days
MORE INFORMATION
This Arctic adventure explores the breathtaking Svalbard archipelago, including northwest Spitzbergen, Edgeøya, Bellsund, and Hornsund. The voyage aims to reach the pack ice north of Svalbard at 80 degrees latitude, navigating a dynamic wilderness shaped by wind, sea, and ice. Wildlife highlights include polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and millions of seabirds like guillemots and razorbills. Using Zodiac boats, the expedition offers close encounters with nature, frequent shore landings, and mini cruises through fjords and glacial landscapes. The journey aboard the ice-class Ocean Albatros promises unparalleled access to Svalbard’s high Arctic beauty.
Day 1 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Embarkation
Board your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard – the world’s northernmost… everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world’s northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The town’s rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness – hyggligt, as we say in Denmark!
Immediately after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world. The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen.
After arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel leave civilisation behind… And set a course for adventure!
Day 2 – Kongsfjorden region, Northwest Svalbard
During the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never sets?), Ocean Albatros will have repositioned past the saw-toothed mountains of Prins Karls Forland and arrived in magnificent Kongsfjord. Surrounded by craggy mountains, bounded by the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kongvegen Glaciers, and crowned by the Three Crowns (a set of pyramidal mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway, Sweden and Denmark), this is surely one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners anywhere in the world.
Our first landing will be at the small settlement of Ny Ålesund. Situated further north than Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund is Earth’s northernmost settlement, if a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours can be described as such… You will have to judge for yourself!
These islands’ geographical location has made them the staging post for exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries – a proud legacy which continues to this day. The setting is spectacular, and the scientific projects are as fascinating as the history of the town, which has hosted the Nobile, the Norge and the Fram, Amundsen, Nansen and Nordenskiöld, all legends of polar exploration who passed this lonely outpost seeking to push the boundaries of humanity. The remnants of these expeditions (such as the mooring mast of the Norge) can still be seen today.
Day 3 – Northwest Svalbard
One of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West Svalbard was declared a national park in 1973. The area is famed for its history, which documents some of the earliest human arrivals on Svalbard. While Norse explorers may have sighted these icy shores during the Viking Age, the first definite arrival was the expedition of William Barents, the legendary Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named. While now protected from human distruption, when Barents arrived in 1596, he noted the vast numbers of whales and seals which were soon prey to English and Dutch whalers, who arrived within a decade of Barents to pillage the area’s wildlife. The area occupies the triple point between land, sea and ice, and as such was the perfect location from which to harvest the gentle giants of the oceans. Sites used to dismember whale carcasses and render them for their precious oil include the Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, where the remains of 16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen. Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya record the darker side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home.
Today, all that remains from this period of history are bones and the scant remnants of human habitation. Slowly reclaimed by creeping Arctic nature, the region is now a nature lovers paradise. Tiny Arctic poppies and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief summer, while geese, eider ducks and other seabirds return to the island to raise their young. Walrus can be found hauled out on beaches, and we must always be on careful lookout for wandering polar bears in this now again wild region.
Day 4 – Into the ice
An icy breeze touches your exposed cheeks. The scent of snow and sea fills your nostrils. Sunlight reflects off the floating ice, illuminating the clouds overhead. Enter an environment like no other, the vast shape-shifting realm of floating ice which crowns our planet. The vast ever-changing ice pack to the north of Svalbard stretches from this already isolated archipelago to the North Pole, and onwards across the Arctic Ocean towards the northern shores of Chukotka and Alaska.
The Arctic ice pack is one of Earth’s largest habitats, although unlike most it varies hugely year on year, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary wildly – however, your Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise our chances of finding and exploring this impossibly remote environment. At first glance, this stark white wilderness seems barren, empty and lifeless. This icy wilderness holds on to its mysteries, and of course wildlife sightings are at the whims of Mother Nature. With a little perseverance however, the ice reveals its secrets.
As Ocean Albatros pushes through the narrow channels in the ice, tiny cod-like fish can be seen silhouetted against the ice in the clear water. Kittiwakes and Gloucous Gulls follow the vessel as it disturbs the water. Further out on the ice, black dots appear; moving closer, they resolve into seals, basking on the ice. A plume of water reflects the sunshine – a pod of belugas perhaps, or maybe even the vast gentle bowhead whale crushing the ice from below as its massive body surfaces. There, beyond the banks of rucked ice – a yellowish dot pads along the ice, the head swinging from side to side: the King of the Arctic continues his never-ending quest for prey. This is the kingdom of the polar bear, the vast icy wastes at the top of the world.
At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Hinlopen Strait that divides Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
Day 5 – Northeast Svalbard
From the icy wilderness of the pack ice, we will head back towards land, cruising into the Hinlopen Strait. If the weather is on “our side” we may have a good view of the steep cliffs of Alkefjellet. The area is home to a dense congregation of Brünnichs guillemots – one of the largest colonies in the world. There are so many birds that hardly an inch is free! Nesting Brünnich’s guillemots and other auks crowd the cliffs, while predatory skuas and gulls cruise the skies above, constantly on the lookout for their next meal. During the raucous summer the breeding pairs offer a wild view of frantic activity, both along the cliffs and in the sea in front – one of nature’s most spectacular sights!
More wildlife awaits us as we land on the polar desert landscapes of Nordaustlandet. Although the polar desert landscapes of this region appear stark and barren, they are wildly beautiful – unearthly plantless landscapes illuminated by the weak Arctic sunlight. However, it is in the marine environment where Svalbard’s biodiversity is richest. Walrus haul their vast bodies onto flat beaches to rest, where they snuggle together for warmth and protection. Belugas frolic in large pods in the waters off the coast, harvesting fish and crustaceans from the seabed, and further offshore the vast gentle baleen whales can sometimes be seen feasting upon copepods and small fish.
Day 6 – East Svalbard
As we continue to venture around these remarkable islands, we arrive in Southeast Svalbard – a region where the cold easterly polar waters collide with the last tepid gasp of the Gulf Stream. If the ice is passable, we can make it through the southern edge of the Hinlopen Strait and cruise through Freemansundet, which separates Barentsøya and Edgeøya. We enjoy the views of the massive Kapp Lee as we exit the Strait.
We will aim to land on Edgeøya, Svalbard’s third largest island. Vast piles of snow-bleached bones on the island’s beaches bear witness to the systematic and industrial-scale slaughter of walrus and beluga in their thousands. The earliest humans on the islands (mainly English and Dutch whalers and Russian Pomor trappers) had little regard for conservation, seeking only profit, a situation which continued well into the 19th century. Thankfully all wildlife on Svalbard is now protected by law, and vast tracts of the archipelago are designated as nature reserves and National Parks – some of the largest and richest in the world!
Further east on Edgeøya, sites include the walrus colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, and the spectacular raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset. From these remote shores, we will cruise around Sørkapp and back towards Spitzbergen, the largest island of Svalbard.
Days 7-8 – South Svalbard
Having passed the southern tip of Spitsbergen we arrive back into the greener warmer regions of this Arctic wilderness. The southwest coast of Svalbard is washed by warmer water coming up through the Atlantic, so winter ice generally retreats first from this reagion. This allows us to enter the southern fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund – easily some of the most spectacular regions of this stunning archipelago. Throughout this maze of fjords and islands, birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile slopes below, while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in the area. Tiny calico snow buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated slopes, and there – greyish white ‘boulders’ move and resolve themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal).
The mountaintops are most often covered by dense clouds and the East-Spitsbergen current often leads pack ice into the mouths of the fjords. With a huge variety of landing sites to explore, this region is without doubt one of the most exciting and diverse regions of Svallbard! Options to explore in the area include the huge bird cliffs of Alkhjornet and Vårsolbukta, and the historical sites of Calypsobyen and Bambsebu, where prospectors, trappers and a range of other adventurers attempted to make their fortunes.
Day 9 – West/Central Svalbard
During the night we will enter Forlandssundet, the strait which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Our destinations may include Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. The remote beaches, rugged mountains and tundra plains of the region positively beg to be explored!
From Forlandsundet, we will return southwards during the afternoon towards the town of Longyearbyen, all the while on the lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as we return to civilisation.
Day 10 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Disembarkation
On the final morning of our expedition, we arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard – the world’s northernmost… everything! Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic!
After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen and a fond farewell to the crew and fellow guests of Ocean Albatros, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
A deposit of 25% is required to hold your spot within 14 days of being invoiced and final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment can be made via bank transfer or debit and credit card. Cards accepted are Visa or Mastercard.
CABIN DETAILS
Located on deck 3, these cabins are reserved to accommodate a solo traveler in search of their own cabin. The cabin offers a single bed - Ensuite
1
18
Porthole
Located on deck 3, these cabins offer three lower twin beds, or a queen bed with a single bed. These are large cabins that are great for a group of traveling friends, solo travelers, and families. - Ensuite
3
20
Porthole
These twin portholes are located on Deck 3. Some cabins offer a sofa, while others offer two sitting chairs. They offer a large sitting area and a round porthole in each cabin. These cabins can be configured to offer two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
15
Porthole
These cabins offer a double-sized bed and the possibility of a full-sized sofa bed. Located on deck 7. The room features a large floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window, where the top half of the window slides down completely. - Ensuite
2
16
French Balcony (infinity window)
A spacious balcony cabin that is offered on deck 4 and deck 6. These cabins offer a large walkout private balcony.
The beds can be configured as two twins or a matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
22
Balcony
Located on Deck 4 or Deck 6, these twin balcony staterooms offer a private balcony and a spacious living area. Some cabins offer a sofa, while others offer two sitting chairs. The sofa bed is pulled out to accommodate a third guest. Great for friends, families, and solo travelers. Main beds can be configured as two twins or a matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
24
Balcony
These C Grand Balcony Staterrom offers more area than the C Balcony suite and offers a larger private balcony. They are located more midship than other cabins to offer a smoother Drake Crossing. Available as two twin beds or Queen sized matrimonial. Located on deck 4.
2
30
Balcony
Located on deck 6 more midship than other cabins to offer a smoother Drake Crossing. The B Suites offer more area and a larger private balcony. Available as two twin beds or Queen sized matrimonial. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service.
2
32
Balcony
The A Suites offer a two-room living configuration using a large bookshelf divider. The bedroom and living room each over their own TV and the couch can be used as a pullout sofa. Can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 guests. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service. Located on deck 7.
2
38
Balcony
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Victory is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. The bedroom and living room each over their own TV and the couch can be used as a pullout sofa. Located on deck 4. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service.
2
43
Balcony
Located on deck 3, these cabins are reserved to accommodate a solo traveler in search of their own cabin. The cabin offers a single bed - Ensuite
1
18
Porthole
Located on deck 3, these cabins offer three lower twin beds, or a queen bed with a single bed. These are large cabins that are great for a group of traveling friends, solo travelers, and families. - Ensuite
3
20
Porthole
These twin portholes are located on Deck 3. Some cabins offer a sofa, while others offer two sitting chairs. They offer a large sitting area and a round porthole in each cabin. These cabins can be configured to offer two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
15
Porthole
These cabins offer a double-sized bed and the possibility of a full-sized sofa bed. Located on deck 7. The room features a large floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window, where the top half of the window slides down completely. - Ensuite
2
16
French Balcony (infinity window)
A spacious balcony cabin that is offered on deck 4 and deck 6. These cabins offer a large walkout private balcony.
The beds can be configured as two twins or a matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
22
Balcony
Located on Deck 4 or Deck 6, these twin balcony staterooms offer a private balcony and a spacious living area. Some cabins offer a sofa, while others offer two sitting chairs. The sofa bed is pulled out to accommodate a third guest. Great for friends, families, and solo travelers. Main beds can be configured as two twins or a matrimonial bed. - Ensuite
2
24
Balcony
These C Grand Balcony Staterrom offers more area than the C Balcony suite and offers a larger private balcony. They are located more midship than other cabins to offer a smoother Drake Crossing. Available as two twin beds or Queen sized matrimonial. Located on deck 4.
2
30
Balcony
Located on deck 6 more midship than other cabins to offer a smoother Drake Crossing. The B Suites offer more area and a larger private balcony. Available as two twin beds or Queen sized matrimonial. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service.
2
32
Balcony
The A Suites offer a two-room living configuration using a large bookshelf divider. The bedroom and living room each over their own TV and the couch can be used as a pullout sofa. Can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 guests. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service. Located on deck 7.
2
38
Balcony
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Victory is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. The bedroom and living room each over their own TV and the couch can be used as a pullout sofa. Located on deck 4. VIP service included for categories A, B & suites; unlimited access to the specialty restaurant, stocked minibar, wine and fruit in-room at commencement of cruise, free laundry service.
2
43
Balcony
MORE INFORMATION
Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing. In order to sign up for this activity you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master.
U$ 345 per person, per outing
Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the wildlife colonies, historical sites, and dramatic landscapes of Svalbard. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, historical remains and geological and biological features, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards.
Remember that Svalbard holds a significant population of polar bears; while encounters are rare, these large wild animals can be dangerous. For that reason, when ashore in Svalbard our specially trained staff always prioritise the safety of our guests, and freedom to roam and hike in the area may be limited. We remind all visitors that this is for their own safety, and the safety of polar bears on Svalbard.
Some sites do not offer landing opportunities, but are locations where exploring on the water offers the best opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife and photography. These Zodiac cruise sites are often known for their concentration of ice, wildlife and even historical landmarks such as whaling stations, where our fleet of Zodiacs offer the best vantage point. This would be the only scenario you may have to wait on the ship (other than in adverse weather conditions), but we will always aim to offer an onboard program during this time, such as seminars given by our knowledgeable and experienced Lecturer team. Zodiac cruises are great for observing icebergs, glaciers, whales, and other marine wildlife. Your skilled driver will navigate around the area looking for wildlife and beautiful landscapes. By the end of the voyage, Zodiac cruises tend to become a firm favourite among our guests because of the vast diversity of scenery and marine life it is possible to experience.
Leaving Longyearbyen, your expedition vessel will proceed onwards into Svalbard to explore the unknown. The goal for the days spent exploring in Svalbard is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise.
Typically, there will be a morning activity after breakfast and an afternoon activity after lunch. We always try our hardest to meet this expectation, but because weather in the Arctic can be extremely unpredictable, we ask everyone to be mindful of our remote location and thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Svalbard limit the number of people ashore at any time, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
A “typical” expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):
MORE INFORMATION
The Ocean Albatros, sister ship to the Ocean Victory, joined the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in June 2023.
The Ocean Albatros is deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic and various other exciting destinations in between.
With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros has definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it’s sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and is one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros also offers a unique panorama sauna, and even more dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.
BRIDGE
Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship’s bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the expedition leader.
JACUZZIS
The ship features two jacuzzis on the upper outside deck (deck 7), allowing spectacular views of the polar landscape outside in a relaxing environment.
Please note, that there is no lifeguard on duty, and the jacuzzis will not be accessible if weather and wind conditions render them unsafe to use. It is to be expected that the use of these facilities will be on certain calm days and within certain hours, so if you plan on using them, please confer with the expedition staff onboard. The jacuzzis (hot tubs) can normally be used much more frequently and whilst the ship is moving.
STATEROOM SERVICE
Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meals to the room only for serious cases of guests being sick. Our suites will have VIP services.
STATEROOM LAYOUT/DIMENSIONS
Please note! The layout, illustration, and dimensions of the cabin categories shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the staterooms. The actual cabin layouts and sizes may vary.
ZODIAC LANDINGS
One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Victory’s fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber “Zodiac” boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.
The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines, and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive mandatory instructions on the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear.
Please note, that we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps.
CRUISE CARD / PAYMENTS / CREDIT CARDS
At the time of embarkation, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should always have with you. This card is used on board as a payment instrument and identity card. All on-board purchases from the boutique, bar, internet, telephone, laundry, and the like are charged to your shipboard account.
To activate your personal onboard account, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. At the end of the voyage, your account will be settled by the payment methods mentioned above.
There is no currency exchange office onboard the vessel. Onboard payment will be completed by your cruise card. For stays ashore during the cruise, we recommend changing a minimal amount of the local currency in small bills, as most of the ports and airports have exchange offices. Alternatively, lots of shops and restaurants accept international credit cards. In bigger ports and cities, you have the possibility to withdraw cash from ATMs.
If you choose to leave a gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account. Be sure to contact your credit card provider regarding the use of your credit cards overseas. Any questions regarding the bill can be addressed to the Reception.
GRATUITIES
Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave a gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, the recommended amount is approximately 13.50 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary.
If you choose to leave a gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear, and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style.
For specific packing recommendations, refer to the specific itinerary of interest.
ENVIRONMENT
As a tour operator for cruises in the Polar Regions, which are some of the world’s most pristine environments, we extremely emphasize environmental awareness as well as sustainability. One of our top priorities is to protect the environment and minimize our CO2 emissions. All waste will remain onboard the vessel until we return to shore and it’s possible to dispose of waste.
We ask that you show deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
INTERNET / PHONE
Keep in mind, that we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your stateroom. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off.
LANGUAGE ONBOARD
The official language aboard our vessels is English; however, our expedition leaders and crew are knowledgeable in a variety of languages. If there is a large group, who desires communication in their own language, we will make special arrangements to accommodate their needs.
PASSPORT / VISA
Each guest is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the Ocean Victory. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination. Although some countries may require shorter periods, we implement this 6-month prerequisite to avoid situations where a country’s validity requirements may be amended between the time of your booking and departure. The name in your passport must be identical to the name in all travel documentation. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents are the responsibility of the passenger.
Please note that passports will be collected for clearing formalities at the beginning of the voyage. The passports will be kept safely by the Purser during the whole voyage and will be handed out on the last day. We, therefore, recommend preparing copies of all documents before you start your travels.
RECEPTION
The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00.
ALBATROS OCEAN BOUTIQUE
The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts, and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other sundries are also sold.
AVAILABLE SEATING SPACE
Shackleton Lecture Room: 185
Nordic Lounge: 50
Beagle Restaurant: 166
Beagle Specialty Restaurant: 40
Observation Lounge: 67
Panorama Specialty Restaurant: 46
HEALTH / MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance.
Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others.
Due to safety reasons, a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate.
SAFETY / SECURITY ON BOARD
Our ships comply with all safety regulations and are ice-class vessels suitable for sailing in polar environments. Upon arrival on the vessel, there will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure. We will provide security information and practical details regarding life onboard and introduce key personnel. You will be informed where the safety equipment is located and how it is used. Each stateroom is equipped with lifejackets. Once onboard, please familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency rescue plan.
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The Ocean Victory has two cabins available to guests requiring wheelchair access. Guests needing any form of assistance, and those who are physically disabled must be accompanied by someone who will take full responsibility for any needed assistance during the cruise and in the event of an emergency.
Moreover, guests requiring a wheelchair must provide their own collapsible wheelchair. Please be aware that some ports of call, shore excursions, docks, gangways, and other requirements may preclude a wheelchair-bound guest from leaving the vessel; that decision will be made by the Expedition Leader or ship’s captain and is binding.
SEASICKNESS / STABILISATORS
The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness medication work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
SMOKING
For safety reasons and to protect the health of our guests and employees, smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the outside decks. Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel, in the stateroom or near the Zodiacs. Please remember to respect our natural environments and dispose of cigarette butts in designated bins.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible – ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
The ship has a 220v / 50 Hz cycle system. Please check your appliances before use. 110-volt appliances require an adapter prior to use aboard the ship.
The electrical outlets on board Ocean Victory are the so called ‘F-type sockets’, round 2-pin, 220-240 V, grounded, used in continental Europe and Russia. They take C, E, and F-type 2-pin plugs.
WATER
There are several water stations onboard Ocean Victory. Normally, water is not rationed, but we do advise our guests to pay attention to their water consumption.
LAUNDRY
If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee.
ONBOARD BRIEFINGS
The Expedition Leader will conduct regularly scheduled briefings to highlight key points in the itinerary, organize excursions and communicate important information.
CHILDREN
Due to safety precautions, children under 12 years of age will be taken into consideration on each landing. It is entirely at the Expedition Leader’s discretion to permit children on excursions and shore landings.
ITINERARY & PROGRAM CHANGES
As this is an expedition cruise to the world’s most remote region, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. We have planned itineraries for each tour package, but to ensure to safety of our guests and crew, we may be forced to change the route.
RULES FOR LANDINGS & EXCURSIONS
When ashore, it is very important to show deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. We also ask that you remain together with your group, as we are truly in the wild and must remain extra vigilant of the wildlife and weather conditions around us. Walking around independently is strictly prohibited. It is essential to abide by the strictly communicated safety rules.
MORE INFORMATION
Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! Once we arrive in Svalbard 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, canned beverages and alcohol, and additional activities. See the full list of inclusions/exclusions for more.
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.
MORE INFORMATION
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.
