Svalbard in Spring: Arctic Wildlife, Light, and Ice - 10 Days
Onboard National Geographic Resolution – 138 passengers
See Svalbard the way few ever have—in spring. The archipelago will be covered in snow, surrounded by sea ice, and bathed in astonishing light. Stunningly beautiful vistas of snow and ice will be bathed in near-perfect light as the spring sun rises higher in the Arctic sky each day. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, seals, and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea, conditions permitting.
Highlights:
- Be among the few travelers to sail the region at this time of year, exploring aboard the supremely comfortable National Geographic Resolution, whose polar-class capabilities allow her to navigate these icy waters
- Experience pristine snow and ice conditions during the early season in Svalbard
- Keep a lookout for the apex predator of the north: polar bears
- Walk on the frozen sea in the Arctic, an adventure only possible in early spring
- Capture the astonishing springtime light with our expert photographers on hand to provide instruction
Tour Dates
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Apr 29 - May 8, 2025 (10 days)
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May 6 - May 15, 2025 (10 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen & Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival, explore this northern outpost and research center, including the expansive views of the icy fjord and surrounding mountain ranges. Embark the National Geographic Resolution, our base of exploration for the coming six days. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Exploring Svalbard
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10: Disembark & Fly to Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen and soak in the atmosphere of this exploration outpost once again before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. The next day, walk across the street to the airport for flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on Day 9; breakfast is provided on Day 10.
Route Map
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Charter flights are not included in the cabin pricing. See the neon green box in the pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia are not included in the cabin pricing. See the neon green box in the pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Category 7
These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk and chair; espresso maker; hammock; and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, priority access to one igloo reservation, and one spa appointment per departure.
Bridge Deck: #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721
Category 6
Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; espresso maker; and a closet. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one igloo reservation, and one spa appointment per departure.
Bridge Deck: #714
Category 5
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
Bridge Deck: #700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717
Category 4
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
Lounge Deck: #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Category 3
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; convertible sleeper sofa; writing desk with a chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; and a closet.
Main Deck: #512-524
Category 2
Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Fore Deck: #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
Category 1
Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Fore Deck: #406, 408, 411, 413, 415
Category A Solo
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with an office chair; and a closet.
Main Deck: #504-510, 513
Category B Solo
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with chair; hammock; and a closet.
Lounge Deck: #604-607, 609, 611
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
