SPITSBERGEN:
REALM OF ICE &
WILDLIFE
Exclusive to
OVERVIEW
Set your sights on the Arctic on an unforgettable expedition around Svalbard, the
largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago. Venture towards 80° north, slicing through
pack ice in search of regal polar bears hunting on the ice, while keeping watch for
walruses and bearded seals.
Cruise through spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains and sail alongside
striking blue glacier fronts, with opportunities to spot whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes,
guillemots and puffins along the way. Stretch your legs on tundra walks through
breathtaking scenery and discover the fascinating historical camps once used by
explorers and hunters.
Sail onboard the state-of-the-art Douglas Mawson, a purpose-built expedition ship
designed for global discovery. Named after legendary Australian geologist and
explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the ship embodies his pioneering spirit, combining the
revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® with enhanced sustainability features and smooth,
quiet comfort.
Welcoming a maximum of 130 guests on Expeditions, the ship offers a choice of
staterooms, (including single options), alongside luxurious onboard amenities. Aurora
Expeditions’ unique activities programme keeps the focus firmly on exploration, giving
you the opportunity to step off the ship and experience the natural environment up
close.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
Upon arrival in Oslo, make your way to your group
airport hotel, located just a five-minute walk from
the International Terminal. At your included hotel,
please visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk to
collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with
our ground operations team, who may have
information to share with you about pre-
embarkation or provide you with information
about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase
last-minute items from a local pharmacy or
supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals
today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly
labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before
walking to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any
valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. Explore the
town of Longyearbyen on a guided 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 our charter flight to
Longyearbyen.
Day 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 mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils set
the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walruses 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.
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 would like to take part 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, fly to
Oslo
During the early morning, we cruise back into
Longyearbyen. Say farewell to 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.
Exclusive to
• All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1
• Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
• Sight seeing tour of Longyearbyen, prior to embarkation (time permitting)
• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
• All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage
• Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during voyage
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails,
house beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Educational lectures 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
• Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides,
drivers, venues and local sites
• Wi-Fi: travelling to remote regions can result in the connection being
unreliable
• Flights to/from Oslo are not included and can be added from regional
airports at your request, as a guide flights from London Heathrow and 1 night
post-stay are approximately £500pp
This Package Includes:
Departing 17th August 2027
Cabin Prices From:
• Aurora Stateroom Superior from £6,552pp
• Balcony B from £7,217pp
• Balcony A from £7,815pp
• Balcony Superior from £8,680pp
• Junior Suite from £10,608pp
Limited Availability!
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This Designer Travel holiday is provided by Wildfoot travel and is ATOL protected 10628