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Trip Code: ACQESVSU
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Helsinki, Finland
Finish: Helsinki, Finland
SHIP: Ultramarine
Svalbard & The Arctic
Breakfast in hotel & All meals & snacks on board. Beer, standard wines & spirits, & cocktails during pre-dinner bar service, dinner & evenings
Economy flights to Longyearbyen from Helsinki & Group Transfers in Longyearbyen for arrival, embarkation & disembarkation
Cabin on board ship & Hotel
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
Our 11-day Svalbard in Summer: Tundra, Whales and Wildlife is a rare chance to explore the Arctic as it comes fully alive when plant life and wildflowers are at their maximum numbers. It’s also possible during the Arctic summer to observe polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and potentially belugas. With warmer temperatures, endless daylight, and snow cover receding, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore onshore by foot and by Zodiac to completely immerse yourself in the Arctic environment.
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport—included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to visit Helsinki city center, take advantage of the convenient 40-minute rail service from the airport.
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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Svalbard is a true Arctic environment, where many iconic species spend their entire lives, entwined with the winter and spring sea ice. But with the arrival of summer—brief as it is—the archipelago bursts to life as countless migratory species settle in to take advantage of the season’s endless daylight and abundant food. Chief among Svalbard’s summer migrants are seabirds, waterfowl, and other birds, joined by marine visitors such as baleen whales—including the mighty blue whale. Though wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, these giants are sometimes observed foraging in the rich Arctic waters. Under the midnight sun, plant life also flourishes. While less diverse than in southern regions, Svalbard hosts hundreds of plant, lichen, and moss species, from hardy grasses to vibrant wildflowers. For a few brief months, snow and ice are replaced by pockets of green and splashes of color, framed by snowcapped peaks —a fleeting transformation of the High Arctic landscape. Throughout the summer, sea ice fractures, melts and disperses. Many species that depend on it shift north and east where ice lingers, or remain ashore until it returns in late fall. While ice may be less frequent, the open water offers greater access to the archipelago’s northern and eastern reaches. If we do encounter ice, we’ll pause to explore it. At this time of year, wildlife is more often spotted in the water, along shorelines, or gathered in bustling bird colonies clinging to the cliffs. Some terrain here is nearly vertical, with seabirds colonizing every possible ledge. Little auks, guillemots, and puffins nest in rocky crevices, spending the brief summer flying back and forth to feed themselves and their chicks before their f irst flights and plunges. Looking upward while seated in a Zodiac, the sky may seem alive with more birds than you can count, and sometimes we’ll explore near these cliffs on foot. Keep watch for other iconic species too, such as Arctic terns, common eiders, and the occasional king eider. The sounds are astonishing—an Arctic “silence” feels alive with nature’s calls. Standing beneath towering seabird cliffs renders visitors speechless. Summer offers the chance to step ashore and walk on bare ground, though patches of snow can linger. We may hike into foothills, valleys, and Arctic beaches— land shared with polar bears. While sightings are farther inshore, their paw prints in sand or mud tell their story. Take time to look around and underfoot, where hardy vascular plants and wildflowers bloom. You might also spot driftwood—not from ancient Svalbard forests, but carried here by Arctic currents from Siberia, where tree trunks and branches are swept up in the Arctic currents, ultimately coming to rest here. Additionally, we may see reindeer, as they busily forage on the bountiful summer plant life. Although the weather in midsummer is often cool—even crisp—in midsummer, it’s possible to enjoy reasonably warm days in Svalbard. It’s a surreal experience—feeling the warmth of the summer sun knowing you’re less than 700 nautical miles from the North Pole. As summer warms and sea ice recedes, glaciers come alive—meltwater hastening erosion, tidewater glaciers calving ice with thunderous force. From a Zodiac amid icebergs and brash ice, listen for the crackle of melting ice, the lap of currents, and Arctic terns calling overhead. During summer, if conditions align, it might also be possible to visit some of Svalbard’s residents, be they trappers or researchers. There are a number of trappers’ cabins dotted across the archipelago, and the stories their
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontierstyle settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, and hotel night. Both are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
After breakfast at your included hotel, make your way independently to the airport for your onward flight home, or spend more time exploring the Finnish capital as prearranged.
*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.
Step onboard the Ultramarine! This premium expedition vessel takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board .The vessel is one of the few to offer a suite of flight-seeing activities, travelling in one of the two twin-engine helicopters. This really opens up the possibilities to go further and see more. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views and spa-inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine offers breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range, four embarkation points to load and embark zodiacs and get you to shore faster. The ship has a water level Zodiac hangar, which allows for more spontaneous off-ship adventures where the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get off the ship in less than half the time of some other vessels.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
These are included in your cruise fare. Activities vary by itinerary and destination and are subject to regulations, weather conditions and other factors.
These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn More![]() | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 14,595 £ 11,969Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 23 % off £ 9,395 £ 7,523Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 22 % off £ 10,795 £ 8,720Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 21 % off £ 11,795 £ 9,575Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 13,695 £ 11,199Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 14,095 £ 11,541Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off £ 15,095 £ 12,396Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 18 % off £ 18,395 £ 15,218Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 18 % off £ 20,395 £ 16,928Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 14,295 £ 11,712Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 23 % off £ 9,195 £ 7,352Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 22 % off £ 10,595 £ 8,549Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 21 % off £ 11,495 £ 9,318Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 13,395 £ 10,943Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 13,795 £ 11,285Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 20 % off £ 14,795 £ 12,140Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off £ 17,995 £ 14,876Available Enquire Now
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![]() | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 18 % off £ 19,895 £ 16,500Available Enquire Now
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* Current Discounts, promotions and pricing are available until 30 November 2025, however discounts may be withdrawn or changed at any time and are subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. 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 discount, which requires the full balance to be paid at the time of booking to apply. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Includes charter flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen and return back to Helsinki
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An Expedition parka (yours to keep)
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
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
MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE (INCLUDED)
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 transfer in Helsinki
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Optional Adventure Activities
Available upon request, a supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please Contact Us for more information.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.