Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
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, our ace spotters have given our guests multiple opportunities to experience close sightings. In addition to the bears, we’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.
Highlights
• Search for polar bears and walrus alongside our skilled veteran spotters
• Explore under the midnight sun—and take advantage of spectacular photo ops with tips from a National Geographic photographer
• Sail up to rock-wall rookeries teeming with thousands of birds, see pelagic birds from the ship’s rail when we’re underway, and Zodiac cruise near a cloud of feeding arctic terns
• Actively explore––kayak, Zodiac cruise, hike, and walk
• Even discover the seldom-seen undersea via video shot by an ROV
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 th
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for flights home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Passenger Capacity: 126
Built: 2020
One of two next-generation ships purpose-built for polar exploration, National Geographic Resolution is named in tribute to Captain James Cook’s legendary second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. With a Polar Code Category A ice-class hull and a pioneering X-Bow® design, she offers unmatched comfort, stability, and quiet passage through even the most challenging polar waters—opening access to remote corners of the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond.
Designed for immersive exploration, the ship’s interior is warm, modern, and elegantly Scandinavian, with expansive windows throughout that keep the wild, ice-bound world always within view. Her six decks house 76 spacious cabins, inviting public spaces, and a full complement of expedition tools. Guests can relax in the observation lounge, library, or spa; enjoy flexible dining across three venues; or gear up in the Expedition Base before heading out in Zodiacs or kayaks. From polar bear sightings in Svalbard to navigating ice-choked channels in the Southern Ocean, Resolution is a state-of-the-art platform for discovering the planet’s most astonishing frontiers.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
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• Includes two hotel nights
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
