Around Spitsbergen, in the Icy Realm of the Polar Bear — 10 Days | Gvoya
Arctic
Around Spitsbergen, in the Icy Realm of the Polar Bear
Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation
Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.
Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.
Voyage Highlights
Zodiac Cruising & Shore Program
By Zodiac you will explore the polar world, getting up close to icebergs, glaciers, and iconic wildlife
The Bird Cliffs of Alkefjellet
Svalbard’s most famous bird-watching site, Alkefjellet is alive with guillemots, gulls, and kittiwakes
Hornsund
Part of the South Spitsbergen National Park, the Hornsund is a fjord found on the west side of Spitsbergen, on the southern tip of the island.
Formerly known as Glacier de Monaco and Liefde Bay-bræ, Monacobreen is a glacier that reaches down into Liefdefjorden in Spitsbergen.
Diskobukta
Located close to Disko Bay, this remote settlement holds important historical relevance for the Inuit of Greenland
Sjuøyane
The Seven Islands are part of the Northeast Svalbard Reserve and are full of wildlife and Arctic flora
Isfjord
The second longest fjord in Svalbard, Isfjord lies on the west side of the principal island of Spitsbergen
Arctic Tern
Among the most nomadic birds on the planet, these sun-loving tourists summer twice a year during their ambitious routes
Kittiwake
Named for their own bird call, these cliff-nesting "three-toes" are the most abundant gulls on the planet
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
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
Thick-billed Murre
They may expend a great deal of energy in flight, but that hardly concerns these tightly nesting (though largest-living) members of the Alcidae family
N.B. The chances that we can complete a full Spitsbergen circumnavigation (based on our experiences from 1992 – 2019) are about 30% in the first half of July, 70% in the second half, 90% in the first half of August, and 95% in the second half. In case we cannot complete a full circumnavigation, we may devise a program in northeast or southeast Spitsbergen. 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.
Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
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 Plancius
Oceanwide Expeditions
M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.
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
