Voyage Overview
Cruise through amazing fjords, enjoy tundra hikes, and catch a glimpse of amazing wildlife.
Focusing on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. We keep our eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra adorned and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters.
Trip Details
Highlights:
- 5 planned days in Svalbard
- Explore by zodiac and on foot as the tundra and bird cliffs awaken
- Have the chance to see wildlife such as walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, seabirds and polar bears
- Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway
Day 2: Flight to Longyearbyen & Embarkation
Days 3-7: Spitsbergen
Day 8: Disembark in Longyearbyen & Flight to Oslo
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Upon arrival in Oslo, make your way to your group airport hotel, located just a short walk from the International Terminal. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Day 2: Charter Flight to Longyearbyen & Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before walking to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of the charter flight to Longyearbyen.
Days 3-7: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen offers an exceptional introduction to Arctic expedition travel. The experienced Expedition Team will shape each day around weather, sea ice, wildlife and the latest local information, selecting the strongest opportunities rather than following a fixed list of landing sites.
Early in the season, snow and ice transform familiar fjords into striking polar landscapes. We may explore the glacier-filled west coast, the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen or sail north in search of the pack-ice edge. Zodiac cruises can bring us beneath sculpted glacier fronts and alongside floating ice, while landings reveal snow-fringed beaches, historic remains and the first exposed tundra.
Migratory birds return to cliffs and scree slopes, where guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and little auks gather to breed. Walrus and seals may be found around ice or coastal haul-outs, while reindeer and Arctic foxes leave tracks across the thawing ground. Polar bears may occur anywhere and are observed only from a safe distance without influencing their behaviour.
If you have selected an optional activity such as kayaking, we will aim to offer it whenever conditions allow. Guided walks, Zodiac excursions and the possibility of a polar plunge complete an active introduction to the High Arctic.
Day 8: Disembark in Longyearbyen & Charter Flight to Oslo
During the early morning we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey. Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated flight slot of our charter flight to Longyearbyen, which we expect to receive a few months prior to the voyage.
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Sylvia Earle
This new purpose-built small expedition vessel honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. As the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998 – this ship pays tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
Sylvia Earle Cabins & Deck Plan
Captain’s Suite
DECK 4
The singular Captain’s Suite on Sylvia Earle is the most spacious accommodation onboard and has a prime low midship location. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. The Captain’s Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed) and 1 free bottle of champagne. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
437 sq. ft. (40.6m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Junior Suite
DECK 7
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points high on the ship. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony. The Junior Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (stocked once only) and 1 free bottle of champagne. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
417 – 420 sq. ft. (38.8 – 39.1m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Superior
DECK 4
DECK 6
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
284 – 336 sq. ft. (26.4 – 31.2m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category A
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins are a premium cabin and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions which provide easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins (#407, 409, 410, 412, 607 & 610) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
226 – 301 sq. ft. (21 – 28m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category B
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 & 6. Many are fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom B cabins (#606 & 603) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
202 – 235 sq. ft. (18.8 – 21.8m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category C
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins are the most economical balcony stateroom, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are either in the most forward or aft location or in a mid-ship location with a smaller cabin size. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins (#611 & 614) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
181 – 233 sq. ft. (16.8 – 21.6m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Aurora Stateroom Superior
DECK 7
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. The Staterooms feature French balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
185 – 195 sq. ft. (17.2 – 18.1m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
DECK 3
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located low on the ship, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
215 sq. ft. (20m2)
1-3
3 twins or 1 king + 1 twin
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.
- Roundtrip charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
- Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks & juices during voyage.
- Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during the voyage.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Exclusions:
- International or domestic flights not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges.
Note: A $20 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew and Expedition Team is automatically added to your onboard account. You may remove or adjust this amount when settling your account. For suite guests, this gratuity is included as part of the Suite Benefits.
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book into a share cabin into a share cabin with another (or other) guests of the same gender
- Book a Solo Balcony Stateroom C, B or A
- Book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.5x the per person share price
