STYLE: Small Ship Cruise
Trip Code: ACQESHH
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Helsinki, Finland
Finish: Helsinki, Finland
SHIP: Ocean Adventurer
Spitsbergen
Cabin on board ship
Undertake a voyage in the same sea-faring routes like the explorers of old on this incredible voyage along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Embark in Longyearbyen, before setting out to discover a vast landscape of raw beauty, a magical island, painted with diverse landscapes, from towering cliffs, snow capped mountains, massive glaciers and deep fjords. Observe unique wildlife like the polar bear, hike in colourful tundra or zodiac through immense fjords. This is a true Arctic expedition into one of the most remote and magical places in all of the Arctic.
*Discounts, promotions and dynamic pricing are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or changed at any time and subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services.. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.
At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki.
Built in 1976 in Yugoslavia, the Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive conversion and refurbishment in 1999 with a further extensive upgrade in 2017. This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 128 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities, exterior views and each equipped with a TV and DVD player. The ship also features a large multi-purpose lounge and presentation room, bar, spacious window-lined dining room and exercise room. There are ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless internet access on board. The Ocean Adventurer with its ice-strengthened hull was designed specifically to carry travellers to the remotest corners of the world. It is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for shore transfers, landings and Zodiac cruises. There are also 4 partially enclosed lifeboats on board. Why we like it "This purpose built expedition ship carries just 132 guests. There are refined public spaces and generous cabins all with private facilities. The ship is sturdy at sea and strong in the ice. This is one of our favourite ships to charter due to the all-round nature of the vessel. Excellent international crew and exceptional food put this ship in the “must recommend” bracket!"
Ice Class:
Length: 101 metres
Breadth: 16.2 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:132
View Ship Details
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.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreIf you are looking for another way to nurture your inner adventurer, our day paddle excursion might be the perfect fit! Absorb the majestic scenery from a more intimate vantage point as you paddle through the pristine waters of Antarctica on a sit-on-top kayak.Our expertly guided, one-time, Paddle Program gives you the rare chance to see Antarctica from the same perspective as most of the wildlife – at the surface of the sea.
Learn More![]() | TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 46 % off AUD 9,300 AUD 5,758Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 46 % off AUD 11,200 AUD 6,784Unavailable Enquire Now
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![]() | Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 46 % off AUD 12,000 AUD 7,216Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 46 % off AUD 13,500 AUD 8,026Available Enquire Now
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![]() | SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 46 % off AUD 14,300 AUD 8,458Available Enquire Now
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![]() | DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 46 % off AUD 14,300 AUD 8,458Unavailable Enquire Now
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![]() | SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 46 % off AUD 17,400 AUD 10,132Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | 46 % off AUD 19,000 AUD 10,996Available Enquire Now
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![]() | TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 15 % off AUD 9,300 AUD 8,145Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 15 % off AUD 11,200 AUD 9,760Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 15 % off AUD 12,000 AUD 10,440Unavailable Enquire Now
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![]() | Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 15 % off AUD 13,500 AUD 11,715Available Enquire Now
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![]() | SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 15 % off AUD 14,300 AUD 12,395Available Enquire Now
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![]() | DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 15 % off AUD 14,300 AUD 12,395Unavailable Enquire Now
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![]() | SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 15 % off AUD 17,400 AUD 15,030Unavailable Enquire Now
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![]() | Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | 15 % off AUD 19,000 AUD 16,390Available Enquire Now
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Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition cruise
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
International flights
Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Available on request. Please contact us for more information.
Please note this itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather, ice and sea conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability.