Voyage Overview
From the remarkable wilderness of the high Arctic to the fabled fjords of Norway, explore two distinct but intertwined regions.
Spend several days amid the ice floes and islands of Svalbard in search of the polar bear, plus see walruses, seals, and myriad seabirds. Kayak, Zodiac cruise, and go ashore to hike. Then head south to the indented coastline of Norway, where nature flourishes.
Trip Details
Duration: 12 Days
Ship: National Geographic Resolution, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Oslo, Norway
End: Tromsø, Norway
Highlights:
- Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard under the midnight sun in search of polar bears hunting
- Zodiac cruise along the towering cliffs of Bear Island that rise straight from the sea and are home to tens of thousands of raucous seabirds
- On Senja Island visit pristine Ånderdalen National Park to search for reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more
- Explore the lovely fjords of Sørøya by by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot
- Experience the beauty and majesty of the Arctic aboard National Geographic Endurance, a state-of-the-art expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the polar regions
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway
Day 2: Charter flight to Longyearbyen for Embarkation
Days 3-8: Exploring Svalbard
Day 9: Bear Island (Bjørnøya)
Days 10-11: Sørøya and Senja Islands
Day 12: Disembarkation in Tromsø
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway and polar exploration begins with a visit to 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: Dinner
Day 2: Charter flight to Longyearbyen for Embarkation
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea, enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world’s northernmost settlement that has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution, your base for the next six days. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Exploring Svalbard
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walruses sun themselves, and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join our spotters on the bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home like beluga, fin, and minke. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view.
Sail deep into protected bays and fjords, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from our remotely operated vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during recaps with our multi-talented Field Staff. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Bear Island (Bjørnøya)
Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 10-11: Sørøya and Senja Islands
Off Norway’s coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes, and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes us to its shores as we make our way south from Bear Island. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county, we head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your certified photo instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak, or explore village streets and shops as we get to know Norway’s second-largest island. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Disembarkation in Tromsø
Disembark our ship in Tromsø and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Resolution
Setting sail in 2025, the new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
National Geographic Resolution Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The largest and most luxurious accommodations on the National Geographic Resolution. The suites feature a sitting area with pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk, chair and espresso maker. The private balcony has two chairs and a hammock. There is a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
430 sq. ft. (39.9 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Junior suite featuring a private balcony, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. There is just one Category 6 cabin on the ship so it typically sells out far in advance. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
344 sq. ft. (32 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Cabin with private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom. Category 5 cabins are situated high on the ship with quick access to the Observation Deck and bridge.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 4
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Category 4 cabins are on the same deck as the main lounge where most lectures take place. Cabins feature a private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 3
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
The lowest priced cabins with a private balcony. Cabins feature a private balcony, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The most mid-ship cabins on the Main Deck, where the restaurant is located.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 2
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
Cabin with two large windows, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The lowest & most mid-ship cabin location on the ship.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 1
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
These entry level double occupancy cabins have a forward location on the Fore Deck. Cabins feature two large windows, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
183 sq. ft. (17 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
Category B Solo
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
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 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
Solo Travelers
An expedition cruise to the Polar regions is a fantastic trip for solo travelers. On most ships, there is the option to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender to keep the pricing down. Solo occupancy cabins are also an option for guests who prefer to have their own space. Please reach out for more information and pricing for solo travelers.
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