Experience the highlights of Svalbard, a realm of almost continuous daylight where the sight of polar bears heightens your excitement, the calls of guillemots resonate from lofty cliffs, and beluga whales emerge from the sea. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, stay vigilant for arctic foxes, and uncover the historical camps of explorers and hunters. Navigate through pack ice to encounter walrus and bearded seals, and revel in the stunningly beautiful fjords.
After reaching Longyearbyen, a representative will greet and transfer you to the group hotel. Upon arriving at your provided hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to obtain luggage cabin tags and converse with the ground operations team for pre-embarkation details, dining options, cash withdrawal, or last-minute purchases from local establishments. The rest of the day is free, and you are responsible for all meals at Funken Lodge (or a similar accommodation).
This morning, make sure your cabin luggage has tags with your name and cabin number. The luggage will be collected, sanitized, and sent to the port for clearance, reaching your cabin before you board. Keep valuables with you throughout the day.
After breakfast, join a city tour in Longyearbyen, followed by a drive to Camp Barentz for a presentation and meeting huskies. Visit the Svalbard Museum before boarding in the late afternoon. Transfer to the pier, settle into your cabin, attend safety briefings, and experience the thrill of departure.
In the evening, join fellow expeditioners, the Expedition Team, and crew for a Welcome Dinner. Note: If the ship can't dock in Longyearbyen, we use Zodiacs; keep wet-weather gear in your hand luggage. Ensure your cabin luggage tag is clear, and the crew will deliver your luggage to your cabin.
Svalbard showcases its Arctic wilderness at its finest. The seasoned Expedition Team, with extensive experience in the region, adapts the daily itinerary based on weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife possibilities. Explore stunning fjords, majestic mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, immersing yourself in the history of early exploration. Witness walrus on sea ice or beaches, stroll through vibrant tundra, visit cliffs bustling with nesting guillemots and puffins, and discover scree slopes housing Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. The highlight is encountering polar bears on pack ice, with the Expedition Team actively spotting these awe-inspiring creatures. Optional activities like kayaking or a polar plunge are available when conditions permit, promising unforgettable experiences.
In the early morning, we sail back to Longyearbyen. Bid farewell to the Expedition Team upon disembarkation and have some leisure time before heading to the airport for your onward journey.
Note: It's advised not to book flights departing before 12:00 pm on the disembarkation day, considering potential delays at the voyage's conclusion.