Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearben, then join our expedition to the north of the island to take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, the thousands of seabirds, and of course the star of the show, the polar bear. Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. We hope to cruise to the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier before entering the Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region. We plan to sail to the edge of the ice-pack in search of whales before heading back to dry land in search of terrestrial wildlife.


Highlights


• Arctic Fox

• Kittiwake

• Polar Bear Tour

• Shore-Based Walking

• Sjuøyane

• Svalbard Reindeer

• Walrus

• Zodiac Cruising & Shore program

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. You can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

While retracing your route west, keep watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, you sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, your next stop. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. You arrive in Longyearbyen later at night.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary.

Quadruple Porthole

$4,000 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole Limited Availability
1 porthole 2 upper & lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,600 USD pp
Twin Porthole
1 porthole 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Window

$6,050 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Superior

$7,300 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed 1 sofa bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Triple Porthole

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Twin Deluxe

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Quadruple Porthole

$4,000 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole
1 porthole 2 upper & lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Triple Porthole

$4,800 USD pp
Triple Porthole
1 porthole 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,600 USD pp
Twin Porthole
1 porthole 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Window

$6,050 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Deluxe

$6,400 USD pp
Twin Deluxe
2 windows 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins

Superior

$7,300 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed 1 sofa bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Porthole

$5,600 USD pp
Twin Porthole Limited Availability
1 porthole 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Window

$6,050 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Superior

$7,300 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed 1 sofa bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Quadruple Porthole

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Triple Porthole

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Twin Deluxe

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Quadruple Porthole

$4,300 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole
1 porthole 2 upper & lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Triple Porthole

$5,350 USD pp
Triple Porthole
1 porthole 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,950 USD pp
Twin Porthole
1 porthole 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Window

$6,450 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Deluxe

$6,800 USD pp
Twin Deluxe
2 windows 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins

Superior

$7,750 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed 1 sofa bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Quadruple Porthole

$4,300 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole
2 portholes 2 upper & lower berths Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Triple Porthole

$5,350 USD pp
Triple Porthole
2 portholes 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,950 USD pp
Twin Porthole
2 portholes 2 single beds Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Twin Window

$6,450 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 single beds Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Twin Deluxe

$6,800 USD pp
Twin Deluxe
2 windows 2 single beds Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Superior

$7,750 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Junior Suite

$8,850 USD pp
Junior Suite
1 double window 1 double bed Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Grand Suite with Private Balcony

$9,550 USD pp
Grand Suite with Private Balcony
1 double window 1 double bed Sofa Private balcony Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Summer Solstice Departure

Quadruple Porthole

$4,300 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole
2 portholes 2 upper & lower berths Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Triple Porthole

$5,350 USD pp
Triple Porthole
2 portholes 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,950 USD pp
Twin Porthole
2 portholes 2 single beds Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Twin Window

$6,450 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 single beds Small sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Twin Deluxe

$6,800 USD pp
Twin Deluxe
2 windows 2 single beds Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Superior

$7,750 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Junior Suite

$8,850 USD pp
Junior Suite
1 double window 1 double bed Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Grand Suite with Private Balcony

$9,550 USD pp
Grand Suite with Private Balcony
1 double window 1 double bed Sofa Private balcony Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Cabinet Wardrobe Safe

Summer Solstice Departure

Quadruple Porthole

$4,300 USD pp
Quadruple Porthole
1 porthole 2 upper & lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Triple Porthole

$5,350 USD pp
Triple Porthole
1 porthole 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Twin Porthole

$5,950 USD pp
Twin Porthole
1 porthole 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Window

$6,450 USD pp
Twin Window
1 window 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space

Twin Deluxe

$6,800 USD pp
Twin Deluxe
2 windows 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Ample storage space These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins

Superior

$7,750 USD pp
Superior
2 windows 1 double bed 1 sofa bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Vessel Type: Polar Class Expedition Ship

Length: 107.6 metres

Passenger Capacity: 170

Built: 2019

Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register demands for ice-strengthened cruise vessels. Hondius also exceeds the requirements of the Polar Code as adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), allowing you to enjoy the polar regions as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible. Upon completion, Hondius will be the most flexible, advanced, innovative ice-strengthened vessel in the polar regions. It is optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.

Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 28 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. The passenger capacity certificate for Hondius is 196 persons. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. 

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac embarkation platform that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.  

Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained.

Cabin layout for Hondius

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 89 metres

Passenger Capacity: 108 - 116

Built / refurbished: 1976 / 2009

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins (108 passengers as of season Arctic 2020) with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds), and 2 triple cabins (1 bunk bed plus 1 lower bed).

The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 37 (18 nautical crew and 19 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Cabin layout for Plancius

Inclusions


• Voyage in selected accommodation category
• All meals while on board the ship
• Coffee and Tea while on board
• All shore excursions and landings by zodiac as per the itinerary
• Lectures held on board by Expedition Team and natuarlists
• Port Charges/Taxes
• Comprehensive Pre-departure materials
• Rubber boots and snow shoes for use throughout the voyage
• Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen

Exclusions


• International and domestic airfares whether commercial or charter
• Pre and Post-voyage accommodation
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Travel insurance including medical evacuation cover
• Beverages not listed in inclusions
• Any items of a personal nature including any medical costs incurred on board
• Meals when not on board the ship
• Gratuities (Recommended USD$15 per passenger per day)
• Transfers for passengers not on the group flights
Hondius
Spitsbergen ExpeditionExpedition
8 Days from
$4,000 USD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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