Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear - 8 Days
Onboard Greg Mortimer – 132 passengers
Focussing 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.
Voyage Highlights:
- 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
Tour Dates
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Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2025 (8 days)
-
Jun 11 - Jun 18, 2026 (8 days)
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.
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.
Route Map
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
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
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Captain Suite
The largest of all the cabins, the Greg Mortimer’s singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to book early to secure this 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.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 479 sq. ft. (44.5m2 )
Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer’s four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. 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.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 419 sq. ft. (39m2)
Balcony Stateroom Superior
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. Located on Deck 4 & 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 303 – 432 sq. ft. (28.2 – 40.2m2 )
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 on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 259 – 301 sq. ft. (24 – 28m2)
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.
Balcony Stateroom B
The 21 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.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 254 – 267 sq. ft. (23.6 – 24.8 m2 )
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.
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 on Deck 4 & 6, 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)
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.
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.
Cabin size: 170 – 245 sq. ft. (15.8 – 22.8 m²)
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. *Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures.
Cabin size: 230 – 245 sq. ft. (21 – 23 m²)
Deck Plan
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 and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks 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 and soft drinks (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’.
