Svalbard Cruise - Last Stop Before the North Pole

Northwest Svalbard, a national park since 1973, reveals a compelling narrative of human interaction with the Arctic. William Barents' 1596 arrival ignited a whaling boom, drawing English and Dutch fleets to exploit the region's abundant marine life. Sites like Smeerenburg, with its 16th-century blubber oven remnants, and Ytre Norskøya, a poignant burial ground, stand as stark reminders of this era.

Now nature has reclaimed its dominion. Arctic flora, such as poppies and saxifrage, briefly color the tundra, while seabirds nest and walruses bask on the shores. Polar bears, the region's iconic inhabitants, roam freely, signifying the return of true wilderness. This resurgence reflects successful conservation, transforming a once-exploited landscape into a vital Arctic sanctuary.

The morning cruise takes you into northeastern Svalbard's stark, icy realm. Unlike the warmer west, this region is a polar desert, sculpted by vast glaciers and often choked with sea ice, even in summer. Though seemingly barren, it teems with life: Arctic foxes hunt along the shores, seabird colonies cling to cliffs, and walruses thrive in the productive, frigid waters. The exact route will depend on the ever-changing ice, wind, and sea conditions, embracing the true spirit of polar exploration.

Today you’re venturing into the realm of the high Arctic, reaching Svalbard's northernmost shores, landscapes perpetually embraced by ice. The aim is to visit Nordaustlandet and the remote Sjuøyane islands, located around 1000km further north than mainland Norway's Nordkapp. These almost vegetation-free, rocky islands, where only moss and lichens cling to life, are a paradise for birdwatchers, with geese and rare gulls frequently sighted. Weather permitting, you’ll step ashore and immerse yourselves in this extreme environment before commencing the cruise towards the vast, icy expanse of the Arctic ice pack.

Enter the vast, dynamic ice pack, stretching from Svalbard to the North Pole and beyond. Though seemingly barren, this frozen realm teems with life. The Expedition Leader will guide you through this ever-changing landscape. Through the clear water, tiny fish dart beneath the ice. Seabirds follow the wake, and seals bask on the floating ice. A whale's plume catches the light, and in the distance, a yellow dot becomes a polar bear, the Arctic's king, hunting across his icy domain.

With the sun still high, you enter Kongsfjord, a dramatic landscape of mountains and glaciers, dominated by the Three Crowns. You have the chance to land at Ny Ålesund, a truly remote settlement—comprising research stations, a post office, and a fleeting shop—further north than Longyearbyen. This isolated outpost has been a hub for polar exploration, hosting pioneers like Nobile and Amundsen. Today, its scientific endeavors and historical artifacts, such as the Norge's mast, highlight its unique position at the edge of the world.

The expedition's final morning is here as you return to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. After days spent immersed in the Arctic's untamed wilderness, even this modest town will strike you as a bustling metropolis. Bid a heartfelt farewell to the dedicated crew and fellow travelers of the Ocean Albatros, as you disembark and continue your Svalbard adventure or head to the airport and join the flight back to the Norwegian mainland, leaving you with a treasure trove of indelible memories from your Arctic expedition. 

Disembarkation on the final day is between 08.00-10.00 hours.