Antarctica
Travel to see icebergs, penguins and whales
Spitsbergen and Svalbard 9 Night | One Ocean Expeditions
Spitsbergen Spitsbergen Encounter 9 nights
Join our extensive and personalized Photography Symposium in Spitsbergen June 26th, 2021.
Spitsbergen and the Svalbard archipelago offer a tremendous wildlife and birdlife experience, as well as a fascinating lesson in glaciology. First used as a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands are now celebrated as a breeding ground for many seabirds, along with marine mammals and the elusive polar bear. Our expedition ships are perfectly suited for remote polar exploration. With their high ice classification we are able to push further to the north, along the edge of the ice pack. It is here we frequently encounter the icon of the Arctic – the polar bear – hunting for seals and other protein sources to sustain them through the Arctic summer. Throughout our journey we enjoy a comprehensive series of presentations by polar experts, providing an excellent background to the expedition.
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Spitsbergen Encounter
Starting Rate: N/A
Number of Nights: 9
Departs from: LONGYEARBYEN
Returns to: LONGYEARBYEN
Experiences:
Available Dates:
Day by Day: What you can experience: Spitsbergen Encounter
Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details. Spitsbergen Encounter - Cruise into the heart of the Norwegian Arctic
PHOTOGRAPHY SYMPOSIUM: On a photography symposium, you travel with a team of highly experienced photographers to improve your camera skills. Up to five professional photographer mentors with a variety of expertise offer 1 on 1 support and personal photographic critique. You will focus on ideal light conditions while having access to heightened opportunities on deck and on designated zodiacs for photographers. The program is designed for all skill levels and different camera types, no extra charges apply and participating in the photography symposium is optional. Regular programs operate throughout the photography symposiums because the professional photographers are additional staff members.
Day 1
Longyearbyen
Today we embark our expedition ship, RCGS Resolute, in Longyearbyen and as we throw the lines, we sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden duri...
Today we embark our expedition ship, RCGS Resolute, in Longyearbyen and as we throw the lines, we sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. With almost 24 hours of daylight at this time of the year, we enjoy the views from the outer decks of the ship as we depart. We meet our fellow passengers and the expedition team during an introductory briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner as we set sail.
Day 2
Bourbonhamna
Beluga whales are frequently seen as they transit the narrow sound near Bourbonhamna. It is estimated there are approximately five to ten thousand ...
Beluga whales are frequently seen as they transit the narrow sound near Bourbonhamna. It is estimated there are approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard population. On our shore excursion, an old hunting cabin and other artifacts are points of interest. We will also hope to catch a glimpse of dozens of reindeer that inhabit the area.
Day 3
Lilliehook Glacier
The Lilliehook Glacier is an incredible sight. The face stretches almost seven kilometers across and has a height of around 80-meters. Viewed from ...
The Lilliehook Glacier is an incredible sight. The face stretches almost seven kilometers across and has a height of around 80-meters. Viewed from the ship or on a zodiac cruise you come to appreciate the enormous scale of our surroundings. The area is home to numerous bird colonies and a variety of different species. As we cruise the dark waters, we are always on the lookout for bearded and ringed seals, both species known to frequent this fjord.
Day 4
Liefdefjorden and Monaco Glacier
No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete without a visit to Monaco Glacier. A wide glacier face at the head of the fjord make...
No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete without a visit to Monaco Glacier. A wide glacier face at the head of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking and zodiac cruising. The coastal plain near the mouth of Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and is often a great place to spot polar bears that come here to hunt for ringed seals or feed on birds' eggs.
Day 5
Exploration of the sea ice
We continue north and east up into the ice, hoping to cross the 80° north parallel. Approaching the ice-edge the ship slows down and all hands are ...
We continue north and east up into the ice, hoping to cross the 80° north parallel. Approaching the ice-edge the ship slows down and all hands are either on the bridge or out on the outer decks scanning for wildlife. Bearded seals, ringed seals and walruses may be found hauled-out on the edges of the ice.
Day 6
Phippsoya
At 81° north latitude, Phippsoya is just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. The high ice classification of our ship allows us to approach the ...
At 81° north latitude, Phippsoya is just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. The high ice classification of our ship allows us to approach the edge of the pack ice in safety and comfort. Because of its proximity to the permanent Arctic ice pack, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar bear viewing. In recent seasons we have enjoyed excellent encounters with polar bears in this vicinity.
Day 7
Hinlopen Strait and Nordaustlandet
From the ice edge we enter the main channel separating Svalbard’s two main islands. In Hinlopen Strait the bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to m...
From the ice edge we enter the main channel separating Svalbard’s two main islands. In Hinlopen Strait the bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred-thousand breeding Brunnich’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and black guillemots. Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or Zodiac cruise between the islands. There are some excellent hiking routes here, affording us breathtaking views.
Day 8
Fuglesangenoya and Smeerenburg
Fuglesangenoya is home to a large dovekie colony. Nearby is the old whaling station of Smeerenburg, literally translated as ‘Blubber Town’. As we h...
Fuglesangenoya is home to a large dovekie colony. Nearby is the old whaling station of Smeerenburg, literally translated as ‘Blubber Town’. As we hike the shoreline of the old station, we learn about the importance of whaling in the discovery and exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. The blubber ovens stand as a reminder to this harsh industry in an equally harsh environment.
Day 9
Prince Charles Island
We visit the walrus colony on Prince Charles Island and hope to see these odd looking animals ashore. It is an incredible sight. Approaching from d...
We visit the walrus colony on Prince Charles Island and hope to see these odd looking animals ashore. It is an incredible sight. Approaching from downwind can often confirm that walrus are ashore - the smell of a walrus haul out is quite 'unique'! Tonight we celebrate our journey with a special dinner attended by the ship’s Captain. It's a great time to reflect on a wonderful voyage in this wild and remote place.
Day 10
Longyearbyen
Arriving back into Longyearbyen this morning, we disembark after breakfast and say farewell to our expedition team and fellow passengers. A transfe...
Arriving back into Longyearbyen this morning, we disembark after breakfast and say farewell to our expedition team and fellow passengers. A transfer into town is provided for those choosing to stay a few days. If you are departing today, we have a few hours this morning to explore the town, before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Tromsø or Oslo.
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Dates and Rates
The following departures are available for this voyage
All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
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