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Polar Bear Express | Ocean Albatros

6 Days
From AUD 7,690

Trip Code: ACABPBE

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Oslo, Norway

Finish: Oslo, Norway

SHIP: Ocean Albatros

DestinationDestination

Svalbard

DestinationDeparture Date

16/06/2024, 21/06/2024

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

On this Arctic adventure, take in the great grandeur of Svalbard while passing by whales, walruses, polar bears, and millions of seabirds on one of the only ice-class expedition ships designed to resist the Arctic pack ice.

In just six short days, go off on an amazing voyage that will take you across freezing waters and beautiful scenery. Prepare to explore, learn about, and get up close to a wide variety of spectacular Arctic wildlife as you learn about the island's distinct ecology and mountainous, glaciated topography. Look for the endearing walrus, who are known for their long tusks and whiskers, as well as the enduring Arctic birds. Undoubtedly, sightings of the iconic polar bear will be the icing on the cake. You can explore the stunning glacier landscapes, get up close to the wildlife, and make exciting shore landings with our fleet of zodiacs.

ITINERARY

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Embarkation

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

After our initial onboarding and a celebratory toast from our Expedition Leader, you will be provided with all essential information regarding the voyage, the daily routine of the ship, and important safety protocols. We are all then required to partake in a safety drill, before our captain steers us away from Advent Fjord, and into the unknowns of our Arctic adventure.

Former Whaling Station At Smeerebburg & Tyne Norsk

On entering North West Svalbard, declared a national park in 1973, we begin the day with a cruise through Danskergattet, in search of seals at Virgohamna. Then, we travel from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya, to visit Smeerenburg, the famous 17th century whaling settlement. It is said that during the peak of blubber production, over two-hundred men were living (and unfortunately dying) there.

This northwestern area of Spitsbergen contains many points of interest that we can visit, should the weather be accommodating - among them, Ytre Norskøya, a lookout post used by whalers in the past.

Alkefjerllet & Polar Desert Landscape At Torrelnes

In the morning, we glide by the iconic Alkefjellet with fingers crossed for clear skies to observe the vertiginous cliffs. Swarmed by an enormous population of Brünichs guillemots, almost every surface is cloaked with the avian species. In the summer, their frenzied courting is an awe-inspiring sight, both on the cliff face and in the waters below.

The polar desert of Torrelnesset also holds numerous walruses lounging on its shoreline, as they feed on the clams and molluscs found in the shallow waters of Svalbard.

Liefde Fjord With Monaco Glacier & Texas Bar

During the night, we will venture to the Wood Fjord and its side arm, the Liefde Fjord. Our mission is to travel slowly alongside the sweeping glacier face of Monacobreen, giving us a rare perspective of the tremendous force of glacial activity and its varying iceberg creations. This glacier was dubbed after Albert I of Monaco, who heavily backed Svalbard's research pursuits.

This expanse was heavily traveled by trappers in the past, some even living here over winter and constructing cabins. A particularly renowned cabin, referred to as Texas Bar, is thought to be named after the US state of Texas and erected in 1927. Our plan is to take a tour around this area and enjoy the amazing scenery.

NY Ålesund & NY London

We enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord, renowned for its former mining settlement and captivating beauty. Our first destination is Ny Ålesund - a scientific research centre situated even further north than Longyearbyen, though it can be argued whether this constitutes an actual town. Our Captain will do their best to bring the boat close to the shore, allowing us to explore the area on foot.

Our next destination is the abandoned marble mining settlement of Ny London. It experienced a brief but eventful existence, beginning in a flurry of mining activity reminiscent of the Klondike Gold Rush before being crippled by wars and financial losses just nine years later. We can still see the remains of workshops, locomotives, and cranes that tell the story of the ambitious yet failed enterprise.

Finally, we will return southbound to the entrance of the Isfjord and onwards to Longyearbyen, hopefully with one last glimpse of the amazing wildlife and unparalleled landscapes of Svalbard.

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Disembarkation

By the morning, our vessel will arrive back at the place where it started, Longyearbyen. After a goodbye to the team and crew and after breakfast, people will begin disembarking the boat. Travel to the airport is provided.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
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
16 Jun 2024 21 Jun 2024 6 AUD 7,690
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole AUD 11,290
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole AUD 7,690
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom AUD 9,290
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom AUD 10,190
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom AUD 11,290
CAT B - Balcony Suite AUD 12,290
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite AUD 13,890
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite AUD 15,390
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite AUD 18,490
21 Jun 2024 26 Jun 2024 6 AUD 7,690
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole AUD 11,290
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole AUD 7,690
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom AUD 9,290
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom AUD 10,190
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom AUD 11,290
CAT B - Balcony Suite AUD 12,290
OCEAN ALBATROS | POLAR BEAR EXPRESS | 16JUN24 CAT A AUD 13,890
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite AUD 15,390
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite AUD 18,490

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS

    Cabin accommodation on board vessel
    Charter Fights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
    Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
    All meals whilst on board
    Dinner Drinks Package
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
    All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
    Landing fees
    Pre and post cruise and ferry transfers
    Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International Flights (except ones mentioned above)
    Meals not on board the ship
    All items of a personal nature
    Customary gratuities for staff/crew
    Any pre or post cruise accommodation 
    Any pre or post cruise travel extensions 
    Travel insurance

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available on request for some cabin categories. Subject to availability. Contact us for more details.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.