Beyond the Arctic Circle: Tromsø to Svalbard Expedition
Think of this as our “Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth” with a twist — starting in Norway and including remote Bear Island for a fresh take on the Arctic. Over 11 unforgettable days, you’ll cruise through the magical landscapes of the Norwegian Sea, Greenland, and Svalbard, exploring glacier-lined coasts, UNESCO-listed sites, and ancient Viking history. Perfect for travellers big on adventure but short on time, this expedition packs in wildlife sightings, jaw-dropping fjords, and endless Arctic wonder. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears prowling the ice, seals lounging on the shore, reindeer grazing the tundra, and birds soaring under the midnight sun. It’s wild, remote, and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Highlights
• Bear Island’s Seabird Spectacle: Discover the untouched Arctic beauty of Bear Island, with its rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, home to millions of seabirds like puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and little auks, offering a rare off-the-beaten-path wildlife adventure.
• South Spitsbergen’s Dramatic Fjords: Explore South Spitsbergen National Park’s stunning fjords, including the Hornsundtind massif and Bellsund, with snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and opportunities to spot bearded seals, polar bears, and historical sites.
• Polar Bear Search in Svalbard and Greenland Sea: Embark on Zodiac excursions through icy fjords and near sea ice, searching for elusive polar bears, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer, while marveling at glacier-filled landscapes and vibrant bird nesting colonies.
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Tromsø in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.
Meals included: Dinner
Sail northward from Tromsø spending a day at sea to travel to Bear Island, an untouched beauty of the Arctic. Think rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and very dramatic landscapes. The island is home to millions of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and little auks. Bear Island is a remote and often overlooked part of the Svalbard Archipelago, allowing those who do visit an off-the-beaten-path adventure and epic wildlife.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Continue sailing along the coast of Svalbard and explore near South Spitsbergen National Park. The fjords are characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and icy seas, offering stunning views. Start by seeing the Hornsundtind massif where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape and potentially view wildlife. The fjord cuts deep into the island creating a memorable visual experience. Search for bearded seals and maybe polar bears. The group will also visit Bellsund for other interesting historical sites and wildlife viewing.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Your 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. Always be on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, have your 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!
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore more of Svalbard, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.
Meals included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Book now |
Triple
Lower Deck Twin
Main Deck Twin Porthole
Main Deck Twin Window
Superior
Deluxe
Suite
Owners Suite
|
Book now |
Triple
Lower Deck Twin
Main Deck Twin Porthole
Main Deck Twin Window
Superior
Deluxe
Suite
Owners Suite
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 102 metres (331 feet)
Passenger Capacity: 128
Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017
With just 128 passengers and a 10:1 guest-to-expert ratio, Polar cruising with G is designed for real exploration rather than passive sightseeing. Small ship size allows for daily landings when conditions permit, getting guests off the ship and into polar landscapes more often than larger vessels can manage. Expert-led excursions are a core part of the experience, with historians, biologists, geologists, and wildlife specialists providing context and depth to every landing, glacier, and wildlife encounter.
The expedition experience focuses on substance, value, and community. Zodiac excursions, expert talks, gear use, and warm, informal hospitality are included, prioritising time on land over luxury extras. The newly refurbished Expedition ship, launching for the 2025/2026 season, blends proven polar capability with upgraded cabins, ensuite bathrooms, refreshed common areas, and modernised engines. A relaxed, small-group atmosphere fosters strong connections between guests, crew, and experts, creating a shared sense of purpose and one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Zodiac excursions
• Lectures and educational programs
• Coffee, tea and water complimentary on board
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• Arrival transfer
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel Insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Transfers unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities
• Beverages not listed in inclusions
• Any items of a personal nature
Expedition
Our Associates Include
