Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise | Wednesday to Monday
Embark on the ultimate Spitsbergen experience with our Wednesday to Monday mini-cruise package, perfect for those eager to explore the heart of Spitsbergen’s pristine wilderness.
Begin your journey with a night in Longyearbyen before boarding the MS Serenissima for an unforgettable voyage along Spitsbergen’s stunning west coast, where you’ll encounter majestic glaciers, dramatic fjords, and an abundance of Arctic wildlife. With four nights at sea, you’ll have excellent opportunities to spot polar bears, walruses, and seabirds, making this the perfect adventure for nature lovers.
Start your trip midweek and fully immerse yourself in the Arctic's wonders before returning to Longyearbyen for your journey home.
Tentative itinerary
Journey to the top of the world, crossing the 80th parallel to explore the breathtaking wonders of the Arctic.
Step back in time on the MS Serenissima, a timeless vessel that evokes the spirit of a bygone era of Arctic exploration, offering a classic and authentic experience.
As we sail past dramatic fjords, towering mountain peaks, and vast glaciers, keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, whales, and an array of Arctic birdlife.
Delve into the rich history of Arctic exploration in Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and one of the northernmost settlements in the world.
Please Note
The day-by-day programme offers a glimpse of what you can expect during your voyage, but please remember that this itinerary is just a guide. As with any adventure, the elements are in charge, and weather conditions may lead to changes along the way.
Day 1: Mining history and Arctic nature
Location: Longyearbyen
Summary: Arrive in Longyearbyen, where we will meet you at the airport to transfer to your hotel. From there you can explore the town, visit the North Pole Expedition Museum, and enjoy a two-course dinner at your hotel restaurant. Overnight stay at either Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or Funken Lodge, depending on your cabin category.
Day 2: Settlements of the far north
Location: Longyearbyen and Isfjorden
Summary: Morning at leisure in Longyearbyen, with a two-course lunch at your hotel, before a guided tour that includes the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. Embark on the MS Serenissima and sail through Isfjorden, observing Arctic wildlife and historical sites.
Day 3: Into the Arctic wilderness
Location: Magdalenefjorden and the North West Corner
Summary: Enter remote Arctic areas without communication signals, and explore Magdalenefjorden's alpine-like scenery, historical whaling sites, and rich birdlife. Potential landing depends on weather and ice conditions.
Day 4: Scanning for polar bears
Location: Woodfjorden, Liefdefjorden, Moffen, and 80° North
Summary: Explore the diverse landscapes of Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden, and scan for polar bears and other wildlife. If conditions allow, sail above 80° North and approach Moffen Island, known for its walrus population.
Day 5: Fjords, glaciers, and research
location: Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund
Summary: Discover the scenic Kongsfjorden, hike on the tundra, and visit the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. Learn about Arctic exploration history and send a postcard from the northernmost post office in the world. Upon arrival in Ny-Ålesund, the ship will dock at the pier, and passengers can disembark directly from the ship onto land.
Day 6: Flying home from the Arctic
Location: Longyearbyen
Summary: Departure day, with transfer from the ship to Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen. From here you have another opportunity to explore Longyearbyen and buy souvenirs before a transfer to the airport.
What's included?
Accommodation and Transfers: A one-night stay in Longyearbyen before your voyage with transfers to and from the airport, hotel, and ship.
Food and Drink: Full board as per the programme (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with complimentary tea and coffee.
Activities: A three-hour sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen including entrance to Svalbard Museum and a visit to Camp Barentz, guided landings with small expedition boats during the voyage, onboard lectures, and informal gatherings.
Expedition Team: Local expert guides fluent in English, German, Norwegian, and French ensure an informative and enjoyable trip.
Equipment: Loan of trekking poles and thermal suits for onboard activities. Rubber boots will be provided for all guests, which are mandatory for landings.
What’s not included
International and domestic flights
Travel Insurance
Luggage handling
Notes
All planned activities are subject to change, depending on weather and ice conditions
No gratuities expected
Disconnect and detox sailing - there is no Wi-Fi, internet access or mobile signal during the voyage (except in Longyearbyen)
When embarking or disembarking the ship in Longyearbyen, at the beginning and end of your voyage, the ship will either be docked alongside the port or anchored in the fjord outside. This means you will either embark/disembark directly from the port, or be tendered to the ship in small expedition boats. This decision will depend on port capacity
Activities onboard the ship
Your safety is our priority. Our experienced and highly trained expert guides from Svalbard will accompany all excursions, equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle encounters with polar bears. All planned activities are subject to change based on weather and ice conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Landings
Depending on weather and ice conditions, our Expedition Team will use our small expedition boats to attempt various landings throughout our sailing.
Onboard Lectures
You can enjoy onboard lectures by the Expedition Team, who will tell you more about Svalbard and the areas we are exploring. They will also lead daily recaps and preparation for the next day.
Wildlife watching
As we sail there will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with the chance to spot seals, reindeer, walruses and if you are lucky - the king of the Arctic, the iconic polar bear.
Don't miss out on exciting activities and culinary experiences in Longyearbyen!
Extend your stay and explore unique land-based activities and dining. Our local travel designers can create a personalised package just for you. Reach out to us for an unforgettable adventure.
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