North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile Landscapes, Sea Ice & Wildlife
The best opportunity to get active while spotting exotic Arctic wildlife!
This expedition focuses on the versatility of North Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes. For additional activities, check the tour description.
This expedition focuses on the versatility of North Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes. For additional activities, check the tour description.
Voyage Highlights
Isfjord
The second longest fjord in Svalbard, Isfjord lies on the west side of the principal island of Spitsbergen
Sjuøyane
The Seven Islands are part of the Northeast Svalbard Reserve and are full of wildlife and Arctic flora
Monacobreen
Formerly known as Glacier de Monaco and Liefde Bay-bræ, Monacobreen is a glacier that reaches down into Liefdefjorden in Spitsbergen.
Svalbard’s most famous bird-watching site, Alkefjellet is alive with guillemots, gulls, and kittiwakes
Alkhornet
This imposing peak guards the entrance of Isfjorden, and is home to thousands of pairs of seabirds
Svalbard reindeer
Saved from the brink of extinction by dedicated recovery programs, these small reindeer have a dramatically variable birth rate
Walrus
Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers
Polar Bear
Awe-inspiring icons of the circumpolar north, polar bears are majestic to behold, terrifying to confront, and as essential to the Arctic as ice and snow
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Ship
m/v Hondius
Oceanwide Expeditions
Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.
Children under 3 are not permitted on expedition voyages. Children 3-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Children: 3–15 years
Child discount: 75%
Third Person Policy
We offer a 25% child discount for one child when at least two full-paying passengers share the same cabin. The third person must share existing bedding, as no extra bed is provided in standard cabins. Triple cabins are available upon request.
Child discount: 75%
Single Supplement
Default rate: 1.7×
Inside: 1×
Single supplement (1.7x the shared rate) applies to all twin cabin categories.
Cancellation Policy
120+ days before departure: 20% penalty
90–119 days before departure: 50% penalty
0–89 days before departure: 100% penalty
Cancellation must be received in writing. Refunds processed within 14 business days.
Name change fee: $100 USD
Gratuities
Excluded: The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (suggest USD10-12 per person per day).
Wi-Fi & Communications
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi in public areas. Premium plans available onboard.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
