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This Arctic expedition embarks from Longyearbyen, exploring Svalbard’s historic sites connected to polar aviation pioneers like Andrée, Nobile, and Amundsen while attempting a circumnavigation of the archipelago. Navigate through the wildlife-rich Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, visit Ny Ålesund, and journey to the icy Kvitøya for polar bear sightings. Sail through the rugged Nordaustlandet, witness the massive Bråsvellbreen ice cliff, and spot Arctic foxes and seabirds at Alkefjellet. The voyage concludes with scenic fjords in South Spitsbergen National Park and Bellsund before returning to Longyearbyen.
Your Arctic adventure begins today as you follow in the footsteps of North Pole explorers!
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and the starting point of our Arctic expedition.
Upon arrival at Longyearbyen airport, our German-speaking staff will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to a comfortable hotel, which we have arranged and included in the itinerary’s price. Feel free to explore the charming and walkable town center at your leisure.
We recommend commencing your exploration of this captivating Norwegian High Arctic territory at the impressive Svalbard Museum, where you can also acquire rare polar books and maps. Later, indulge in an outstanding dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s delightful restaurants.
As evening falls, experience the mesmerizing effect of the midnight sun, with daylight persisting throughout your stay in Svalbard. Weather permitting, bask in the sunshine late into the night before retiring to bed. Close the curtains, get a good night’s sleep, and prepare for embarkation and the commencement of your expedition the following day.
Day 2 : Welcome Aboard!
The day begins with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. As your luggage is transported to the ship in the morning, enjoy an exciting city tour exploring the history and culture of the northernmost city in the world.
The tour concludes with a visit to the North Pole Expedition Museum, where you can refresh your knowledge of the often perilous North Pole expeditions and get a taste of the historical locations you’ll experience during our cruise.
Following this, you’ll have some free time, perhaps for lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants in Longyearbyen or an opportunity for souvenirs or last-minute shopping. Keep in mind that you’ll soon receive your own parka, which you can keep, and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.
Then, it’s time to board! Not on an airship or hydroplane like Amundsen or others, but on our comfortable expedition ship, MV Sea Spirit, awaiting us at the port of Longyearbyen. We’ll take you to the pier where you’ll be welcomed on board. Settle into your spacious suite and explore the ship, your comfortable home for the extraordinary adventure ahead.
Once on board, a full program of briefings and lectures from your expedition team will begin. After the first of many delightful dinners on board, head to the open decks and admire the magnificent scenery in 24 hours of daylight.
On this trip, our goal is to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago, and weather and ice conditions permitting, we’ll attempt to reach the white island, Kvitøya, the last resting place of the Andrée expedition in the far northeast of Svalbard. Unless a polar bear pays a visit to the monument of the polar explorers, we can anticipate a landing at Andreeneset.
Throughout the journey, we aim to immerse ourselves in the many facets of this incredible High Arctic territory. Much of Spitsbergen’s pristine nature is safeguarded by a system of national parks, with the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park being the first along our route. It stands as the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders, known for deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain ranges and immense tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into turquoise waters. The skies come alive with millions of murres, guillemots, and little auks, whose eggs are currently hatching at numerous breeding colonies on small islands, mountainsides, and sea cliffs within the park. This presents a wonderful opportunity to encounter marine mammals, including beluga whales and various Arctic seals.
Enchanting places dot this beautiful area, such as the Blomstrand Peninsula and the Kongsbreen Glacier (“King’s Glacier”). Human settlement, though rare along our route, can be found in Ny Ålesund—a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic explorers. As one of the northernmost settlements globally, Ny Ålesund houses a museum, a souvenir shop, and a post office. It’s also the starting point for the famous expeditions of the airships Norge and Italia led by Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile to the North Pole. The anchor mast of the airships still stands tall just behind Ny-Ålesund.
Further north, the small bay of Virgohamna served as the starting point for another spectacular expedition. In 1896/97, Salomon August Andrée aimed to be the first person to fly over the North Pole and crafted a hydrogen-fueled balloon. Taking off northwards from Virgohamna Bay, unlike Nobile and Amundsen, he wasn’t fortunate enough to reach the Pole. Walter Wellman also commenced his unsuccessful attempts to fly to the North Pole from this very location.
The Svalbard archipelago sits halfway between the northern part of Norway and the North Pole. Depending on the season, weather, and ocean currents, we anticipate encountering pack ice in the north of Svalbard. Our plan is to journey along the ice edge towards the island of Nordaustlandet and further east towards Kvitøya. However, please bear in mind that our route is highly contingent on the weather and the current ice situation.
On this trip, our goal is to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago, and weather and ice conditions permitting, we’ll attempt to reach the white island, Kvitøya. The island is the last resting place of the Andrée expedition in the far northeast of Svalbard and we will try to take the Zodiacs along the coast at Andreeneset to honour the memorial to the polar explorers.
Kvitøya is one of the rarely visited islands closest to Franz Josef Land. This place, which is almost completely covered by ice, was the final resting place of the balloon expedition of the Swedish polar explorer Salomon August Andrée.
Kvitøya is not always accessible to expedition ships, but may offer another opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habitat.
During this trip we are likely to encounter significant amounts of sea ice in the vast Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve and around Nordaustlandet, Svalbard’s second largest island.
In this remote and unique region, the ice may persist well into the summer. The massive ice cap of Austfonna rises above the breathtaking landscapes of the High Arctic. Part of it meets the sea along the 45-kilometer-long Bråsvellbreen ice cliff – one of the greatest wonders of the Arctic world.
The polar desert landscape of Nordaustlandet, on the other hand, offers little vegetation but is home to a large number of seabirds. The cliffs of Alkefjellet are home to thousands of guillemots, glaucous gulls and other seabirds. In the past, this impressive rock formation has not only been a great spot for birdwatching, but has also repeatedly provided opportunities to spot foxes.
Although we are now leaving the paths of Amundsen, Nobile and Andrée, we can still listen to the fascinating lectures and watch historical film footage from the archive of the Zeppelin Museum.
The Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve is a truly pristine and rarely visited wilderness containing hundreds of uninhabited islands. On the large islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, broad tundra valleys support the territory’s densest population of endemic Svalbard reindeer.
The valleys are also important breeding areas for ground-nesting birds such as geese, eiders and sandpipers. Arctic foxes prowl the vast landscape, seeking to provide food for their young cubs, who are just now emerging from their dens. Shallow, murky seas are ideal feeding grounds for walruses resting in large numbers on gently sloping beaches. Historical sites throughout the islands provide glimpses into the region’s bygone era of trapping and hunting.
South Spitsbergen National Park is a vast region of varied landscapes, including polar deserts and impassable mountain ranges. The centerpiece of this park is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where countless mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. The park also includes the southern shores of Bellsund, a picturesque bay where the remains of historical whaling operations can be found, including wooden boats, cabins and thousands of whale bones — a scene from the distant past, literally frozen in time. Throughout the park, there is always a high probability of wildlife sightings. Wildflowers will be at their peak during this time.
Given its length and theme, this ambitious and in-depth historical expedition cruise around Svalbard offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the history of aviation pioneers up close and learn about the many facets of the Arctic.
Every day offers something new and exciting. We will not miss a single opportunity to encounter the fascinating wildlife of the Arctic, experience incredible polar landscapes and follow in the footsteps of historic expeditions.
Our circumnavigation of the archipelago is coming to an end. We are back in the Isfjord on the west coast of Svalbard. Here we also get to experience beautiful places such as Alkhornet and Skansbukta before we return to Longyearbyen.
Onboard, we reflect on the journey, recalling the adventures of the aviation pioneers and historical locations we visited in the last few days.
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen.
We offer transfers to the airport or the city center if you wish to stay longer in Svalbard.
Perhaps you are already making plans for your next fantastic journey with us to the polar worlds!
A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the appropriate cabin rate is required to confirm the reservation of the Expedition Cruise. The final payment (80%) is due 90 days prior to the departure. Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred method of payment) or by credit card. All payments are to be made in the agreed currency indicated in the invoice.
CABIN DETAILS
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23 M² (248 FT²) m²
Portholes
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
20 M² (215 FT²) m²
Picture window
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
24 M² (258 FT²) m²
Private balcony
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
30 M² (323 FT²) m²
Private balcony
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
63 M² (678 FT²) m²
PRIVATE DECK
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23 M² (248 FT²) m²
Portholes
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
20 M² (215 FT²) m²
Picture window
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
24 M² (258 FT²) m²
Private balcony
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
30 M² (323 FT²) m²
Private balcony
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
63 M² (678 FT²) m²
PRIVATE DECK
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Due to the small ship size, we normally have an average of two activities per day, each lasting about 2.5 hours — ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the polar world! Enjoy landings with scenic hikes for all levels (walking sticks provided), wildlife encounters with insights from experts, and Zodiac cruises. Onboard, you’ll find expert-led lectures, masterclasses, bridge visits, and polar photography tips. Alternatively, you can relax in the jacuzzi, unwind in the library, or enjoy a drink at the bar. On one of the days, we’ll host a BBQ on the open deck! For the bravest, there’s the Polar Plunge — those who prefer not to participate can enjoy watching the fun. Each day is packed with exciting, unforgettable experiences.
U$ 795 Per Person
Sea Kayaking is typically offered on voyages that include High Arctic destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Franz Josef Land, or a combination of these thrilling places. Experience calving glaciers in Svalbard, cathedral-like icebergs in Greenland, or labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, all from our sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have ever paddled.
Included
The polar regions are a photographer’s dream, teeming with breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture perfect shots.
To enhance your experience, our expedition photographer will host onboard masterclasses, offer tips during landings, and create a stunning slideshow of highlights to enjoy at the end of the cruise. After the journey, you’ll receive this slideshow along with a curated selection of photos to relive the adventure.
Our goal is to inspire and support you, ensuring you capture extraordinary images that you’ll treasure forever.
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Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries — a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. In 2017, she was renovated to offer a unique mixture of adventure and comfort for our sophisticated travelers.
Sea Spirit has been retrofitted with Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers that allow safe, stable navigation through icy waters. The operational benefits of the new retractable fin stabilizers include reducing the ship’s roll when anchored, moored, or drifting, reducing dynamic drag when deployed while underway, and eliminating vibration and noise.
Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal — to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations.
The Sea Spirit’s State-of-the-Art Stabilizers
Polar adventurers aboard Poseidon Expedition’s 114-passenger vessel Sea Spirit will now benefit from advanced technology when the ship is equipped with new retractable fin stabilizers next year.
The 4,200-GRT vessel will be retrofitted with Rolls-Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers during the scheduled dry dock in May 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal, just prior to the commencement of the 2019 Arctic season.
According to Poseidon Expeditions’ Senior Director of Cruise Operations Nikolay Zakharov, “These new stabilizers will provide high-performance roll damping when the Sea Spirit is underway, while drifting, or even at anchor. They incorporate a time-tested trailing edge design that eliminates vibration and noise. At the same time, they look to the future with safeguards to protect the polar ecosystems. The stabilizers are fully compatible with environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL) and feature quad main seals for additional redundancy.
“The current Blohm & Voss stabilizers have served us well, but the new Rolls-Royce system uses a computer-based programmable logic controller (PLC) that develops different algorithms depending on conditions. The result will be a ride for our passengers as comfortable as aboard any expedition ship currently coming into the market,” he said.
The improvements will be made at the same time that the Sea Spirit will be re-certified for new IMO Polar Code requirements. Currently, the vessel has all valid technical and international certificates complying with IMO conventions to provide tourism activities in polar waters. Along with the technical improvements, more than $2.5 million in refurbishments to passenger areas – all cabins and public areas – have been made over the past few years to the Sea Spirit.
The Small Ship Advantage
Travel aboard a cruise ship is like staying in a resort hotel, except that your accommodation is also your transportation. Small expedition boats and passenger ships have an undeniable advantage over large cruise vessels. On a small ship Arctic & Antarctica cruises, you retire to the same bed each night and awake in a new polar place each morning. More and more people are discovering the joy and convenience of exploring a string of new destinations without changing hotels or repacking their suitcases.
When most people think of cruise ships, they imagine the floating mega-resorts that can exceed 1,000 feet (328 meters) in length. They imagine disembarking to explore the day’s destination with thousands of their shipmates and possibly also the passengers of several other ships in port that day. This style of traveling is certainly not for everyone. Many people prefer the autonomy and flexibility of independent travel. They want the freedom to wander off the beaten track, to discover the undiscovered, and to experience the world in a personal way.
At the same time, seasoned cruise passengers have realized there are still many parts of the world that are inaccessible to large cruise ships, due to constraints of draft or lack of port facilities. Some of these places are so remote or inhospitable that one cannot simply go on one’s own either. Such is the case with the Polar Regions.
In the wild, remote, unpopulated regions of Antarctica and the Arctic, the demand for tourist transportation and accommodation has been met by small cruise ships, also known as expedition ships. Being much smaller and more maneuverable than traditional cruise ships, these ships can navigate in shallow bays and narrow channels far from the shipping lanes and developed ports of the industrialized world. In addition, expedition ships operating in the high latitudes have hulls that are strengthened against ice. These features allow ships such as Sea Spirit to go where other ships cannot follow.
But of course, it is not enough simply to view these places from the ship. That is why Sea Spirit has a fleet of Zodiacs—small but extremely capable rubber boats perfect for taking passengers ashore at wild landing sites. Zodiacs are also ideal for giving passengers more intimate experiences with marine wildlife and natural features such as glaciers and icebergs. The ability to launch an excursion from the ship—anywhere, anytime—is essential for getting the most out of a visit to the Polar Regions.
Sea Spirit sets herself even farther apart by providing a level of comfort and luxury not usually found on a ship of her size. Travelers of all backgrounds are impressed with the size of the staterooms as well as the deluxe furnishings and thoughtful amenities throughout the ship, not to mention the superior cuisine and personalized attention from the crew. For the adventurous, sea kayaking and camping are offered as optional activities not found on traditional cruise ships.
From veteran cruise passengers to fiercely independent travelers, everyone wanting to visit the polar regions will find that taking small ship Arctic & Antarctica cruises aboard Sea Spirit is the best way to go.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! After leaving Longyearbyen, it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
