Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth - Expedition
Spend 9 glorious days searching for polar bears in their favorite habitat, Spitsbergen. This simple ship attracts active travelers who don't mind a casual, college dorm-like atmosphere.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.6*
ECO SCORE
134
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Expedition
Scour the ice and tundra in search of the elusive polar bear and encounter even more icebergs, glaciers, and unique wildlife than you ever thought possible on this 11-day expedition. 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 brilliance of the midnight sun.
- • With a look and feel like a college dorm this simple ship offers an active trip at a great value.
• Spend nine 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 $5,899 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Ask us for 2023 dates.
June-July 2023
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
Get a first glimpse of the midnight sun in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's capital. Transfer from the town to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation. In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. (This day includes Dinner.)
Days 2-10: Spitsbergen
Each day is planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Svalbard is one of the few places on the planet to offer such a plethora of natural and historical extravaganzas. Spend the next nine days exploring the remote polar regions. Visit ice-sculpted fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery, and glaciers crashing into the sea. Spend time exploring pack ice edges in search of polar bears hunting seals. At one or more of the stops, it's possible to encounter Svalbard's Arctic fox and the region's unique reindeer.
Our goal is to give travelers the best possible opportunity to see wildlife in and around the Svalbard archipelago. 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 will cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore the entire archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions of Nordaustlandet and Kvitøya, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Days 2-10: Spitsbergen (Continued)
Svalbard is one of the few places on the planet that offers such a wealth and diversity of natural and cultural history sites. During these nine days, visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery, and glaciers flowing into the sea. Spend time moving through the ice in search of polar bears hunting seals.
Ivory gulls will be a highlight for the birders. Keep a constant lookout for walrus hauled out on ice floes or on sandy beaches. Ice permitting, visit spectacular bird cliffs filled with thousands of murres (guillemots), as well as kittiwakes and glaucous gulls. Shore stops will be highlighted with tiny tundra flowers. The Expedition team will be on hand to answer any questions about this spectacular wilderness.
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 11: Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled. Climb aboard a local bus, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. (This day includes Breakfast.)
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.
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. What she lacks in style and sophistication, she makes up by having 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
10 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; 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners.
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.
