Polar Bears and Arctic Islands: A Private Svalbard Cruise
Embark on the ultimate adventure on a cruise through the wilderness of the Svalbard Islands
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Return international flights from the UK
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All accommodation including breakfast (some may include further meals and activities)
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All private ground transfers
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All tours specified in the itinerary
At a glance
Journey deep into the icy world of the polar archipelago, the Svalbard Islands, on a private weeklong cruise.
Following a night in a traditional lodge in Svalbard’s most populous town, Longyearbyen, settle into your onboard cabin as you sail north for the ultimate explorer’s venture. Away from the giant cruises and hordes of tourists, experience the surreal silence which surrounds staggering wildlife of eye-popping glaciers and mountains in complete privacy. Meet seals and walruses along the way as you search for the mighty polar bears and whales of the Norwegian Arctic.
Example trip itinerary
The Svalbard Islands
Flight
Flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
Transfer
Private transfer to Svalbard hotel
Accommodation in The Svalbard Islands
The Svalbard Islands
Overview
Decked out in a traditional trapper style with driftwood, sealskin and slate, this rustic hotel will perfectly set the tone for your experience in the wild lands of Svalbard.
The thoroughly unique hotel has 16 rooms, each decorated in traditional trapper style with lovely views over the town and mountains. The cosy lobby is stocked with fascinating arctic books and the “Cognac loft” offers guests a comfortable vantage point from which to see the illuminated night sky and relax after dinner – Svalbard is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, both by day and night.
Located in the heart of Longyearbyen, the Trapper’s Hotel is conveniently placed for easy access to the town’s restaurants, pubs and shops and your point of departure for expeditions into the wilderness. For skiing enthusiasts, there are several magnificent mountains just a day trip away from the hotel and bike rental is also easily arranged.
→ Find out moreThe Svalbard Islands
Overview
Experience life as the trappers of the Arctic archipelago once did with a stay at the remote Trapper’s Station. Based approximately ten kilometres from the edge of Longyearbyen, this is a truly unique and hands-on place to lodge.
Designed as a replica of an old trappers’ station and filled with artefacts, fur rugs, sealskins and oil lamps, the feel here is complete Arctic authenticity. The accommodation is made up of the trapper’s hut, and for a truly different experience, the secondary station and gamma. Reminiscent of a shelter used by trappers during their hunting trips, the secondary station provides four beds, while the gamma is styled as a wooden teepee hut where you can settle down into sleeping bags on reindeer skin.
Let the everyday stresses of modern life trickle away as you get up close to this peaceful and relaxed wilderness on husky sled rides, before returning to the station for hearty four-course meals of Arctic food and flavours.
→ Find out more
Nine days exploring the Svalbard Islands
Explore the arctic tundra of the Svalbard Islands on exciting kayaking, trekking, snowmobiling and dog sledding tours. Witness astonishing wildlife from polar bears to whales, discover glaciers, fjords and ice caves and marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights. Your travel designer will give you our top recommendations for icy adventures so that you can make the most of your time here.
Hiking in the Svalbard Islands
Discover the remote wilderness of the tundra on an exciting hike through a wide range of landscapes. Rugged, barren mountains, often covered with ice and snow, sit alongside miles and miles of gentle tundra, making this area a joy for hiking. The more serious minded hikers can go on full day hikes further into the wilderness of Spitsbergen, which has been seen by more reindeer and polar bears than people.
Transfer
Private transfer to Svalbard harbour
The Svalbard Island Cruise
Accommodation in The Svalbard Island Cruise
The Svalbard Islands
Overview
Step on-board Aleiga, the modern 45 feet expedition yacht, for a memorable sailing Arctic adventure.
Sail around one of the world’s most magical destinations, witnessing astounding glaciers and polar mountains in complete comfort. Get up close to seals and walrus colonies with zodiac trips and onshore picnics, while your entire itinerary can be adapted to the movements of the mighty and bucket list-worthy polar bears.
With four cabins, the Aleiga can be booked on a private basis alongside your expert guide who will ensure your safety and experience are both first-class.
→ Find out more
Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D)
This week discover impressive glaciers and mountains, seals and walrus colonies and some of the remains from the whaling period on the North West corner of Spitsbergen. Look out for a wide variety of birds and hopefully some whales and polar bears during the route.
Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Day One
Settle into your cabin aboard your Svalbard cruiser, meet your skipper and learn about the safety, itinerary and other important facts for the navigation. The boat will then set sail and head north. This evening a welcome dinner will be served to celebrate your first night on board.
Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Days Two-Seven
Throughout the following days your cruiser will border the west coast of Spitsbergen toward the north, visiting spots such as Ny-Alesund, Magdalenfjord, Prins Karls Forland, Kongsfjorden and Moffen island, among many other beautiful destinations. With more polar bears than people living in the islands (2500 individuals), the main efforts of the cruise will be to find the white bears with each situation varying dependent on the behavior of the animals, with safety as first priority. The final itinerary will be adapted to the polar bears’ movements, tracks and other relevant facts to the route. All meals will be served on board, while picnics will be organised ashore according to weather conditions.
Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Day Eight
This morning breakfast will be served on board before arriving in Longyearbyen.
Flight
Flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Polar Bears and Arctic Islands: A Private Svalbard Cruise
How we work
Journey deep into the icy world of the polar archipelago, the Svalbard Islands, on a private weeklong cruise. Following a night in a traditional lodge in Svalbard’s most populous town, Longyearbyen, settle into your onboard cabin as you sail north for the ultimate explorer’s venture. Away from the giant cruises and hordes of tourists, experience the surreal silence which surrounds staggering wildlife of eye-popping glaciers and mountains in complete privacy. Meet seals and walruses along the way as you search for the mighty polar bears and whales of the Norwegian Arctic. | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
The Svalbard Islands |
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen |
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| Private transfer to Svalbard hotel | |
|
Accommodation in The Svalbard Islands
•
Trapper’s Hotel - $$$$$
Decked out in a traditional trapper style with driftwood, sealskin and slate, this rustic...
•
Trapper’s Station - $$$$$
Experience life as the trappers of the Arctic archipelago once did with a stay at the remote...
|
|
| Nine days exploring the Svalbard Islands Explore the arctic tundra of the Svalbard Islands on exciting kayaking, trekking, snowmobiling and dog sledding tours. Witness astonishing wildlife from polar bears to whales, discover glaciers, fjords and ice caves and marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights. Your travel designer will give you our top recommendations for icy adventures so that you can make the most of your time here. |
|
| Hiking in the Svalbard Islands Discover the remote wilderness of the tundra on an exciting hike through a wide range of landscapes. Rugged, barren mountains, often covered with ice and snow, sit alongside miles and miles of gentle tundra, making this area a joy for hiking. The more serious minded hikers can go on full day hikes further into the wilderness of Spitsbergen, which has been seen by more reindeer and polar bears than people. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Svalbard harbour |
|
Days 2-9 |
The Svalbard Island Cruise |
|
Accommodation in The Svalbard Island Cruise
•
Aleiga Yacht - $$$$$
Step on-board Aleiga, the modern 45 feet expedition yacht, for a memorable sailing Arctic...
|
|
| Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D) This week discover impressive glaciers and mountains, seals and walrus colonies and some of the remains from the whaling period on the North West corner of Spitsbergen. Look out for a wide variety of birds and hopefully some whales and polar bears during the route. |
|
| Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Day One Settle into your cabin aboard your Svalbard cruiser, meet your skipper and learn about the safety, itinerary and other important facts for the navigation. The boat will then set sail and head north. This evening a welcome dinner will be served to celebrate your first night on board. |
|
| Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Days Two-Seven Throughout the following days your cruiser will border the west coast of Spitsbergen toward the north, visiting spots such as Ny-Alesund, Magdalenfjord, Prins Karls Forland, Kongsfjorden and Moffen island, among many other beautiful destinations. With more polar bears than people living in the islands (2500 individuals), the main efforts of the cruise will be to find the white bears with each situation varying dependent on the behavior of the animals, with safety as first priority. The final itinerary will be adapted to the polar bears’ movements, tracks and other relevant facts to the route. All meals will be served on board, while picnics will be organised ashore according to weather conditions. |
|
| Svalbard Island Cruise (7N/8D): Day Eight This morning breakfast will be served on board before arriving in Longyearbyen. |
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Flights & transfers
Flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo |
