Polar Bear - Expedition
The Expedition is a fun ship with an enthusiastic crew, perfect if you're an active traveler who doesn't mind a simple ship while you're exploring icy Spitsbergen and looking for bears.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.6*
ECO SCORE
134
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Expedition
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year. Spend time on deck searching for polar bears and whales. Cruise through breathtaking fjords and admire massive glaciers. Experience the midnight sun. Learn about Arctic history and ecology from our expert guides. Brave the Arctic waters and take the polar plunge. Enjoy the silence of the Arctic tundra.
- • With a look and feel like a college dorm this simple ship offers an active trip at a great value.
• Spend six glorious days looking for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife in this breathtaking icy region.
• This ship always offers a very happy and enthusiastic expedition staff!
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $4,199 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Ask us for 2024 dates.
June - July
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Has launched the Plastics Partnership Project to eliminate the use of single-use plastics
Conservation
Works closely with The Jane Goodall Institute avoid harming and exploiting wildlife
Community
ChildSafe certified and upholds a strict Child Welfare Traveler Code of Conduct
Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen/Spitsbergen
Transfer from Longyearbyen to the G Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Days 2-7: Spitsbergen
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship.
Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!
Days 2-7: Spitsbergen (Continued)
Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Included Activities:
Zodiac Excursion: Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.
Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.
Day 8: Spitsbergen/Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
General disembarkation from the vessel is at approximately 8:00am. You will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town center on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Radisson Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.
Due to restrictive airline schedules for flights departing from Longyearbyen, we are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
Please Note: Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary as described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip.
Pre-Cruise Hotel Night: The first night in is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travelers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Physical Rating: Moderate. Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirement: 10+. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Activity Option: (Extra Cost)
Arctic Kayaking: Kayaking isn’t just an outdoor adventure, it’s an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. A limited number of lucky adventurers will venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on select departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.
Rate: From $749pp
Expedition
The Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include: all cabins with private en suite baths and outside views, a gear shop, a dining room that accommodates all passengers in one sitting, a large aft deck with barbecue facilities, a forward deck viewing platforms, a fitness center/sauna, and a large fleet of Zodiacs with 4-stroke engines. Not only will the Expedition steer you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing places, this ship's professional and highly-skilled team of on-board experts will offer keen insight, unique perspectives, and hands-on attention not found in a guidebook. Make your next trip a voyage you’ll remember the rest of your life. Return home a different person than when you left after traveling on the Expedition.
• Capacity: 134 Guests
• Cabins: 67 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 1:10 Staff to Guest Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
USA Today "10 best Reader's Choice 2019 - Best Adventure Travel Company"
Gold Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator 2019"
Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards "2019 Best Adventure Operator"
"The Expedition is a much-loved vessel with simple cabins and amenities much like a college dorm. She has a very enthusiastic crew and expedition staff. This ship is spacious and highly functional with quad and triple cabins along with the opportunity for solo travelers to share with a same-sex roommate at the twin, triple or quad rate. She was originally a car ferry that was turned quite intentionally into an expedition vessel. The extra space allowed this operator to be one of the first to add a mud room for boots and gear which later became the fashion on many expedition vessels. One of the pioneers in sustainable travel, this operator protects the environment in countless ways and gives back to communities across the globe. If you're active, are fine with casual surroundings, and like to travel with happy people, the Expedition will provide you with a wonderful experience."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Questions?
I've had many happy clients return from adventures on the Expedition with rave reviews. The key is for me to make sure the traveler I'm speaking with is just right for and knows exactly what to expect on this fun yet simple ship.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
7 nights aboard the Expedition. Arrival transfer. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.
NOT INCLUDED
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included. Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some beverages, some meals, gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), alcohol, airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.
