Svalbard Express | Ocean Albatros Expedition Ship

Svalbard Express

The Svalbard archipelago welcomes visitors to experience its Arctic wilderness through a brief but deeply memorable exploration. The expedition starts and finishes at Longyearbyen while exploring Svalbard's northern territories including its majestic fjords and distant islands and ever-changing sea ice patterns.

Visitors to this area discover historic sites from past explorations together with flourishing seabird populations and abundant marine environments. The expedition lets you watch walruses and Arctic foxes and polar bears while you explore the distant wilderness which exists at the edge of our world.

Day by day

Day 1: Welcome to Longyearbyen

The journey starts at Longyearbyen which stands as an isolated Arctic settlement that exists among glaciers and tundra and rough mountain landscapes. The settlement exists far north of mainland Norway but it operates as an active town which supports Arctic scientific studies and exploration missions. The expedition vessel sets sail through Isfjorden after passengers board the ship which starts its journey toward Svalbard's isolated wilderness regions.

Day 2: Historic Shores of Northwest Svalbard

The northwest section of Svalbard presents visitors with an exceptional blend of historic sites together with natural wildlife habitats. The national park safeguards two historical whaling sites from European times which include Smeerenburg where 17th-century whalers operated their stations. The natural world has taken back control of this area which now functions as a vital home for Arctic animals. The walruses choose to rest on sandy beaches while seabirds build their nests in the cliffs that rise above them.

Day 3: Northeast Polar Desert

Day 4: Remote Islands of Northern Svalbard

Day 5: Exploring the Arctic Ice Edge

Day 6: Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund

Day 7: Farewell to the Arctic in Longyearbyen

+12

Cruise Includes

Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre

Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport

All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team

Expedition parka

Rubber boots loan scheme

Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team

English-speaking Expedition Team

Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)

Free tea and coffee available 24 hours

Taxes and landing fees

Special photo workshops

Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

Cruise does not include

Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades

Meals not on board the ship

Beverages (other than coffee and tea)

Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)

Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)

Highlights

Explore remote islands near the northern edge of Svalbard

Visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost research settlement

Discover historic Arctic exploration sites

Navigate near the Arctic pack ice

Observe wildlife including walruses, seabirds, and polar bears

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.