Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice - Antarctic Cruise

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first Minke Whale of the voyage.

You arrive in Krossfjorden by the morning after heading north up the west coast. You can board Zodiacs and cruise close to the Fourteenth July Glacier's blue-white face. Colorful flowers grow on the slopes around the glacier. Kittiwakes, Brunnich's Guillemots and other birds nest in the cliffs. A bearded sea seal or an Arctic Fox may be seen paddling in the fjord. Afternoon, you will sail to Ny Alesund - the world's northernmost settlement. Ny Alesund, once a mining community served by the most northern railway in the world - its tracks can be seen - is now a center for research. A breeding area for Arctic Terns, Pink-footed Geese and Barnacle Geese is located near the village. If you are interested in Arctic exploration history, stop by the mast that was used to anchor the airships Norge (1926), and Italia (1928) of polar explorers Amundsen, and Nobile.

You may reach the northernmost part of your journey north of Nordaustlandet in Seven Islands. You can reach the geographical North Pole at 870km (540miles) away, or 80deg. This stark, desolate land is home to polar bears and Walrus. The ship can spend several hours searching for wildlife in the pack ice later in the day.

You will reach Nordaustlandet by pushing east. This is the place where in 1928, the Italian captain Sora attempted to save the Nobile expedition. You can also choose to land in Firkantbukta and gain altitude for some higher-elevation pictures. You could also take a Zodiac tour near Storoya where you may encounter walruses.

You are trying to get to Kvitoya today, which is located in the far east near Russian territory. This island is covered in ice, leaving only a tiny area of it bare. Land at the west tip of Andreeneset where S. A. Andree, a Swedish explorer and his two companions died in 1897. Kraemerpynten is another objective of the day, as it's home to a large group of walruses.

You can land south of Nordaustlandet on Isisoya. This island was once a Nunatak region surrounded with glaciers, but is now a sea-surrounded island. Brasvellbreen is part of Europe's largest icecap and famous for its melting water waterfalls.

Polar bears can sometimes prevent landings at Freemansundet. Sundneset, Kapp Waldburg and Rindedalen are all possible stops in Barentsoya. Diskobukta is another option, but Kapp Lee will likely be your final destination. Kapp Lee has a walrus haul out, Pomor Ruins, and hiking along Edgeoya.

The day begins with a cruise through the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen. You can see the towering peaks of Hornsundtind, which rises to 1,431 metres (4,695 ft). Bautaen illustrates why the Dutch named the island Spitsbergen - meaning "pointed mountain". There are also 14 large glaciers and opportunities to spot seals, polar bears and belugas.

You are now in Bellsund - one of Svalbard's largest fjord system. This area is slightly warmer due to ocean currents, as can be seen in the lush vegetation. There are many opportunities for both wildlife and history to be enjoyed. Ahlstrandhalvoya is a possibility, located at the mouth Van Keulenfjorden. Here, you can find piles of beluga bones. The remains of whales that were killed in the 19th century are an eerie reminder of what happened when exploitation was rampant. You have a high chance of seeing a beluga group. You can also explore the tundra, where you will find reindeer feeding, or rock slopes, where auks breed, when you cruise along Bellsund's side fjords.

All adventures must come to a close. As you disembark from the ship in Longyearbyen and head home, your memories will follow you to wherever your next journey takes.