Voyage Overview
An in-depth exploration of the wildlife capital of the Arctic.
On this extended voyage, guests will have excellent chances to witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears. Get a glimpse into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites, and the rare chance to appreciate breathtaking views at the birdwatching utopias 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. If conditions allow, we will also attempt a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, which is considered a rite of passage for many Arctic enthusiastists.
The wildlife-viewing opportunities on this trip will leave you with plenty of memories and photos: the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers; Arctic birds in all their varied majesty; small herds of reindeer loping across the tundra; and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear, as it roams the edges of the pack ice. Shore excursions by Zodiac will enable you to explore places where few humans have ever set foot. This voyage truly is the big adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Trip Details
Duration: 15 Days
Ship: Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Helsinki, Finland
End: Helsinki, Finland
Highlights:
- 11 planned days in Svalbard
- The chance to visit the more remote east side of Spitsbergen and circumnavigate the island
- Searching for unique wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, reindeer and whales
- Zodiac cruising in scenic fjords, alongside glaciers and bird cliffs
- Hiking the tundra to take in the Arctic landscape
- Paddling through the icy realm on an optional kayaking excursion
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Helsinki, Finland
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark
Day 3 – 13: Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki
Day 15: Depart Helsinki
Tour Dates
- April 2026 to September 2026
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Jul 9 – Jul 23, 2026 (15 days) | Limited | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
Day 3 – 13: Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
Day 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.
Day 15: Depart Helsinki
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Jul 9 – Jul 23, 2026 (15 days)
| Start: | Helsinki, Finland |
| End: | Helsinki, Finland |
Transfer Package $1,495/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
Transfer Package includes a Helsinki airport hotel on Day 1 & 14, roundtrip charter flights between Helsinki & Longyearbyen and roundtrip Longyearbyen airport transfer.
| Cabin Category | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner’s Suite | Studio Single | Studio Veranda Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $18,690 | $19,590 | $20,690 | $24,090 | $27,690 | $29,490 | $24,090 | $25,890 |
| Discount | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $15,251 | $15,971 | $16,851 | $19,571 | $22,451 | $23,891 | $19,571 | $21,011 |
| Availability | Limited | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Full | Full | Full |
Transfer Package is not included in the cabin cost. See neon green box in the pricing grid for Transfer Package cost (if applicable).
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,795/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $295/person
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,995/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $395/person
- Camping: $495/person
Voyage Ship
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Ocean Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Owner’s Suite
DECK 7
The largest suite onboard Ocean Explorer with a master bedroom, living room with sofa bed, and a dining area with 4-seat table. Take in the spectacular polar views from the triple sized balcony on the highest cabin deck. Additional features include two large master bathrooms (one with a bathtub), two TV’s and state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
443 sq. ft. (41.2m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 singles + sofa bed
Penthouse Suite
DECK 7
Two room suite featuring a bedroom and a separate sitting area with sofa bed. The double sized balcony can be accessed from both rooms. The bedroom has a connecting bathroom with shower and there is an additional powder room off the siting area. There are two TV’s and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
296 sq. ft. (25.0 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Junior Suite
DECK 6
These spacious 2-room suites are conveniently located near the library and lecture lounge. The inner bedroom has a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. The outer sitting room is furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
298 sq. ft. (27.7 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Suite
DECK 4
DECK 6
Located throughout the ship Veranda Suites feature a sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
205 sq. ft. (19.2 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
DECK 7
Veranda Staterooms have a sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
208 sq. ft. (19.3 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
DECK 4
The lowest priced double occupancy cabins on the Ocean Explorer with a forward location on deck 4. Staterooms feature a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony, desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There are just 4 cabins in this category so you’ll need to book early to secure this entry level price.
182 sq. ft. (16.9 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Studio Veranda Single
DECK 7
Solo occupancy cabin located high on the ship with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. As there is only one Studio Veranda Single cabin, it is more often than not often sold out.
162 sq. ft. (15.1 m2)
1
1 twin
Studio Single
DECK 3
Dedicated solo occupancy cabins with a low location and porthole view. Cabins feature a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
177 sq. ft. (16.5 m2)
1
1 double
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official expedition parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book into a share cabin in the following categories: Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Book a dedicated Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single
- Book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
