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Svalbard Circumnavigation | Ocean Albatros

Save 10% on all remaining categories for both the 22 June & 1 July 2023 departures.
Discount valid for sale until 28feb23.Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations.
Further conditions apply, please contact us for more information.

10 Days
Save Up To 10%

WAS From AUD 10,190   Now From AUD 9,171

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACABSU

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

SHIP: Ocean Albatros

DestinationDestination

Svalbard

DestinationDeparture Date

22/06/2023, 01/07/2023

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard as you circumnavigate this incredible archipelago. A voyage among the walrus, whales, polar bears and sea birds, circumnavigating Svalbard is truly a unique voyage to tick off the bucket list. The vibrant yet short Svalbard summer is amassing with energy - Reindeer graze storing energy for the winter, the cliff's shimmer with life populated with countless birds and walrus, seal and whale forage along the pack ice. With your fleet of cozy and fast moving zodiacs you will have the opportunity to disembark your vessel and witness these wildlife up close. Apart from wildlife sightings you will undertake a number of shore excursions to rocky alcoves, deep fjords and dramatic Arctic tundra. 

Note: Return flights are included from Oslo to Longyearbyen.


*Current Promotion listed is Not combinable with any other promotion. Offers apply to new bookings only. Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Further conditions apply, please contact us for more information.
*Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change based on availability, currency exchange and other factors. Please contact us for live availability and prices. 

ITINERARY

Arrival and Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Arrival to Longyearbyen, Capital of Svalbard – possibly the northernmost ‘real’ town in the world.

Your vessel is docked close to the town center. After boarding and a welcome drink, the Expedition Leader will provide information about the voyage, the ship's daily routines and the various security and safety procedures. Before sailing, there will be a mandatory safety drill. The Captain then takes the ship out of Advent Fjord and our Arctic adventure commences.

Ny Alesund, Ny London and Lilienhook

During the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never sets?), we have passed Prins Karls Forland and have arrived in the magnificent Kongsfjord. Our visit to Svalbard is in the early summer and this is both the challenge and gift of this special voyage. Winter ice will possibly block the inner waters of many fjords, but this will give us the best opportunities to observe the omnipresent – but still elusive – polar bear, hunting for seals in its prime habitat. At this time of year the migrating birds have just arrived. They are all eager to settle and feed to get the best start for the coming hectic summer months.

Our first landing will be at Ny Ålesund. This settlement is in fact further north than Longyearbyen, making it THE northernmost town. But… is a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours a real town? You will have to judge for yourself. The setting is nice, the scientific projects are very interesting, and so is the town history. The Captain will try to get docked alongside, so we can enjoy an easy walk through the area.

In the afternoon, we continue further north into the fjord system, and depending on the ice situation, we may do a Zodiac cruise along the Lilliehöök Glacier front… or enjoy a lecture.

Smeerenburg and Ytre Norskoya

We have now entered North West Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a slow cruise in Danskergattet, looking for seals in Virgohamna, before crossing from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya to make a landing at Smeerenburg, the legendary whaling town of 17th century. 200-plus men were living – and quite often dying – here in the heyday of blubber production.

There are several interesting places to visit in this northwestern corner of Spitsbergen. If conditions allow we’ll make a landing on Ytre Norskøya, where whalers would have their lookout posts.

Monaco Glacier and Pack Ice

During the night we head to Wood Fjord and its branch, the Liefde Fjord. Our plan is to embark on a cruise along the broad glacier front of Monacobreen. This gives a unique insight of the glacial forces and the unlimited forms of icebergs. The ice front is named after Albert I of Monaco, who was a major sponsor of Svalbard research.

During the afternoon the ship will steer far north towards the edge of the polar pack ice. How far north only time and weather will tell, but the main target for us is just the ‘edge’, possibly at 80 degrees north! This is the kingdom of the polar bear! As the pack ice retreats during summer, polar bears ride the floes north, as this is where their prey - the seals - resides. Bears who for unfortunate reasons do not ‘catch’ the ice moving north, are stranded on Svalbard all summer, and will have to sustain on berries, eggs and whatever whale cadavers they can find. A hard life indeed!

Alkefjellet and Torrelnesset

In the morning we arrive and cruise slowly by the famous Alkefjellet. If the weather is on “our side” we will have a good view of the steep cliffs. The whole area is home to a dense congregation of Brünichs guillemots. There is so many of the birds, that hardly an inch is free. During the summer the breeding pairs offer a wild view of frantic activity, both along the cliffs and in the sea in front.

More wildlife awaits us as we land at the polar desert landscapes of Torrelnesset. The beach here is home to a host of walruses that lay amongst each other. They feed on the clams and any other molluscs that they can find in the shallows of Svalbard’s waters.

Hinlopen Strait, Edgeoya

The main issue that can halt a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is the ice situation along Hinlopen Strait. If the ice is passable we can make it through the southern edge of the Strait and cruise through Freemansundet that separates Barentsoya and Edgeøya. We enjoy the views of the massive Kapp Lee on our way and pass through into Storfjorden.

We plan to make a Zodiac landing along Edgeoya’s coast. Edgeoya is the third largest island in Svalbard with an area of more than 5000 square kilometers.

During the night we will cross the southernmost part of Svalbard, called Sorkapp. From here we will continue our way up the western coast.

Hornsund at Isbjornehamna

Now that we have passed the southern edge of Spitsbergen we arrive at the entrance to Hornsund. We will be able to see buildings around Isbjørnhamna on the northern shore. This is a polish research station, that has been here since 1957. Here research subjects are: geophysics, seismics, meteorology and the ionosphere. The work relationship between the polish researchers and the Norwegian polar institute is very good, which secures the future of the station (as long as funding continues).

The fjord is almost 30 kilometers long and many call it the most beautiful, with many glaciers that calve into the waters as well as towering mountains along the shores. The mountaintops are most often covered by dense clouds and East-Spitsbergen current often leads pack ice into the fjords mouth. In other words, we are guests in a very impressive show that unfolds before us.

Bellsund, Calypsobyen

The west coast enjoys the warmer water coming up through the Atlantic, so winter ice should now have melted. This allows us to enter the southern fjord of Bellsund on this last full day of exploration. Bellsund has some of the richest coal layers in Svalbard, and Svea Mine, far into the fjord, was formerly one of the biggest communities on the island. But prices went down, and the coal mine is currently being dismantled.

We will stay in the fjord entrance and make landings at the Vårsol Bay. The biggest attraction here is the little auk cliff. Tundra is richly fertilized by hundreds of thousands of little auks, which the Svalbard reindeer love to graze. We will go for a nice walk along the beach – and spot remains from early industrial eras.

During lunch, we’ll cross the fjord along the 4 km long (but quite narrow) island of Akseloya. We will make a Zodiac landing at Calypsobyen in Recherche Fjord. Coal was extracted here in the early 1900s, but the enterprise never attained full production. Today, Calypsobyen offers an exciting landing that gives visitors a glimpse of the era of Neo-Industrialism, when all opportunities for profit were tried out. A pleasant walk can be made on the tundra behind the buildings.

Prince Karls Forland, Isfjorden

During the night we have entered Forlandssundet, that separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Our destination is Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. After the visit, we are southbound towards the entrance to the Isfjorden.

On our way towards Longyearbyen, we hope to get our last glimpses of wildlife as well as the truly unique landscapes of Svalbard.

Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

Early in the morning the ship has returned to our starting point in Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembarkation will take place. Transfer is arranged to the airport.

Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Catch a glimpse of unique Arctic wildlife including walrus, Arctic fox, whales, hardy seabirds and maybe even spot the elusive polar bear

  • Undertake a true expedition experience - enjoy wonderfully informed lectures on board your comfortable vessel, jump on zodiacs and visit remote shores and spot incredible wildlife as you search for true adventure

  • Undertake this voyage on board Ocean Albatros - This new and state-of-the-art vessel features X-bow technology allowing for a much smoother cruising experience.

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros

Deploying in November 2022 the Ocean Albatros will feature the latest in X-Bow hull technology. With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed views, the Ocean Albatros will be one of the most popular expedition vessels in polar waters. Featuring two restaurants, a wellness area, Nordic bar, an open deck dining facility, modern lecture lounge and a number of other state-of-the-art amenities, the Albatros will provide the ultimate expedition experience. Boasting 50% less emissions than traditional polar vessels, the Albatros provides peace of mind in regard to comfort and sustainability for our guests.  The Albatros will also come with a unique panorama sauna and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without single supplement.

Ice Class: Length: 104.4m
Breadth: 18.4mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
189

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Departing Ending Duration From Price
22 Jun 2023 01 Jul 2023 10 AUD 8,901
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 13,401
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 8,901
CAT E - French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 11,691
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 11,241
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 12,681
CAT B - Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 14,121
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 18,981
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 22,221
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 23,931
01 Jul 2023 10 Jul 2023 10 AUD 9,171
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 13,761
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 9,171
CAT E - French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 11,961
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom SOLD OUTSOLD OUT
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 13,131
CAT B - Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 14,751
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 19,701
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 23,211
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFAUD 25,641

Important Information

  • Cabin accommodation on baord vessel
    All meals whilst on board
    All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
    Charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
    Tariffs, Taxes and AECO fees

    EXCLUSIONS

    International flights
    Accommodation in Oslo prior to voyage
    Travel insurance
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
    Beverages (other than tea and coffee)
    Customary gratuity for crew 
    Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available on request. Please contact us for more information.

  • Please note this itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather, ice and sea conditions.

  • Departure date, seasonality and availability.