Arctic, Spitsbergen
Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth
Similar to our 'Realm of the Polar Bear' itinerary, you'll enjoy three additional days of exploring. 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. Search for lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds under the midnight sun.
• Make the most of your time in the high Arctic with 11 days to explore
• Take a turn on "polar bear watch" with a member of the Expedition staff
• Challenge yourself with an optional polar plunge
• Capture a herd of Svalbard reindeer in your viewfinder
• Enjoy spectacular vistas under the midnight sun
• Learn from lectures on history and natural sciences
Highlights
• Make the most of your time in the high Arctic with 11 days to explore
• Take a turn on "polar bear watch" with a member of the Expedition staff
• Challenge yourself with an optional polar plunge
• Capture a herd of Svalbard reindeer in your viewfinder
• Enjoy spectacular vistas under the midnight sun
• Learn from lectures on history and natural sciences
Get a first glimpse of the midnight sun in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's capital. Embark the MS Expedition in the afternoon and depart Longyearbyen in the evening.
Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or the embarkation process.
All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
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-covered fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery, and glaciers crashing into the sea. Spend time steaming through the ice 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 travellers the best possible opportunity to see wildlife in and around the Svalbard archipelago. Ice conditions sometimes allow for sailing through the Hinlopenstretet towards the east coast of Spitsbergen, then through Freemansundet towards the south. However, this is not always possible.
Some departures will explore alternative routes to maximize time in this remote destination. 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.
On departure day, transfers to the Longyearbyen airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled.
On departure day, we will offer transfers to Longyearbyen Airport for all passengers with flights scheduled on that day.
After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.
We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.
| 26 June, 2021 to 06 July, 2021 | Book now |
Cat 1A - Quad
$7,099 NZD pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1 - Triple
$8,199 NZD pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 2 - Twin
$9,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
$10,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Cat 4 - Twin
$12,299 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 5 - Suite
$13,599 NZD pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
| 13 July, 2021 to 23 July, 2021 | Book now |
Cat 1A - Quad
$7,099 NZD pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1 - Triple
$8,199 NZD pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 2 - Twin
$9,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
$10,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Cat 4 - Twin
$12,299 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 5 - Suite
$13,599 NZD pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
| 30 July, 2021 to 09 August, 2021 | Book now |
Cat 1A - Quad
$7,399 NZD pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1 - Triple
$8,599 NZD pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 2 - Twin
$10,199 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
$11,299 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Cat 4 - Twin
$12,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 5 - Suite
$14,199 NZD pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
| 09 August, 2021 to 19 August, 2021 | Book now |
Cat 1A - Quad
$7,399 NZD pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1 - Triple
$8,599 NZD pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 2 - Twin
$10,199 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
$11,299 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Cat 4 - Twin
$12,799 NZD pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 5 - Suite
$14,199 NZD pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
Expedition
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 140
Built: refurbished 2009
Not only will the G Expedition steer you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing places, our professional and highly-skilled team of on-board experts offer keen insight, unique perspectives, and hands-on attention not found in a guidebook. Make your next tour a voyage you’ll remember the rest of your life. Return home a different person than when you left.
Cabins
Private en suite bathrooms
Bathrooms in all cabins feature washbasins, toilets and showers. (Category 5 cabins feature state-of-the-art full-body misting showers.)
Ocean views
All cabins are outside-facing with ocean views that frame some of the most remarkable and remote landscapes on Earth, and every cabin has its own porthole or window.
Spacious living quarters
All suites are 30m sq (320 sq ft) and all cabins are 15m sq (160 ft). All cabins come equipped with wardrobes, drawers, nightstands, and writing desks to make you feel as at-home as possible.
Daily cabin service
Our friendly crew will make your beds, fluff your pillows and tidy up your cabin while you’re out, ensuring you return to a warm, inviting room each night.
Amenities
The G Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include: All cabins with private en suite and outside view - The Penguin Library - Medical clinic and english speaking doctor - The Gear Shop - Polar Bear Pub - The Lounge - Albatross Dining Room, serving international cuisine and large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting - Large aft deck with barbecue facilities - Forward deck viewing platforms - Fitness centre/sauna - Large fleet of Zodiacs with 4-stroke engines
Crew & Staff
Experts in everything from geology to marine biology and polar history, the members of our team are always eager to share their infectious passion for the plants, animals, and people you’ll encounter. Add in professional hotel staff and a seasoned crew, and you’ll be more than comfortable during your adventure on the water.
10:1 passenger-to-expert ratio
More on-hand experts means deeper access and greater understanding of the planet’s most amazing places. Our experts’ lectures, Q&A sessions, and personal reflection deliver a personalized and intimate perspective on these faraway shores.
Kayaking (799.00 AUD)
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!
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
Trip specific inclusions;
Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen
Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
Lectures and educational programs
Insulated, waterproof boots for use throughout the voyage (USA sizes 4 - 16)
Expedition parka to keep
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
Trip specific exclusions;
Breakfast and Lunch in Longyearbyen on day 1
Expedition
11 Days from
$7,099 NZD pp
Our Associates Include
