North Spitsbergen Expedition

The north of Svalbard welcomes you during this expedition with Oceanwide Expeditions in its full beauty with breathtaking landscapes. This includes impressive glaciers, dreamy fjords, and the unique fauna of the Arctic. During the sea voyage, you have the best chances to observe polar bears, whales, various seabirds, and many other wild animals. From the outer deck of the expedition ship, you have the best view of passing ice floes and icebergs that majestically protrude from the Arctic Ocean. The price is based on accommodation in a double cabin with double occupancy, other categories available upon request. Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it is adapted to weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high level of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

North Spitsbergen Expedition: Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Boarding
After landing in Longyearbyen, you will be picked up at the airport (if arriving from Oslo) and taken to the ship. Boarding takes place in the afternoon, where you will settle into a cozy cabin and prepare for eventful days on board. The ship leaves the port in the evening, perhaps you will watch as it sets sail and, after some time at sea, keep an eye out for the first whales.

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Day 2-7: Northern Spitsbergen
Each day starts with a hearty breakfast and you look forward to the adventures ahead. The expedition takes you to the most remote places in the Arctic. Passing breathtaking fjords and glaciers, you will venture into the pack ice far north and to the barren coasts of Spitsbergen. The travel route is determined by ice and weather conditions. Some potential expedition destinations could include:
- Raudfjord: Experience the extensive fjord on the north coast, covered with glaciers. With some luck, you may even see ringed and bearded seals. There are numerous seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of seeing polar bears. There is a chance of landing at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.
- Monaco Glacier: Depending on weather and sea ice, sailing into Liefdefjorden to admire the 5 km long Monaco Glacier could be an option. The waters in front of this steep glacier are a popular feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a favored hunting ground for polar bears. Alternatively, the route may follow the west coast of Spitsbergen.
- Highlights of Hinlopen: The goal is to sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance, there is even a possibility to spot blue whales. After navigating among the ice floes of Lomfjord in Zodiacs, you can observe the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side, landing on Nordaustlandet is a possibility, where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses may be seen.
- The Seven Islands: The northernmost point of the journey might be north of Nordaustlandet at Chermsideøya or Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands. It is possible to reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may spend several hours in the pack ice before turning back west.
- Sailing the continental shelf: On the return journey to the west, keep a lookout for polar bears and the elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, the voyage follows the edge of the continental shelf. Here, fin whales feed in the summer in the upwelling zones along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, there is a good chance of sighting minke whales.
- Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet: Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet at Sarstangen or Poolepynten. Alternatively, the route may lead into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, with a landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze on the sparse vegetation.
One thing is certain: where the expedition leads you and wherever you look, the Arctic will quickly captivate and enchant you. The evenings are rounded off with a delicious dinner. At this time, the additional daylight hours provide more opportunities to spot wildlife.

Day 8: Disembarkation and Departure
After a final hearty breakfast, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye. Following disembarkation, a transfer will take you to the airport - carrying with you countless unforgettable experiences.

Arrival
If you are arriving by flight from Oslo on the day of boarding, a transfer from the airport to the ship is included. If you travel by flight from Oslo the day before, the transfer to the hotel in Longyearbyen is included. On the day of disembarkation, the transfer to the airport is also included. The travel program begins and ends with the airport transfer.

Expedition ship:
MS Plancius (Date from 24.06.25, 03.06.25)
The MS Plancius was used by the Dutch Royal Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted into a passenger ship by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2009.The expedition ship offers space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person cabins with porthole, 2 three-person cabins with porthole, 9 double cabins with porthole, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 square meters)]. Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway.The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge.Enjoy the benefits of the MS Plancius: a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows allowing a full panoramic view.The ship welcomes you comfortably and beautifully - in keeping with its expedition character, it is not a luxury ship.Experience, exploration and education are the main focus of the voyages.

MS Hondius (Date from 23.06.25, 09.06.25, 16.06.25)
The Hondius is the world's first registered Polar Class 6 ship and meets the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative cruise ship in the polar regions, optimized for exploration voyages that give you the greatest possible first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctic. The Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art energy management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels to a minimum. This means that on board the Hondius you can enjoy the extreme landscapes and wildlife while having as little impact on them as possible. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always from the outside deck or the bridge. The Hondius offers space for up to 170 passengers.
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