Spitsbergen Cruise Holiday Circumnavigation Wildlife and Nature Holiday

DAY 1:

Arrival in Longyearbyen, according to your flight time. If you wish to arrive the day before the ship departs, we can arrange accommodation for you.

Your ship will be ready for boarding later in the day so you’ll have time to explore the former mining town of Longyearbyen with our recommendations for local sights and restaurants.

In the early evening, it is time to board your ship M/V Plancius - a vessel hardened to the ice fjords of Spitsbergen and offering a comfortable base to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

DAY 2:

By night M/V Plancius will be making her way along the scenic west coast arriving to Krossjord by morning. Here you’ll swap ship for Zodiac boat where you’ll enjoy a close-up cruise in front of the Glacier 14th of July. The green slopes will reveal colourful flowers and nesting birds including Kittiwakes and Brünnichs. You may also spot Arctic foxes patrolling the base of the cliffs looking for their next feed, or perhaps a Bearded Seal bobbing up and down in the fjord.

In the afternoon you’ll continue by the ship to Ny Ålesund - the world’s most northerly settlement, also a former mining village turned research centre. Near the village you’ll find a breeding ground for Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose and the Arctic Tern. It is here that you’ll also discover the history of Arctic exploration symbolised by the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile before their airship flights to the North Pole in 1926 and 1928.

DAY 3:

Today begins with a walk on the tundra island of Andøya close to the mouth of the Liefdefjorden. Many common eider and Pink-footed Goose nest in the area, and the more rare King Eider may be seen as well. The ship will then cruise to Liefdefjorden near to the face of the impressive Monaco Glacier - a popular gathering place for Kittiwakes and the odd Polar Bear.

DAY 4:

Your trip reaches its northernmost landing place in Phippsøya - a staggering latitude of 81 degrees north and just 540 miles from the North Pole. This area is inhabited by polar bear, walrus and Ivory Gull. There will be plenty of time for gazing at the surrounding pack ice and wildlife. The programme will then either continue further into the sea ice (usually in August) or alternatively continue to the Sorg Fjord where you may encounter a herd of walrus near to the graves of 17th century whalers. A short nature walk will provide a further opportunity to encounter families of Ptarmigans.