Svalbard Odyssey | Greg Mortimer Expedition Ship

Svalbard Odyssey

Svalbard is blessed with a near-constant daylight, and the polar bears are a great source of excitement. Guillemots' calls echo from the cliffs and belugas appear in the water. Learn about the history and culture of hunters and explorers by exploring tundras filled with wildflowers. In the ice, you can find walruses as well as seals and many other creatures. Enjoy the breathtaking fjords.

Day by day

Day 1: Longyearbyen

You will be met by a representative at Longyearbyen who will take you directly to the hotel of your group. Once you arrive, please visit the hospitality desk at your hotel to pick up luggage tags. The team in the ground operations office can provide you with information about the pre-departure, the dining options and any last minute purchases. The rest of the day can be spent at Funken Lodge, or another comparable hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Please ensure your luggage is clearly marked with your name, cabin number and the cabin tag this morning. The luggage is collected at your hotel, and then taken to the port to be processed and delivered to your cabin before your arrival. Keep any personal or valuable items on you at all times.
Your luggage will be picked up from your hotel this morning and brought directly to the port to undergo disinfection and customs clearance. It will then be delivered to your cabin before your departure. Your cabin luggage must be clearly marked with your cabin number and name. All valuables and personal items must be carried with you at all times. Breakfast at the hotel is included in your expedition fee. Then, join other members of your group for a tour around Longyearbyen.

Your guide will introduce you to Longyearbyen’s rich history as we drive towards Camp Barentz, in the Advent Valley. We enjoy the presentation at Camp Barentz in a large, traditional 'lavvo.' This is a building that's common to northern Norway. Also, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs or meet friendly huskies. The Svalbard Museum will be visited in town, before you board the ship late in the afternoon.

You will then be driven directly to the dock for embarkation late in the afternoon. Enjoy the excitement of the departure, as we "throw the line" and start sailing.

Meet your fellow members of the expedition and the friendly crew and team at our Welcome Dinner. This is a great way to start an adventure.

Note : Due to limited space or capacity, our ship may not be able to dock at Longyearbyen. We will then reach the vessel by Zodiac in these situations. If this is the situation, please keep all wet weather gear inside your hand luggage to be used in Zodiacs. Your cabin baggage tag must be visible.

Day 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11: Svalbard

Day 12: Longyearbyen

+12

Highlights

Take tundra hikes amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Explore the area near 80° north in search of polar bears on ice floes.

Sail past azure glacier fronts and navigate through breathtaking fjords.

Experience the excitement of spotting walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, guillemots, and puffins.

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.