Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

8 Days

Starting at $8,616

Greg Mortimer, Premium Ship 130 Passengers

Oslo, Norway

Home » Arctic » Arctic Ships » Greg Mortimer » Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear
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
  • Venture close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on pack ice
  • Discover the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins
  • Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords
  • Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery

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

  • April 2026 to September 2026
DatesAvailability
Jun 11 – Jun 18, 2026 (8 days)
Limited

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. 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 transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion 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
The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable will be encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. Your Expedition Team is just as keen as you are to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come.

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 in March 2026.

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 Season: Oct 2025 – Mar 2026 April – September 2026 Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 Oct 2027 – Mar 2028
Cabin Type:
Occupancy:
Cabin Category
Aurora Stateroom Triple
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Balcony Stateroom C
Balcony Stateroom B
Balcony Stateroom A
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Junior Suite
Captain’s Suite
Solo Balcony Stateroom C
Solo Balcony Stateroom B
Solo Balcony Stateroom A
Per Person Price in USD$13,895$14,395$15,595$16,395$17,595$19,295$24,195$28,695$15,595$16,395$17,595
Discount
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Save 20%
Air Credit $2500
Air Credit $2500
Air Credit $2500
Air Credit $2500
Discounted Per Person Price$8,616 $9,016 $9,976 $10,616 $11,576 $12,936 $16,856 $20,456 $13,095 $13,895 $15,095
AvailabilityOpenFullLimitedLimitedOpenOpenOpenLimitedFullFullLimited

Single Travelers:

  • If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
  • Single occupancy price for a double/twin cabin is 1.5x the per person share price
  • Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins, 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom B and 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking Program – requires previous kayaking experience and an intermediate paddling level:
  • 2025 pricing:
    • $690/person on Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear (8 days)
    • $830/person on Wild Landscapes of West Greenland
    • $870/person on Jewels of the Arctic (12 day trips)
    • $980/person on Svalbard Odyssey, Jewels of the Arctic (15 Days), Greenland Odyssey, Southern Greenland
    • $1,190/person on Svalbard in Depth, Northwest Passage (16-17 day trips) & Northern Lights Explorer
    • $1,660/person on Arctic Complete
  • 2026 pricing:
    • $495/person on Iceland Circumnavigation
    • $595/person on Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear (8 days)
    • $795/person on Wild Scotland and Scotland, Faroes & Iceland
    • $895/person on Svalbard Odyssey, Jewels of the Arctic (15 Days)
    • $1,395/person on Traversing the Northwest Passage

Single Travelers:

  • If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
  • Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking Program: $1,330/person on 12-15 day Antarctica voyages, $1,745/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages and $1,030/person on 9 day Express trip. Requires previous kayaking experience and an intermediate paddling level.
  • Paddling: $640/person. $480/person on 9 day Express Trip.
  • Camping: $165/person
  • Snorkeling: $675/person on 12-14 day Antarctica voyages, $835/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages and $515/person on 9 day Express trip.
  • Alpine Trekking: $1260/person
  • Snowshoeing: $370/person on 12-15 day Antarctica voyages and $440/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages
  • Ski/Snowboard Touring: $1395/person – experience required
  • Shackleton Crossing on Skis: $2,220/person – experience required

Greg Mortimer Cabins & Deck Plan

Captain’s Suite

The singular Captain’s Suite is the most spacious cabin on the Greg Mortimer and has a preferred low, mid-ship location. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to book early to secure this suite. Additional amenities include 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed), 1 free bottle of champagne and gratuity of $15/person per day for the crew included.

Cabin & balcony combined size: 479 sq. ft.  (44.5m2 )

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Junior Suite on Greg Mortimer with 1 king bed, chair with pillow, small table and chair.

Junior Suite

The Greg Mortimer’s 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. Additional inclusions feature 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (stocked once only, not replenished), 1 free bottle of champagne and gratuity of $15/person per day for the crew included.

Cabin & balcony combined size: 419 sq. ft.  (39m2)

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Balcony Stateroom Superior with 1 king bed facing large windows, chair with small table and flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom Superior

Balcony Stateroom Superiors feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. The private balcony is much larger than most of the Balcony Staterooms. Two of these staterooms (#428 & 429) are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Cabin & balcony combined: 303 – 432 sq. ft. (28.2 – 40.2m2 )

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Balcony Stateroom A on Greg Mortimer with a king bed, couch, small table, chair and floor to ceiling window.

Balcony Stateroom A

The 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins are a premium cabin and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions which provides easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

Cabin & balcony combined: 259 – 301 sq. ft. (24 – 28m2)

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Interior view of Balcony Stateroom B cabin with 1 king bed, nightstands and small desk with chair.

Balcony Stateroom B

The 21 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins are located at the fore and aft. Many are fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups.

Cabin & balcony combined: 254  – 267 sq. ft. (23.6 – 24.8 m2 )

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Balcony Stateroom C on the Greg Mortimer with 2 twin beds, desk with chair and sliding glass door covered with curtain.

Balcony Stateroom C

The 14 Balcony Stateroom C’s are the most economical balcony cabins 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.

Cabin & balcony combined size: 225 – 267 sq. ft. (21-24.8 m²)

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Interior of cabin on the Greg Mortimer showing 1 king bed, porthole window and small desk.

Aurora Stateroom Twin

The Greg Mortimer features eight Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.

170 – 245 sq. ft. (15.8 – 22.8 m²)

1-2

1 king or 2 twins

Interior of Triple cabin showing double bed, 1 single bed and porthole

Aurora Stateroom Triple

There are six Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.

230 – 245 sq. ft. (21 – 23 m²)

3

3 twins or 1 king + 1 twin

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions: 

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
  • 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.
  • Beer and house wine with dinner.
  • 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 alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges.

Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘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 (starting Arctic 2026)
  • Book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.5x the per person share price
Photographer shooting a beautiful landscape in Antarctica