Price start from :
$
3,400
Contact Us
01 July 2025 - 10 Jul 2025
10 Days/9 Nights
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.
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 touch down in Longyearbyen, the main town of Spitsbergen. Explore this former mining town with attractions like the parish church and Svalbard Museum. In the evening, the ship sets sail, possibly spotting minke whales in Isfjorden.
Exploring Krossfjorden
Traveling north along the west coast, you reach Krossfjorden by morning. Here, you might take a Zodiac cruise near the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the slopes, you can see colorful flowers and nesting birds. Watch for Arctic foxes and seals in the fjord.
In the afternoon, you sail to Ny Ålesund, a research center and the northernmost settlement on Earth. Visit the breeding grounds of geese and Arctic terns, and see the anchoring mast used by explorers Amundsen and Nobile.
The Massive Glacier
Depending on the weather, you may sail into Liefdefjorden to see the Monaco Glacier. The waters here are a feeding ground for kittiwakes and a hunting area for polar bears. If ice blocks the way, you can take an alternate route along the west coast.
Seven Islands Stop
Reach the northernmost point of your cruise at the Seven Islands, 540 miles from the North Pole. You may see polar bears and spend hours among the pack ice. In August, you might spend a second day here, or in July, visit Sorgfjord to see walruses and the graves of 17th-century whalers.
Hinlopen Highlights
Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to seals and polar bears. You might spot blue whales at the entrance. Take a Zodiac cruise among the ice floes and visit bird cliffs with thousands of birds. Land on the east side to see reindeer, geese, and walruses, and explore the polar desert of Nordaustlandet.
Barentsøya’s Bounties
Plan landings in Freemansundet, unless polar bears are present. Potential stops include Sundneset, Kapp Waldburg, and Rindedalen for tundra walks. You might cruise to Diskobukta or Kapp Lee to see walruses, Pomor ruins, and hike along Edgeøya.
Pointed Mountains
Explore the side fjords of the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen. See peaks like Hornsundtind and Bautaen. There are 14 glaciers here and chances to spot seals, beluga whales, and polar bears.
Bell Sund’s Flora, Fauna, and History
In Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard, enjoy lush vegetation and wildlife. Visit Ahlstrandhalvøya to see beluga skeletons or explore the side fjords to see reindeer and breeding little auks.
Journey's End
Your adventure ends as you disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home unforgettable memories of your expedition.
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
Cabins and Pricing
Quadruple Porthole
2 upper & lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
22600 USD
13600 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
5650 USD
3400 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Triple Porthole
1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
21000 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
7000 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Porthole
2 lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
16400 USD
9800 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single Cabin
USD
13940 USD
8330 Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing Cabin
USD
8200 USD
4900 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Window
2 lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
17700 USD
10600 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single Cabin
USD
15045 USD
9010 Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing Cabin
USD
8850 USD
5300 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Deluxe
2 lower berths
Complete Cabin
USD
19000 USD
11400 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single Cabin
USD
16150 USD
9690 Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing Cabin
USD
9500 USD
5700 Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Superior
1 double bed, 1 sofa bed
Complete Cabin
USD
21300 USD
12800 Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing Cabin
USD
10650 USD
6400 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
Can I fly my UAV/quadcopter/drone during an Nexta Expeditions trip?
- Nexta Expeditions does not allow the use of recreational UAVs/quadcopters/drones during its voyages. This applies both on the ship and off, regardless of any permits held by the passenger. The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) has prohibited the recreational use of UAVs/quadcopters/drones on member vessels, Zodiac boats, and during scheduled landings. Also, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands have issued a ban on recreational use of these devices in their territories. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) has also prohibited the recreational use of UAVs/quadcopters/drones on member vessels and during all cruise excursions. As a full member of both IAATO and AECO, Nexta Expeditions supports their prohibition on the recreational use of drones in order to minimize environmental impact and enhance passenger experience.
Can I join your trips if I am in a wheelchair or disabled?
- Unfortunately, we're only able to provide voyages to passengers who meet a certain level of physical ability. Rough seas, rugged terrain, and physically demanding weather conditions are all commonly encountered during our voyages, which can at times be challenging even for people in peak physical fitness. The added difficulty of a wheelchair or other physical disability, therefor, could prevent us from making safe and timely shore landings, which in turn may undermine our voyage schedules and potentially put other passengers at risk.
Can I get a cash advance on board the ship?
- No, you are not able to get cash advances on the vessel.
What form of payment do you accept on board?
- Aboard Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius, and Rembrandt van Rijn, refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before disembarking, you can settle your bill with the hotel manager and pay by Visa or MasterCard, Diners Club/Discover, Union Pay, or cash (Euro or USD). The prices and standard currency on board all of our vessels is the Euro.
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.
What Unique Features Does Spitsbergen Have?
- Svalbard's diverse list of wildlife is one of its most compelling features, especially for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Svalbard cruises also offers an intriguing landscape with many different types of geological features from high mountains to ice capped ancient sea floor. Glaciers and fjords are multifold and the sea ice is a major attraction.
When was the Plancius built?
- The ship Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy.
How many cabins are there on the Plancius?
- There are in total 50 cabins at the Plancius: 4 quadruple cabins with private toilet and shower 9 twin porthole cabins 25 twin cabins with window 2 twin deluxe cabins (ca 15 square meters) 10 superior cabins (ca 21 square meters)
❮
❯
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
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
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
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
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
8 Scientific Wonders of the Arctic
The Arctic’s frozen landscape not only contains scenic gems, it also prompts fascinating advances in research. Here are some of the eight best.
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
Navigating by touch through the sea ice
Ships are meant to glide effortlessly through calm waters, but our Greenland expedition vessel Ortelius is shuddering and wiggling as it navigates through the calm yet frozen waters between Svalbard and the islands. We’re on the North Atlantic Odyssey, a journey that starts in continental Europe and concludes near the North Pole in Svalbard. Onboard are 115 enthusiastic passengers. Most of them are currently on the outer decks, cameras in hand, captivated by the sea ice.
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
What’s so Special about East Spitsbergen?
We’ve previously discussed our north Spitsbergen journeys and Spitsbergen circumnavigations, but the eastern parts of this incredible island have not received the attention they deserve. Despite the name, our east Spitsbergen voyages explore much more than just the eastern side of Spitsbergen.
Blog
Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts
When we think about reindeer, we might also think of Saami herders or the holidays or teams of these beloved Arctic animals pulling a bell-covered sleigh across the nighttime sky. Only the first of these options, however, is something you're likely to encounter on an Arctic expedition cruise - and that's only in Northern Norway.
Blog
The Pack Ice and Polar Bears of North Spitsbergen
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for being one of the prime locations to observe polar bears. The largest island in this region, Spitsbergen, not only offers sightings of these majestic Arctic creatures but also provides a unique opportunity to experience the phenomenon of pack ice.
Blog
10 Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, offer some of the most breathtaking photographic opportunities in the Arctic. However, capturing this stunning phenomenon requires more than just luck. To take your best northern lights photos, it's helpful to understand some key aspects of aurora-specific photography.
Blog
The Mysteries of the Beluga Whale
Beluga whales, also known as white whales, sea canaries, and sometimes melonheads, are a rare but cherished sight during Arctic cruises, thanks to their striking appearance. Despite the rarity of beluga sightings, a good amount is known about these friendly-faced cetaceans.
Blog
“The polar bear will still be there”
For several hours, we had been navigating the pack ice in search of polar bears. Despite numerous binoculars scanning the ice, no bears were visible, and only a few tracks were found. This suggested we might be in an area with fewer bears. Later that morning, we decided to head a few miles east, suspecting a higher bear population there.
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
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
Arctic Flowers, Trees, and Other Plant Life
When many people think of the Arctic, they probably imagine a stark white wasteland devoid of anything except snow, glaciers, and the occasional far-wandering polar bear.
Blog
Amphibian, reptiles and herbivore mammals in the Arctic
Arctic ecosystems are relatively young in geological terms, having primarily developed over the past three million years. Generally, species richness is lower in the Arctic compared to more southerly regions, aligning with scientific observations that biodiversity decreases from the Equator to the poles.
Blog
Svalbard’s 12 Most Iconic Animals
Each of our Arctic regions offers its own distinct and unforgettable features: Greenland boasts mountainous shorelines and record-setting fjords, Northern Norway is renowned for the aurora borealis and historic masted schooners, and Svalbard (especially Spitsbergen) is where you're most likely to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife.
Blog
Six Must-See Svalbard Sites
It's home to humanity's last-ditch supply of crop seeds, the world's northernmost settlement of over 1,000 people, and it is one of the best places on Earth to spot a polar bear.