Discover the Far North and the immense open spaces of the polar Arctic and its ice floes that extend to the North Pole, on this 9-day expedition cruise to explore Svalbard with Ponant.
You will board your ship at Longyearbyen in Norway for a cruise to the heart of the Svalbard archipelago. In the company of Ponant's specialist teams, you will discover the exceptional flora and fauna that lives in these extreme conditions, where temperatures reach -30°C in winter.
Your ship will first sail in the direction of the magnificent glaciers of Kongsfjorden, and then to the superb landscapes of the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park. The deep blue waters of its fjords surrounded by snow-capped mountains are home to many species of cetaceans while its islands, beaches and wide bays shelter the remains of old whaling stations and trappers’ cabins.
You will then set sail eastbound to try to reach the coasts of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, and the Hinlopen Strait, a real polar desert sheltering many basaltic islets, majestic glaciers and a rich marine ecosystem: colonies of sea birds, walruses, polar bears and Arctic foxes come to feed here.
Perhaps you will also be lucky enough to be able to observe these emblematic species as you sail alongside the islands of Barentsøya and Edgeøya (also known as Barents Island and Edge Island respectively), in the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, which is the largest protected zone in Norway.
During this unforgettable expedition, your ship will sail to latitudes of 80° north and you will discover that unique feeling of having reached the top of the world.
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Day 2: Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen
Day 3: Spitsbergen National Park & Svalbard Nature Reserve
Day 4: Sailing towards the ice floes
Days 5 & 6: Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve
Day 7: Soraust Svalbard Nature Reserve
Day 8: Isfjorden
Day 9: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
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We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.
Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.
All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.