Spitsbergen and Polar Bears – An Arctic Adventure (Sunday to Friday)

Your adventure starts with an overnight stay to enjoy Longyearbyen´s galleries, pubs, restaurants and magnificent setting on the edge of an Arctic wilderness. Reminders of mining heritage are everywhere in this frontier town. The 2,000 inhabitants here are outnumbered by snowmobiles, and reindeer roam the streets, which have been given numbers instead of names.

Spend some time learning about the history and wildlife of the archipelago at the Svalbard Museum. Walk along the main street and pick out souvenirs from the shops of the world’s northernmost town.

Before entering most public buildings, make sure to remove your shoes! This is a custom that originated in the mining days to prevent people from trekking coal dust indoors, and is just one way the town’s mining history continues to affect its culture.

Polar bears live outside Longyearbyen, and while it’s rare to see one in town, keep an eye out for art inspired by these iconic Arctic bears. See if you can find the polar bear statue, or the giant polar bear mural in the centre of town.

The cruise package includes an overnight stay at the premium boutique hotel, Funken Lodge, offering modern comforts in historical surroundings. This cosy outpost has been welcoming explorers since 1947 – you'll feel right at home. For a unique culinary experience, you can try king crab in the Funktionærmessen Restaurant before enjoying the many cafes and bars of this frontier town.

After breakfast, relax and explore this quaint town. Walk up to the church just a few minutes away. Maybe you will encounter the Svalbard reindeer that are often walking around town minding their own business. Although wild, you’ll find them more curious and tamer. Stroll the main street, admiring the colourful buildings and picking out souvenirs and gifts from the shops of the world’s northernmost town.

After lunch in one of the town’s restaurants, bring your bags to the bus and enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Svalbard Museum. You can find out all about the history, geology and wildlife of the archipelago. Enjoy a visit to Camp Barentz, where you’ll learn about polar bears. While you’re there, keep an eye out for reindeer, grouse and foxes.

The historic MS Nordstjernen awaits at the harbour. Built in 1956, it’s one of our most beloved and longest serving vessels. Despite modernisation for exclusive Arctic sailing in 2000, MS Nordstjernen has lost none of its old Atlantic ship aura. After you settle in, we sail the Isfjord to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg.

Once you’ve caught your breath after climbing the long flight of steps from the harbour up to the main street, you can explore the village. Take in its Russian architecture and charm, and pause to admire the murals that were painted by the schoolchildren to brighten the walls.

Pay a visit to the Pomor museum to learn about the history and culture of the people who first discovered Svalbard. You’ll even get to see some of their art on display alongside Russian artifacts. Walk up to the charming Orthodox church or send a postcard from the only Norwegian post office in a Russian town.

Pick out a set of locally-made Russian nesting dolls for friends and family back home, before ending your visit to this northern mining village with a folklore show, or by soaking up some real Russian atmosphere, including vodka, down at the local pub and brewery.

This area is rich with islands, fjords and beaches. In Magdalenefjord, you’ll discover a whaling station from the 16th century. We arrive in the morning and hope to make a landing to explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. Scan for polar bears, Minke whales and seals.

We will spend most of the day cruising into lovely Krossfjord. The landscape here varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the fjord is the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). Later, we dock at Ny-Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost communities.

Next, we sail the Isfjorden, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, passing the nesting sites of thousands of guillemots. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen, enjoy the day before a Farewell dinner at the hotel.

This Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen. An early morning transfer bus will take you to the airport for your flight home.