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Polar Bear Express | Ocean Albatros

Save up to 30% on selected cabins/departures in the 2024 Arctic season    
Available until 30 Apr 2024 unless withdrawn/sold out prior

6 Days
Save Up To 30%

WAS From USD 5,290   Now From USD 3,703

Trip Code: ACABPBE

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Oslo, Norway

Finish: Oslo, Norway

SHIP: Ocean Albatros

DestinationDestination

Svalbard

DestinationDeparture Date

16/06/2024

MealsMeals

All meals Onboard the Ship

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Arctic Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

UP TO 30% OFF ON SELECTED DEPARTURES & CABINS*

Experience Svalbard's stunning beauty on our "express" Arctic adventure cruise aboard the Ocean Albatros. Encounter whales, walruses, polar bears, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat. Embark on a six-day journey through icy waters and rugged landscapes, exploring the unique ecology of this heavily glaciated archipelago up close. Witness Arctic wildlife, from giant whales to tiny snow buntings, and delve into the region's storied history. Join us for an unforgettable voyage on one of the few ships built to navigate pack ice and polar seas. Discover the raw beauty of the southern Svalbard region, with its spectacular scenery and rich biodiversity, warmed by the Gulf Stream's influence.


*30% Off Discount Special Deals on selected 2024 Arctic season departures only in selected cabin categories. This offer applies only to new bookings and cannot be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or group deals. Offer is available until 30 Apr 2024 unless sold out or withdrawn prior.

*Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change based on availability, currency exchange, and other factors. Please contact us for live availability and prices.

ITINERARY

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Embarkation

Board your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Alesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness - hyggligt, as we say in Denmark!

Immediately after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world. The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen.

After arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel leave civilisation behind... And set a course for adventure!

South and East Svalbard - Days 2-5

During the night, your expedition vessel will reposition away from the last vestiges of civilisation on Svalbard, and head into the wilderless of this storied land. Roughly triangular, the southern half of Svalbard comprised the lower half of the island of Spitsbergen, the island of Edgeøya, and countless fjords, islets and skerries, all of which beckon exploration.

At a first glance, this region may seem barren and lifeless. But look closer and the exact opposite it true - saxifrages, Svalbard poppies and other tundra plants defy the brutal weather, their jewel-like flowers reaching for the weak Arctic sunlight. Tiny calico snow buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated slopes, and there - greyish white 'boulders' move and resolve themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal).

Life on Svalbard relies on the sea - even the few land mammals such as the reindeer and Arctic foxes rely on the moisture brought by the frigid Arctic waters, and it is in the marine environment where Svalbard's biodiversity is richest. Walrus haul their vast bodies onto flat beaches to rest, where they snuggle together for warmth and protection. Belugas frolic in vast pods in the waters off the coast, harvesting fish and crustaceans from the seabed, and further offshore the vast gentle baleen whales feast upon copepods and small fish.

Southern Svalbard is arguably the first part of the island to be exploited by humans. On Edgeøya, vast piles of snow-bleached bones bear witness to the systematic and industrial-scale slaughter of walrus an beluga in their thousands. The earliest humans on the islands (mainly English and Dutch whalers and Russian Pomor trappers) had little regard for conservation, seeking only profit, a situation which continued well into the 19th century. Thankfully all wildlife on Svalbard is now protected by law, and vast tracts of the archipelago are designated as nature reserves and National Parks - some of the largest and richest in the world!

The exact landing sites we will visit in the south of Svalbard will be determined by wind, sea and ice conditions, which can wildly vary day to day and year to year; this far north, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Possibilities to explore on south Spitzbergen include the fjord systems of Bellsund and Hornsund, where birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile slopes below while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in the area. Further east on Edgeøya, sites include the walrus colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, and the spectacular raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset.

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Disembarkation

During the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after day spent exploring the wilderness!

Longyearbyen is a fascinating town to explore, and offers excellent amenities to visitors. Visit the peerless Svalbard Museum and see relics of the whaling era, perfectly preserved in the frigid permafrost, alongside exhibits on the natural history of this remarkable archipelago. Shop for memories in the many excellent boutiques of the town, selling locally produced souvenirs, artworks and homewares, or simply relax on a sunny cafe terrace and watch this remarkable little town in action.

After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros

Undertaking it's first sailing in 2023 the Ocean Albatros features the latest in X-Bow hull technology. With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed views, the Ocean Albatros is one of the most popular expedition vessels in polar waters. Featuring two restaurants, a wellness area, Nordic bar, an open deck dining facility, modern lecture lounge and a number of other state-of-the-art amenities, the Albatros provides the ultimate expedition experience. Boasting 50% less emissions than traditional polar vessels, the Albatros provides peace of mind in regard to comfort and sustainability for our guests.  The Albatros also comes with a unique panorama sauna and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without single supplement.

 

Ice Class: Length: 104.4m
Breadth: 18.4mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
189

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Polar Bear Express | Ocean Albatros from USD 3,702
Departing Ending Duration
16 Jun 2024 21 Jun 2024 6

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS
     

    Cabin accommodation on board vessel
    Charter Fights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
    Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
    All meals whilst on board
    Dinner Drinks Package
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
    All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
    Landing fees
    Pre and post cruise and ferry transfers
    Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more

     

     

    EXCLUSIONS


    International Flights (except ones mentioned above)
    Meals not on board the ship
    All items of a personal nature
    Customary gratuities for staff/crew
    Any pre or post cruise accommodation 
    Any pre or post cruise travel extensions 
    Travel insurance

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available on request for some cabin categories. Subject to availability. Contact us for more details.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.