North Spitsbergen Expedition

The north of Spitsbergen welcomes you on this expedition with Oceanwide Expeditions in all its Arctic splendour, featuring an impressive landscape of mighty glaciers, vast fjords and the distinctive wildlife of the High Arctic. During the voyage, there are good opportunities to observe polar bears, whales, various seabirds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. From the outer decks of the expedition vessel, you enjoy excellent views of drifting ice floes and icebergs rising from the Arctic Ocean. The price is based on accommodation in a twin cabin with double occupancy; additional cabin categories are available on request. Please note that this itinerary is provided as an example, as the actual route is adjusted according to weather and ice conditions as well as wildlife sightings. This flexibility allows for a particularly immersive nature experience.

Ltinerary: North Spitsbergen Expedition

Day 1: Arrival and Boarding
After landing in Longyearbyen, guests arriving on a flight from Oslo are met at the airport and transferred to the ship. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon. Once you have settled into your cabin, the vessel leaves the harbour in the evening and sails out towards the open sea. Whale sightings may already be possible at the beginning of the voyage.

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Day 2-7: Northern Spitsbergen
Each day begins with a substantial breakfast before the expedition team determines the day’s programme according to weather, ice and wildlife conditions. The voyage takes you along impressive fjords and mighty glaciers, into the pack ice far to the north and along the barren coastal landscapes of Spitsbergen.

Possible destinations include Raudfjord on the north coast, with its glacier fronts, ringed and bearded seals, numerous seabird colonies and the typical sparse Arctic vegetation. Landings may take place, for example, at Alicehamna or on Buchananhalvøya. Depending on conditions, the ship may enter the Liefdefjord, from where the approximately five-kilometre-wide Monaco Glacier can be admired. The nutrient-rich waters in front of the glacier attract large flocks of kittiwakes and are occasionally used by polar bears. Alternatively, the route follows the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Another possible passage is the Hinlopen Strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet, a habitat for bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. By Zodiac, you explore the drift ice of the Lomfjord and observe thousands of breeding Brünnich’s guillemots on the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Landings on Nordaustlandet offer opportunities to see reindeer, pink-footed geese and walruses. In favourable ice conditions, the voyage may continue to the Seven Islands, where approximately 80° north latitude can be reached, around 870 kilometres from the geographic North Pole. In this area, the vessel may spend extended periods in the pack ice, as polar bears are regularly encountered here.

On the return journey along Spitsbergen’s western shelf edge, Greenland whales, fin whales or minke whales may be sighted, as they use the nutrient-rich upwelling zones for feeding. Further possible stops include Forlandsundet with walrus haul-outs at Sarstangen or Poolepynten, as well as St. John’s Fjord or the area at the entrance to Isfjorden, where seabirds nest on the cliffs, Arctic foxes search for food and reindeer graze on the tundra.

Thanks to the long Arctic daylight hours, there is ample time for landings, Zodiac cruises, wildlife observation and lectures on board. The days usually conclude with shared evening meals.

Day 8: Disembarkation and Departure
After a final breakfast, disembarkation takes place in Longyearbyen. A transfer then takes you to the airport. The travel programme begins and ends with the respective transfers between ship and airport.

Arrival
If you arrive on a flight from Oslo, the transfer from the airport to the ship on the day of embarkation is included in the tour price. If you arrive the day before, the transfer from the airport to your hotel in Longyearbyen is included instead. On the day of disembarkation, a transfer from the ship to the airport is also provided. The travel programme therefore begins and ends with the respective airport transfers.

Expedition ship MS Hondius
Hondius is a vessel specifically designed for expedition voyages in polar regions. She holds Polar Class 6 certification and meets the current standards of Lloyd’s Register for ice-strengthened passenger ships. She also complies with the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization. This modern expedition vessel is designed for flexible operations in Arctic and Antarctic waters and enables close-up nature and wildlife experiences.

Technical features include energy-efficient LED lighting, modern heating systems, biodegradable paints and lubricants, as well as a contemporary energy management system that reduces fuel consumption and emissions. This helps to minimise the vessel’s impact on these sensitive polar environments.

Please note that some cabins may have partially restricted views due to structural features, for example exterior gangways. The best views are generally from the outer decks or the bridge. Hondius accommodates up to 170 passengers.
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