North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & birds - Summer Solstice - 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 can sail to Raudfjorden on Spitsbergen's north coast and see a vast fjord filled with glaciers. Ringed seals and bearded Seals may even be seen. This fjord is home to a thriving colony of seabirds, lush vegetation and even polar bears.

Depending on weather conditions, you can sail in Liefdefjorden to cruise near the 5 km long (3.1 mile) Monaco Glacier. Kittiwakes and polar bears love to hunt in the waters around this glacier. If the ice prevents sailing early in the year, an alternative route can be taken along the West Coast of Spitsbergen.

You will sail through Hinlopen Strait today, where you can see polar bears, bearded and ringed Seals. There is a chance to see blue whales at the entrance. You can see the Brunnich's Guillemots on the Alkefjellet bird cliffs after a Zodiac cruise through the Lomfjordshalvoya ice floes. Nordaustlandet is located on the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait. You may see reindeer and pink-footed goose here. If ice is preventing entry to Hinlopen, you can use an alternative route.

You may reach the northernmost part of your journey north of Nordaustlandet in Seven Islands. You will reach 80deg North, only 870km (540 miles), from the geographical North Pole. This region is home to polar bears, and the ship will park in the ice for several hours before turning around again.

Keep an eye out for the elusive Greenland bowhead whales as you retrace your westward route. You sail along the edge of continental shelf about 40 nautical miles to the west of Spitsbergen. Fin whales feed in these upwelling zones, where cold water rich with nutrients rises from the ocean's depths. These upwelling areas run along Spitsbergen shores during summer. You can see minke whales at the mouth of Kongsfjorden.

Forlandsundet is your next destination. You may see walruses hauling out. You can also sail southward to Isfjorden's mouth and land at Alkhornet. Arctic foxes hunt for eggs and chicks on the cliffs below, while reindeer feed in sparse vegetation. Arriving in Longyearbyen at night is possible.

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