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Svalbard: Last Stop Before the North Pole | Ocean Albatros

8 Days
From USD 6,990

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACABLS

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

SHIP: Ocean Albatros

DestinationDestination

Svalbard

DestinationDeparture Date

15/06/2023, 26/06/2024, 03/07/2024

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Enjoy the unforgettable beauty of Svalbard on this incredible Arctic expedition. This 8 day voyage will have you cruising among whales, walrus, seabirds and even polar bears. Enjoy the vibrant beauty of the stunning yet short Arctic Summer. It is during summer that unique wildlife like the Arctic fox and reindeer are grazing, gathering energy for the frozen polar winter. Similarly, the rugged and dramatic cliff faces begin to shimmer with life as almost every surface is covered with thousands of hardy seabirds - new generations of seabirds soon to leave their nests. With your fleet of fast moving and sturdy zodiacs you will be able to take undertake a number of landings of the incredible Arctic tundra, whilst also cruising to close proximity to resting walrus and seals.

Note: Return flights are included from Oslo to Longyearbyen.


*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

Embarkation in Longyearbyen

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

Our 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.

Regnardneset and Lilliehook Glacier

During the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never sets?), we have passed Prins Karls Forland and have arrived in the magnificent Krossfjord. Our visit to Svalbard is in the middle of the arctic summer and at this time of year the migrating birds are very active. The months of June and July offers the best chances of spotting exotic and fantastic birds. We plan on making a landing during the morning at Mollerhamna or in another suitable location. The majestic landscape around Regnardneset in the innermost area of Krossfjorden give us our first taste of what has enticed the early explorers of these lands in the far north.

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 Lilliehook 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 Zodiac 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 Norskoya, where whalers would have their lookout posts.

Alkafjellet 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.

Pack Ice and Polar Bear Country

During the night 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!

A part goal of the day is to also reach the island Nordaustlandet and hopefully its 7 (or 9, depending on how you count) smaller islands Sjuoyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km more northernly than mainland Norway’s famous Nordkapp.

Weather permitting, we will land and walk these most northern landmasses. The high Arctic islands are quite barren, only with moss and lichens covering the stones. The birdlife is rich in this area and some of the rarer gulls frequent these islands. So bring your binoculars.

Monaco Glacier and Texas Bar

During the night we head to Wood Fjord and its branch, the Liefde Fjord. Our plan is to embark on a Zodiac 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.

Many trappers historically hunted and trapped in these areas. Some of them stayed over the winter and built cabins. The cabin known as Texas Bar is said to be named after the US state of Texas. This cabin was built in 1927. We plan to visit the area around the cabin and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us.

Ny Alesund and Ny London

Today we enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord known for the former mining settlement and simply being one of the most amazing fjord areas in all of Svalbard. 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 alongside, so we can enjoy an easy walk through the area.

On the opposite side of the fjord we find the abandoned marble mining settlement Ny London. Its history is short but hectic, as the marble deposits allowed for an almost Klondike like rush to mine the resources. Wars and failing financial viability ended the adventure only 9 years after it started. We take a walk amongst the ruins of workshops, locomotives and cranes, testament to the great but failed investments.

After the visit, we are southbound towards the entrance to the Isfjord. 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.
For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, Ocean Atlantic has excellent public areas, such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ship is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.

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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

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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
15 Jun 2023 22 Jun 2023 8 USD 4,311
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 6,741
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 4,311
CAT E - French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 5,841
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom SOLD OUTSOLD OUT
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 6,291
CAT B - Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 7,011
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 9,711
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 11,241
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10% OFFUSD 12,591
26 Jun 2024 03 Jul 2024 8 USD 6,990
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole USD 9,590
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole USD 6,990
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom USD 7,990
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom USD 8,790
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom USD 9,590
CAT B - Balcony Suite USD 10,590
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite USD 12,990
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite USD 14,990
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite USD 16,990
03 Jul 2024 10 Jul 2024 8 USD 6,990
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Stateroom Porthole SOLD OUT
CAT F - Triple Stateroom Porthole USD 6,990
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom USD 7,990
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom USD 8,790
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom USD 9,590
CAT B - Balcony Suite USD 10,590
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite USD 12,990
CAT FS - Freydis Premium Balcony Suite USD 14,990
CAT BS – Brynhilde 2BR French Balcony Suite USD 16,990

Important Information

  • Cabin accommodation on board vessel
    All meals whilst on board
    Charter Flight Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
    All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
    Landing fees
    Pre and post cruise and ferry transfers

    EXCLUSIONS

    Accommodation in Oslo
    International Flights
    All items of a personal nature
    Customary gratuities for staff/crew
    Any pre or post cruise travel extensions
    Travel insurance

  • 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.