Africa Cruises Alaska Cruises Antarctica Cruises Arctic Cruises Asia Cruises Caribbean Cruises Central America Cruises European Cruises Galapagos Cruises Mediterranean Cruises North America Cruises South America Cruises South Pacific Cruises South & Central
America Tours

E-mail a friend Gift Registry Family Travel Supplement Press Kit Employment Opportunities Question about a cruise? Technical Question? Are you a travel agent?

Adventure Life VOYAGES
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
406-541-2676 (Fax)
E-mail us
1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary:  Land of Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard

click to enlarge
  Polar Bear swimming

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

A remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening. It is carpeted with wildflowers. Ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Walrus raise their sleepy heads to observe us. And everyone holds their breath as a polar bear is spotted and cameras click wildly. Experience nature in its purest form in the High Arctic. This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you'll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife. This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery. Nature is full of wonderful surprises and we are guided by her. Our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary below is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this region.

Day 1 : Oslo, Norway/Continental Hotel

Arrive in Oslo and check in to the Continental Hotel. For the remaining part of the morning you can rest in your comfortable hotel room. Highlights of an afternoon tour include a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in park lands and a visit to the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of Arctic exploration. This evening try one of the harbor restaurants or turn in early. (B)

Day 2 : Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship

Depart Oslo on our private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen. Embark our ship. (B,L,D)

Days 3-8 : Exploring Svalbard

Our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design, and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions.

Our main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruising in Svalbard's fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. We take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo

Disembark the National Geographic Endeavour and explore Longyearbyen before we fly to Oslo. Overnight in the Radisson SAS Airport Hotel. (B,L)

Day 10 : Oslo / Home

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight home, or continue on to other adventures. (B)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

click to enlarge
  The newly-launched National Geographic Explorer is fully equipped for exploring the world\s most remote shores

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.