Spitsbergen circumnavigation: 12-night cruise

Your cruise group will transfer to the airport in Helsinki for your charter flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival, you'll be brought to the cruise terminal where you'll board your ship and settle in. Keep your eyes open for potential whale sightings! The following descriptions give some idea of what you will see and do along the way, but bear in mind that all plans are subject to change by the captain and expedition leader, depending on conditions at the time.

As your cruise begins to explore north along the west of Spitsbergen, enjoy the scenic fjords and glaciers which line the coast.

Continue north along the coast past historic old whaling stations and outposts dating back to the 16th century.

As you progress further north in Svalbard, you'll find sea ice begins to form. Make sure to spend some time on the deck for potential bear sightings.

As you start toward some of the furthest northerly points on the cruise, ice and weather conditions will dictate whether you can progress further into the ice cap.

The schedule is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen itself, but if you're lucky and the sea and weather conditions allow, the captain will make a full circumnavigation of the northern Svalbard islands, including Phippsoya and Kvitoya.

If conditions do not allow the most northerly limits, you'll likely cross through the Hinlopen Strait and the cliffs of Alkefjellet.

The cruise will turn in a southerly direction as you begin to navigate the eastern coast of Spitsbergen.

As the scenery turns back into expansive glaciers, your Expedition Leader will keep you on the lookout for potential walrus hideouts.

As the land becomes a bit more accessible, you may be able to stretch your legs on a walk while taking in the Arctic tundra and potentially spot an Arctic fox or reindeer.

Stop at one of the many towering bird cliffs on the Svalbard coast where you may see little auks, kittiwakes or possibly the colorful Atlantic puffin.

Cross the southern coast of Spitsbergen as you begin your return leg to Longyearbyen. This area is often frequented by species of whale, including humpback, fin and minke.

As you arrive back at the pier in Longyearbyen, your cruise will come to an end. After saying goodbye, you'll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight back to Helsinki and onward flight home.