Svalbard - Last stop before the North Pole

This expedition with Albatros Expeditions takes you as close to the North Pole as possible. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Arctic with all its wildlife and marvel at giant icebergs. Spitsbergen promises an exceptional nature experience and unforgettable landings. During this sea voyage, you will reach the frozen Arctic Ocean and be enchanted by these ice masses north of the Arctic Circle. The travel price per person is based on accommodation in a double cabin with double occupancy.

Spitsbergen - Last Stop Before the North Pole: Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
This travel package begins in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen with embarkation in the afternoon. After safety drills and lifeboat training, enjoy a glass of champagne on the outer deck as the Ocean Albatros sets sail from the port. End the day with a dinner full of anticipation for the upcoming adventures.

Day 2 - 3: Northwest Spitzbergen
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in one of Europe's largest national parks. Northwest Spitzbergen is not only known for its breathtaking nature, but also for an exciting history, evident in bones and few remnants of human settlement. Tiny Arctic poppies and purple saxifrages defy the brutal conditions to bloom in the brief summer, while geese, eider ducks, and other seabirds return to the island to raise their young. Keep a lookout for walruses and, of course, polar bears. In this paradise for nature lovers, there is plenty to discover.

Day 4: Northeast Spitzbergen
Arrive in the vast icy wilderness of northeastern Svalbard in the morning and marvel at the changed landscape. This region does not receive the ocean currents that keep western Svalbard warm and wet, resulting in radically different surroundings with rocky polar desert landscapes. Huge glaciers flow from the mountains into the sea, which is often choked with ice even in summer. While everything may seem barren at first glance, the rugged Arctic wildlife with foxes, seabirds, or walruses will enchant you upon closer inspection. Here, you have the best chances of seeing these animals or even polar bears. The exact route will be largely determined by the sea, wind, and ice conditions in the region. Absolute flexibility promises an unforgettable expedition experience.

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Day 5: North Spitzbergen
Today, you will reach some of the northernmost pieces of land on Earth - the northern coasts of Svalbard. Expect barren landscapes almost permanently beset by ice. With luck, you may reach the island of Nordaustlandet and hopefully the seven (or nine, depending on how you count) smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. Weather permitting, you will go ashore to explore these northernmost landmasses. The high Arctic islands are quite barren, with only moss and lichens covering the stones. The birdlife in this area is rich, with flocks of grazing geese and some of the rarer gulls frequently seen on these islands. Definitely do not forget your binoculars! In the evening, the journey continues towards the Arctic ice pack, stretching from Svalbard to the North Pole.

Day 6: Into the Arctic Ice
An icy breeze and the scent of snow and sea surround you this morning - an extreme place few ever get to see. The vast ever-changing ice pack 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 it varies greatly year on year, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary widely. The expedition team is very eager to find and explore the most remote locations with you. Although the landscape may seem barren at first glance, it is home to a rich wildlife that will show itself with luck and perseverance. As the Ocean Albatros navigates through narrow channels in the ice, tiny cod-like fish can be seen under the ice in the clear water. Kittiwakes and Gloucous Gulls follow the ship, and you may even spot seals, whales, or a polar bear. From the outer decks, you will have a breathtaking view and fully enjoy this impressive nature.

Day 7: The Kongsfjorden Area
The next morning, wake up in Kongsfjord surrounded by craggy mountains, bounded by the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kongvegen glaciers, and crowned by the Three Crowns (a group of pyramidal mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). After a hearty breakfast, the first landing will be in the small settlement of Ny-Ålesund. Located further north than Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund is Earth's northernmost settlement, with a group of scientific stations, a post office, and a single shop open for a few hours. The geographic location of these islands has made them a base for exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries - a proud legacy that continues to this day. The setting is spectacular, and the scientific projects are as fascinating as the history of the town with its research legends. An exciting excursion to reflect on aboard the Ocean Albatros.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
Today, you will return to Longyearbyen. Say goodbye to the crew and fellow passengers of the Ocean Albatros before disembarking. With the end of disembarkation and countless memories, this unforgettable journey comes to a close.

Travel Information:
2025: This travel package starts with embarkation in Longyearbyen and ends with disembarkation there as well. It is possible to book flights to/from Oslo with corresponding transfers from the airport to the ship and back. However, this must be booked up to 11 months in advance. If interested, please feel free to contact us.

2024: The travel package starts and ends with a flight to/from Oslo. A transfer will take you to the ship in Longyearbyen. Flights and airport transfers are included.

Expedition Vessel: Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros is a stylish and revolutionary passenger ship that combines the advantages of a small expedition vessel with those of a luxury cruise ship. With a maximum occupancy of 175 passengers in 94 state-of-the-art cabins and suites, a warm hearted, caring crew and a guest-to-guide ratio of 8:1, an intimate and friendly atmosphere is created on board. Each of the cozy and private cabins offers an undisturbed view of the vastness of the sea, most even with their own balcony. The ship has two restaurants and a wellness area with a heated pool, jacuzzis, sauna and spa. There are also various bars, lounges and a modern lecture hall on board. The Ocean Albatros is a "comfort class" certified ship, sailing with the lowest noise and vibration levels in the industry. She is also "clean-ship-certified", runs on Tier 3-compliant engines (4 diesel engines, 2 electric engines) and therefore has one of the cleanest propulsion systems in the world.
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