Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki – a city renowned for its extraordinary architecture and mix of Eastern and Western influences. If you arrive in Helsinki early, you can explore the museums, galleries and restaurants on offer or relax at a Finnish sauna. Maybe wander the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel.

This morning, your adventure officially begins! Meet the group in the lobby and take a transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore while your luggage is loaded onto the Ultramarine – your home for the next six days. When ready, embark on the ship and spend the afternoon meeting your Expedition Team, getting to know your fellow travellers (with a game of cards or a drink at the bar) and exploring the amazing amenities onboard. (B/D)

Over the next four days, you’ll sail around the shores of Spitsbergen, constantly searching for polar bears and the other natural wonders that dot this magical island. Cruise through western Spitsbergen, passing immense glaciers, deep fjords, tall mountains and abundant flora and fauna.

Sail north into Krossfjorden (you don’t want to forget your camera) to see some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehook Glacier waits for spectators. Listen in awe as big chunks break off into the icy waters below – this is a sight and sound like no other. Take Zodiac excursions to the nearby Ny-London – an abandoned mining settlement where you can take a leader-led walk and learn about the history and geology of the place. Keep your eyes out for the endemic Svalbard reindeer here, too!

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier. With your Expedition Team, scan the shorelines for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna.

See the remains of an abandoned settlement Smeerenburg, established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, you can explore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. After, cruise to Magdalenefjorden for panoramic vistas of the snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers that are reflected in the clear waters.

Visit Alkhornet for the towering cliffs that teem with nesting seabirds, including fulmars and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

End your days at sea by swapping stories with your shipmates and crew at the captain’s farewell dinner. What a journey! (Bx4/Lx4/Dx4)

You’ll disembark back in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. This is where your Arctic adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)