Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun | Ocean Albatros Expedition Ship

Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun

The High Arctic expedition allows travelers to experience the stunning natural beauty which Svalbard presents throughout its entire territory. The expedition starts and finishes at Longyearbyen while it follows Spitsbergen's wild shores and the polar desert of northeastern Svalbard and the frozen Arctic pack ice region.

The Arctic summer brings continuous sunlight which reveals the beauty of glaciers and fjords and distant islands where animals live in their natural habitat. The journey reveals two different aspects of remote wilderness through its visits to historic whaling villages and contemporary scientific research facilities.

Day by day

Day 1: Longyearbyen and the Start of the Expedition

The expedition starts its journey at Longyearbyen which serves as the northernmost settlement in the world. The town shows visitors how Arctic people live through its location between glaciers and tundra and its stunning mountain scenery. The expedition starts when passengers board the vessel which leaves Isfjorden to explore the northern part of Svalbard's extensive wilderness.

Day 2: Exploring Northwest Svalbard

The first major exploration takes place within Northwest Svalbard National Park, an area rich in both history and wildlife. European whalers used this area as their operational base during the first period of Arctic exploration. The coastal region contains various settlement ruins which spread across different locations. The park safeguards vital ecosystems which support walruses that beach themselves on shore and seabirds that create massive nesting areas.

Day 3: Exploring Northwest Svalbard

Day 4: The Polar Desert of Northeast Svalbard

Day 5: Far North Islands of the Archipelago

Day 6: The Edge of the Arctic Ice

Day 7: Ny-Ålesund and Kongsfjorden

Day 8: Return to 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

Experience the Arctic midnight sun during summer

Venture close to the Arctic pack ice north of Svalbard

Visit Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost research community in the world

Discover historic whaling sites and polar exploration landmarks

Observe Arctic wildlife including walruses, reindeer, 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.