Visit the vast glaciers, icebergs and stunning fjords of Spitsbergen
Experience the midnight sun from within the Arctic Circle
Sail around the Svalbard archipelago and along the rim of the Arctic pack ice
Be amazed by the huge variety of wildlife, from polar bears, walruses and whales to arctic foxes and thousands of seabirds
Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard in high Summer and visit former whaling stations and the northernmost settlement of Ny Ålesund
Discover the small rocky islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard - almost vegetation-free they are located some 1000 km further north than the North Cape (conditions and weather dependent)
Encounter the charming small city of Oslo with its futuristic waterside opera house on a guided tour
A programme of fascinating lectures by the on-board team of knowledgeable expedition guides
A seven-night cruise on board the new MV Ocean Albatros with its state-of-the-art amenities, including a speciality dining meal in the panoramic restaurant
Inclusions
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room/cabin and includes:
Domestic return flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen
International flights between Oslo and the UK
One night's pre cruise stay and one night's post cruise stay at the Scandic Sjølyst hotel in Oslo with breakfast
Seven nights' cruise on the MV Ocean Albatros, with daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
All shore excursions by Zodiac dinghies
Lectures by the on-board expedition team
Port charges
All transfers
Porterage of one item of luggage per person
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. On-board currency is the US dollar.
Not Included: US$14 per person daily for cruise staff gratuities, all drinks onboard, including speciality coffees, wifi/phone charges & laundry.
1
We fly to Oslo and overnight at the 4* Scandic Sjølyst hotel.
2
We fly from Oslo to Svalbard and board the MV Ocean Albatros to begin our exciting Arctic voyage.
3
During the night (although the sun doesn’t set), we will have passed Prins Karls Forland and have arrived in the magnificent Krossfjord. We plan on making a landing during the morning at Möllerhamna or in another suitable location. The majestic landscape around Regnardneset in the innermost area of Krossfjorden give us our first taste of what has enticed the early explorers of these lands in the far north.
In the afternoon, we continue further north into the fjord system, and depending on the ice situation, navigate past the magnificent scenery in the bay of Fjortende Juli, where the glacier Fjortende Juli-breen calves into the fjord - a fitting end to a day full of scenic views and arctic wildlife.
4
We have now entered Northwest Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a cruise in Danskergattet, looking for seals in Virgohamna, before crossing from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya to make a landing at Smeerenburg, a legendary whaling town of the 17th century. 200-plus men were living (and quite often dying) here in the heyday of blubber production. If conditions allow we will also make a landing on Ytre Norskøya, where whalers would have their lookout posts.
5
In the morning we arrive and cruise slowly by the famous Alkefjellet (subject to weather conditions). The whole area is home to a dense congregation of Brünichs guillemots and you will have a good chance of seeing their frantic activity both along the cliffs and in the sea in front.
More wildlife awaits us as we land at the polar desert landscapes of Torrelnesset. The beach here is home to a host of walruses that lay amongst each other. They feed on the clams and any other molluscs that they can find in the shallows of Svalbard’s waters.
6
During the night the ship will steer far north towards the edge of the polar pack ice in search of polar bears! As the pack ice retreats during summer, polar bears ride the floes north, as this is where they hunt for food.
During the day, lectures on polar mammals, the environment and local culture can be enjoyed on board in the Viking Theatre. Continue to the smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km more northernly than mainland Norway’s renowned Nordkapp. Weather permitting, we will land and walk these most northern landmasses, an area rich in birdlife.
7
During the night we sail towards Wood Fjord and its branch, the Liefde Fjord where we hope to slow cruise along the broad glacier front of Monacobreen. This gives a unique insight of the glacial forces and the numerous forms of icebergs. The ice front is named after Albert I of Monaco, who was a major sponsor of Svalbard research.
Many trappers historically hunted and trapped in these areas and some built cabins to stay over the winter. The cabin known as Texas Bar built in 1927, is said to be named after the US state of Texas. Weather permitting, you can visit the area around the cabin and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
8
Today, enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord known for the former mining settlement and stunning scenery. The first landing will be at Ny Ålesund - further north than Longyearbyen it makes it THE northernmost town consisting of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop.
On the opposite side of the fjord, find the abandoned marble mining settlement Ny London. Its history is short but hectic, as the marble deposits allowed for an almost Klondike like rush to mine the resources. Wars and failing financial viability ended the adventure only 9 years after it started. Wander amongst the ruins of workshops, locomotives and cranes, testament to the great but failed investments. After the visit, we begin to head south towards the entrance to the Isfjord back towards Longyearbyen.
9
Disembark and board our flight back to Oslo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for your overnight stay. Why not make the most of the evening sunshine and take a stroll down to the beach or enjoy dinner at one of the numerous excellent restaurants in the city centre.
10
This morning, enjoy an inclusive sightseeing tour around Norway's capital city. A scenic drive will take you past the modern Opera house, Karl Johans gate, Akerhus Castle and Fortress and the Royal Palace. You will also be taken for views of the city from Holmenkollen ski jump and for a visit to Vigeland Park to see some of the 200 sculptures cast in bronze, granite and iron by Gustav Vigeland.
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Cruise Overview
Launching in 2023, the brand new and exciting MV Ocean Albatros will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and by implementing the Green Initiative Programme, is one of the most comfortable, sustainable and environmentally friendly ships available. This sleek looking ship is rated the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and the smoothest of sailings.
The ship offers two restaurants including a speciality restaurant with panoramic views, a wellness area and polar spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, the Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, modern lecture lounge and other state-of-the-art amenities.
The 94 comfortable and tastefully decorated staterooms all offer unobstructed sea views, many from their own balcony. Most cabins can provide double or twin bed configuration along with a TV, table, chair, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with shower.
Category B1 cabins and above also receive a VIP package which includes unlimited access to the speciality restaurant, coffee machine, upgraded toiletries, stocked mini-bar, free laundry and wine and fruit at the commencement of the cruise.
Radisson Blu Oslo Scandinavia
Rising from the city's skyline, the 22-story high hotel offers beautiful views of the capital city and the nearby fjord.
During your stay, you can take advantage of a wide range of guest services. You could work up a sweat in the gym, then relax and rejuvenate your body and mind in the sauna - it's been a Norwegian tradition since the Middle Ages. The Lagoon Fitness Centre features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and modern fitness equipment. (Good to know: In Norwegian they say å ta badstue, or to take badstue / to enjoy sauna). Or - if you're looking for something a little less energetic - head up to the 21st floor and enjoy the views from the brand-new 26 North Restaurant & Social Club over a refreshing drink.
In the evening, retire to your room and drift off to sleep on the hotel's signature mattress, with your choice of a double or twin bed. In the morning, you can wake up slowly with a hot drink with the in-room coffee and tea facilities and take advantage of the other amenities, including a TV, safe, toiletries, an iron with an ironing board, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. All our Standard Rooms are located between the 3rd and 11th floors.
Location Description
The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Oslo makes a convenient base for exploring Norway's rich culture and varied attractions with public transport links just outside the hotel to explore further afield, including the Nationaltheatret metro and train station. Just minutes away is Oslo's main street, Karl Johans Gate, and the Royal Palace, National Gallery and Opera House are all within walking distance - so you can really make the most of time at leisure in Norway's cool and compact capital city.
