Price start from :
$
2,600
Contact Us
09 June 2025 - 16 Jun 2025
8 Days/7 Nights
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes. For additional activities, check the tour description.
Description
All itineraries are for guidance only and may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings depend on site availability, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations.
You arrive in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's main town. Explore this former mining town with its church and Svalbard Museum. In the evening, the ship sails out, and you might spot minke whales in Isfjorden.
Exploring North Spitsbergen
This cruise takes you through the pack ice and along the rugged shorelines of north Spitsbergen. Here are some places we might visit:
Raudfjord
On Spitsbergen's north coast, enjoy the expansive fjord with glaciers and maybe spot ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline are home to seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and possibly polar bears.
Monaco Glacier
If conditions allow, we sail into Liefdefjorden to see the 5-kilometer-long Monaco Glacier. This area is a feeding spot for kittiwakes and a hunting ground for polar bears. If ice blocks our way, we may sail along the west coast.
Highlights of Hinlopen
We aim to sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. You might spot blue whales at the entrance. After cruising among ice floes, visit bird cliffs with thousands of birds. On the east side, we may land on Nordaustlandet to see reindeer, geese, and walruses. We can take an alternate route if ice blocks Hinlopen.
The Seven Islands
The northernmost point of the cruise might be the Seven Islands, 540 miles from the North Pole. Polar bears live here, and the ship may stop among the pack ice before heading west.
Sailing the Continental Shelf
As we head west, watch for polar bears and Greenland whales. Near Spitsbergen, we sail the edge of the continental shelf, where fin whales feed in upwelling zones. At Kongsfjorden's mouth, you might see minke whales.
Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet
Walruses might be seen in Forlandsundet. Alternatively, we may sail into St. Johns Fjord or land at Alkhornet, where seabirds nest, Arctic foxes search for food, and reindeer graze.
Return to Longyearbyen
All adventures must end. The ship returns to Longyearbyen in the morning, with bus transport to the airport provided.
Highlights You Might Experience
Blue Whale
Barnacle Goose
Beluga Whale
Arctic Skua
Arctic Fox
Arctic Tern
Black Guillemot
Atlantic puffin
Bowhead Whale
Brunnics Guillemot Guillemot
Fulmar
Fin Whale
Bearded Seal
Glaucous Gull
Grey Phalarope
Hooded Seal
Ivory Gull
Harp Seal
King Eider
Killer Whale
Humpback Whale
Kittiwake
Little Auk
Northern Bottlenose Whale
Minke Whale
Pink-footed Goose
Polar Bear
Long-tailed Skua
Ringed Seal
Ptarmigan
Sperm Whale
Walrus
White-Beaked Dolphin
Svalbard reindeer
Activities You might Participate
Cabins and Pricing
Quadruple Porthole
2 upper & lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
17200 USD
10400 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
4300 USD
2600 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Triple Porthole
1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
16050 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
5350 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Porthole
2 single beds
Complete Cabin
USD
11900 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
5950 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Window
2 single beds
Complete Cabin
USD
12900 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
6450 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Deluxe
2 single beds
Complete Cabin
USD
13600 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
6800 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Superior
1 double bed
Complete Cabin
USD
15500 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
7750 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Junior Suite
1 double bed
Complete Cabin
USD
17700 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
8850 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Grand Suite with private balcony
1 double bed
Complete Cabin
USD
19100 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
9550 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Map
IMPORTANT
EXCLUDED
INCLUDED
- Flights to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Meals ashore.
- Personal health Insurance for Medical, Accident and Repatriation/Evacuating.
- All personal expenses, including but not limited to laundry services, bar beverages, and excess internet usage charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
FAQ
How much time do we spend on shore?
- That is hard to say. It depends on the weather and constraints of time and distance. Depending on the voyage, you may spend several days aboard the ship, followed by a series of landings, each several hours long. On some cruises, you land two or three times every day. During our time at the high latitudes, we will have almost continuous daylight, which means we may schedule excursions before breakfast, after dinner, or in the middle of the night. Often the light for photography is best at these times. We would like to show you as much as possible, but we also want to leave it up to you to skip an excursion.
Are there age restrictions for the voyages?
- Children must be at least three years old to sail with us, however we advise against travelling with children under 8 years old. We do not have an upper age restriction, but all passengers must be mentally and physically capable of making the voyage.
Can I get a cash advance on board the ship?
- No, you are not able to get cash advances on the vessel.
What is the currency used aboard the ship?
- The currency used on all vessels is the Euro, but you can also pay with USD.
What wildlife can I see in Spitsbergen?
- Your cruise to Spitsbergen will come with an enormous amount of opportunity to spot wildlife. Polar bears are obviously the main attraction regarding wildlife. There are six national parks throughout Spitsbergen, and Svalbard alone is known to contain, Polar bears, reindeer, Arctic fox, numerous birds (such as guillemots and little auks) and several high Arctic seal species inhcluding the iconic Walrus. You might also encounter a variety of whales including the largest of them all: the Blue whale.
Where do we go on Svalbard?
- Svalbard is one of our core Arctic locations, a great place for enjoying wildlife, activities, and scenery. For this reason, there are too many areas we visit to list here. For details on intended routes and landing sites, see the Svalbard page at our website.
How many people can travel on board the Hondius?
- The number of passengers is limited to 174 on the Hondius. Furthermore the vessel is manned by 24 highly experienced international nautical crew, 32-34 international hotel crew, 13 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 2 assistant expedition leaders and 10 guides/lecturers) and 1 doctor.
When was the Hondius built?
- The Hondius was built in Croatia in 2018 and delivered in 2019.
What equipment should I bring with me for kayaking?
As conditions can change rapidly, make sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the worst weather. Weather in the polar regions is around the freezing point (between -2 and +3 °C), so good kayak clothing is essential. Kayakers need only bring their personal thermal clothing to keep warm, but passengers will also need suitable clothing and equipment for non-kayak activities. Please bring this kayaking gear yourself: Thermal underwear, top to bottom Fleece vest or jacket to wear over thermals Warm fleece hat that covers the ears Turtleneck, scarf, or neck gaiter Gloves (Gore-Tex outside and Thinsulate inside, preferably ski gloves with grip) Thick socks and thin under-socks UV-blocking sunglasses Sunscreen or sun block Waterproof bag (for camera, etc.)
When will kayaking take place? Is kayaking always guaranteed?
Kayaking will only take place in safe conditions.
❮
❯
You May Also Like
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail
08 May 2025 - 15 May 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 3.750 per person
% Save up to $ 110
Arctic
Vlissingen
Vlissingen to Aberdeen
29 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 3 Days / 2 Nights
From $ 200 per person
Arctic
Vlissingen
19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
29 May 2025 - 16 Jun 2025 19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 4.550 per person
Arctic
Vlissingen
Arctic Ocean - Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
29 May 2025 - 09 Jun 2025 12 Days / 11 Nights
From $ 1.950 per person
% Save up to $ 2.150
Arctic
Aberdeen
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
31 May 2025 - 09 Jun 2025 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 1.750 per person
Arctic
Aberdeen
17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
31 May 2025 - 16 Jun 2025 17 Days / 16 Nights
From $ 4.350 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife
03 Jun 2025 - 10 Jun 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer
08 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
% Save up to $ 3.100
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more
10 Jun 2025 - 17 Jun 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 2.600 per person
% Save up to $ 3.100
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special
12 Jun 2025 - 19 Jun 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 2.600 per person
% Save up to $ 3.800
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice
16 Jun 2025 - 23 Jun 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 2.600 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice
18 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
% Save up to $ 3.100
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special
19 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 2.600 per person
% Save up to $ 3.100
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores
26 Jun 2025 - 03 Jul 2025 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 2.600 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
30 Jun 2025 - 09 Jul 2025 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Around Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet
14 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes
23 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025 14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 7.450 per person
Arctic
Vlissingen
North Sea - Vlissingen to Aberdeen
25 May 2026 - 27 May 2026 3 Days / 2 Nights
From $ 300 per person
Arctic
Aberdeen
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
27 May 2026 - 05 Jun 2026 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 3.050 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Hike & Sail
29 May 2026 - 05 Jun 2026 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 3.950 per person
% Save up to $ 3.200
Arctic
Keflavik
Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Pack Ice – Grimsey – Jan Mayen – Ice Edge – Spitsbergen
29 May 2026 - 13 Jun 2026 16 Days / 15 Nights
From $ 5.760 per person
% Save up to $ 5.190
Arctic
Keflavik
22 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland - Spitsbergen Explorer
29 May 2026 - 20 Jun 2026 23 Days / 22 Nights
From $ 9.320 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Birding Special
05 Jun 2026 - 15 Jun 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.600 per person
Arctic
Akureyri
Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
05 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026 9 Days / 8 Nights
From $ 2.750 per person
Arctic
Aberdeen
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Summer Solstice
12 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 3.050 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen Basecamp – Summer Solstice - Free Kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Diving (supplemented)
19 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.450 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer
25 Jun 2026 - 05 Jul 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.600 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear, Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores
26 Jun 2026 - 03 Jul 2026 8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.450 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
North Spitsbergen - In Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale
28 Jun 2026 - 07 Jul 2026 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail
12 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026 20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 9.350 per person
Arctic
Longyearbyen
Around Spitsbergen incl. Nordaustlandet
17 Aug 2026 - 26 Aug 2026 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
Blog
Blog
15 Toothy Facts About the Atlantic Walrus
The walrus is one of the most recognizable animals on the planet, and for good reason. Try sneaking into a cinema with those tusks!
Blog
Polar bear feast
The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.
Blog
16 Conversation-Starting Svalbard Facts
It might seem odd that an icy, snowy, bear-packed cluster of islands at the edge of the world could be such a hotspot (so to speak) of outdoor tourism.
Blog
The Ins, Outs, and Ups of Polar Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering
Traveling to the polar regions, whether to the Arctic or Antarctica, is an adventure almost no matter what you do.
Blog
The Enchanting Islands of Svalbard
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago situated between the North Pole and the Norwegian mainland, offering visitors some of the most stunning wildlife and landscapes in the world. Here we explore seven of the most visited Svalbard islands, highlighting the many wonders that draw people back year after year.
Blog
The Arctic’s Most Phenomenal Fjords
Fjords are often linked with Norway, but they are not exclusive to that region. They are a common feature of the Arctic and are major attractions in Greenland and Svalbard.
Blog
Birds of the North: 29 Arctic Birds and Seabirds
The Arctic is home to some of the world’s most majestic mammals, both on land and sea. However, the bird life in this region is equally remarkable, showcasing numerous exotic species that are highly prized by bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Blog
The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain
As apex predators, polar bears reign supreme in the Arctic food chain. Only humans pose a threat to this massive and majestic species. But one look at these magnificent creatures explains why so many people embark on Arctic trips hoping to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat.
Blog
Arctic Icon: 10 Facts about the Polar Bear
Polar bears are to the Arctic what penguins are to Antarctica.
Blog
Arctic on Foot: Hiking and Snowshoeing the Far North
The focus of our voyages is always to get you off the ship and into the action as frequently as possible. While we travel from site to site on ice-strengthened vessels, our expeditions are crafted to provide you with the maximum firsthand experience of the polar regions and their unique wildlife.
Blog
Spitsbergen: a true polar bear trip
On the third day of our Svalbard cruise, we navigated through the sea ice north of Spitsbergen. The morning greeted us with fog and fragmented ice, but conditions gradually improved. A swarm of black-legged kittiwakes trailed behind us, as our ship stirred the waters, pushing aside ice floes to reveal the tiny dark polar cod beneath.
Blog
A Bug’s Life in Svalbard
When you think about Svalbard wildlife, you might imagine reindeer, Arctic foxes, polar bears – the primary animal attractions that draw passengers to an Arctic cruise. But in fact, the Svalbard archipelago is a thriving location for over 1,000 species of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates: animals that lack backbones. Despite this richness of life, however, these invertebrates are only found in the Isfjord and Kongsfjord areas of these wonderfully diverse islands.
Blog
Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists
Svalbard is situated in the north-western corner of the Eurasian plate. Historically, Svalbard was part of a vast continent that included North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. At one point, both Northeast Greenland and Svalbard were submerged under the ocean before resurfacing.
Blog
Polar Bears and Pack Ice: 22 Pics from North Spitsbergen
Last month, we explored one of the premier Arctic cruise destinations in our North Spitsbergen blog. That post not only detailed our itinerary in this breathtaking region but also highlighted some of the stunning locations where you might encounter polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, seabirds, and the mesmerizing ice formations of the far north.
Blog
Inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Literature, cinema, and even video games often present us with various global disaster scenarios. These typically involve devastating wars, catastrophic natural events, or widespread pandemics that leave survivors scavenging for food and supplies amidst hordes of zombies.
Blog
Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic
If they knew their way home, why not follow them? Equipped with GPS and compass, we approached the cliffs by zodiac. First, we heard the noise from the colony – the distinct calls of guillemots, kittiwakes, and Glaucous gulls. Then the cliffs gradually emerged from the mist.
Blog
Birding Opportunities Abound in Spitsbergen
Seabirds are the most prevalent type of bird in Spitsbergen. Experts have estimated that there are 164 bird species that have been found throughout Spitsbergen at various points during recent history, but only 30 of them are known to turn to the Svalbard Islands as their primary breeding spot.
Blog
Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
Many of our expedition cruises focus on specific areas of the Arctic or Antarctica, delving deep into local wildlife and other natural highlights. However, some programs aim to provide a broader survey, visiting a variety of sites to offer guests a wider perspective.
Blog
Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic
Blog
Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic
Though narwhals are among the rarest whale species encountered during our Arctic expeditions, a journey to the Arctic regions of Greenland and Svalbard always holds the potential for spotting these elusive creatures.