Svalbard 11 Day Odyssey from Oslo

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.   

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. 

Accommodation: Oslo Hotel (to be advised) 

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour.  

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail.  

Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of our charter flight to Longyearbyen. 

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife. 

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.  

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come. 

During the early morning, we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for our charter flight back to Oslo.  

Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated slot for our charter flight to and from Longyearbyen, which we expect to receive in March 2027.  

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Small Ship Expedition

Passenger Capacity: 154

Lenght: 104.4 m

Built: 2025

Setting sail in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is the latest addition to Aurora Expeditions’ fleet of purpose-built small ships, designed for global discovery and adventure in comfort. Named after the pioneering Australian geologist and explorer, this state-of-the-art vessel combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design, featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® for smoother sailing and enhanced sustainability. With space for up to 154 guests (130 on expedition voyages), it offers an intimate and environmentally conscious cruising experience. Multiple observation areas, a heated pool, Jacuzzis, and a sauna ensure guests enjoy both exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

On board, passengers can delve deeper into their destinations through engaging lectures in the theatre, hands-on learning in the Citizen Science Centre, and peaceful moments in the library or observation lounge. Dining is relaxed and sociable, with open seating, hearty cuisine, and complimentary beverages with dinner. Accommodation options range from luxurious suites with private balconies to well-appointed solo staterooms, catering to every traveller’s style and comfort. Whether navigating the polar regions or exploring the British Isles and Mediterranean, the Douglas Mawson delivers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and refined small-ship luxury.

Wild Earth Travel attends the launch of this new expedition ship

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 104 meters

Passenger Capacity: 126

Built / Refurbished: 2020/2021

The Sylvia Earle is a 104 m, 130-passenger expedition vessel launched in 2022, purpose-built to provide intimate, environmentally responsible voyages to the world’s most remote regions. Featuring the Ulstein X-BOW® hull design for smoother transit, it serves as a floating ambassador for marine conservation, with public decks honouring pioneering women in science and a fully equipped Citizen Science Center. The ship is designed for small, engaged groups, offering expert-led lectures, a participative science program, and extensive observation opportunities, including efficient Zodiac access and dedicated activity decks for kayaking and wildlife spotting.

Onboard amenities combine adventure with comfort. Guests can dine in open-seating restaurants or enjoy informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with tea, coffee, and snacks available 24 hours. Recreational facilities include a gym, sauna, and two Jacuzzis with panoramic views, while communal bars and lounges foster camaraderie. Staterooms range from the luxurious Captain’s Suite and Junior Suites to Balcony and Aurora Staterooms, including options for solo travellers and triples, all with private en-suites. The Sylvia Earle balances comfort, style, and sustainability, providing a fully immersive expedition experience.