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North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the Pack Ice | Ortelius

8 Days
From NZD 7,167

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise 

Trip Code: ACOWORNS

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

SHIP: Ortelius

DestinationDestination

Svalbard

DestinationDeparture Date

12/06/2025, 19/06/2025, 05/06/2026, 12/06/2026

MealsMeals

All Meals On board the Ship including snacks, coffee and tea

TransportTransport

Group Transfers On Arrival, Embarkation & Disembarkation (only for those passengers on the group flights to/from Longyearbyen)

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board a ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Arctic Excursions in Location, Zodiac Cruising, On Board Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

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

OVERVIEW

The north Spitsbergen pack ice is the main attraction of this trip, with plenty of chances to see walruses, seagulls, polar bears, whales, and other species. The diversity of north Spitsbergen's aesthetically breathtaking landscapes, enormous expanses of sea ice, and numerous opportunities to see whales, polar bears, seagulls, walruses, and other species are the main highlights of this voyage. Savour the breathtaking scenery, daring landings, and walks along the shore.


* Please Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

ITINERARY

Longyearbyen - Embarkation

Arriving in Longyearbyen, the hub of administration in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, marks the beginning of your journey. Explore the charming remnants of this former mining town, taking in the captivating sights of its parish church and the Svalbard Museum. Despite the seemingly barren landscape, over a hundred plant species have been documented in the area. As the day progresses into early evening, the ship departs from Isfjorden, providing the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the first minke whale of your expedition.

Explore North Spitsbergen - Day 2 to 7

Embark on a captivating journey that ventures into the heart of the pack ice and explores the secluded coastlines of the rugged northern region of Spitsbergen. Potential destinations on our itinerary include:

Raudfjord:
Explore the expansive Raudfjord on the north coast of Spitsbergen, where glaciers cascade and ringed and bearded seals may make an appearance. Thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the chance to encounter polar bears enhance the allure of this picturesque fjord.

Monaco Glacier:
Weather permitting, we may navigate into Liefdefjorden, offering a view of the impressive 5-kilometer-long face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of the glacier are teeming with kittiwakes, and polar bears often frequent the base of the ice. In case of early season ice conditions, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen may be taken.

Highlights of Hinlopen:
Venture into Hinlopen Strait, a habitat for bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. The strait's entrance may provide a chance to spot blue whales. Zodiac cruises among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya lead to the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, home to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. A landing on Nordaustlandet could unveil reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses, with an alternate route considered if ice conditions hinder entry into Hinlopen.

The Seven Islands:
Journey to the northernmost point, potentially reaching 80° north in the Seven Islands. This region is inhabited by polar bears, offering an opportunity for the ship to spend hours amidst the pack ice before heading west again.

Sailing the Continental Shelf:
While retracing our route west, be on the lookout for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. Approximately 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we traverse the edge of the continental shelf, where fin whales forage in the upwelling zones along the Spitsbergen banks during the summer. Near Kongsfjorden's mouth, you may spot minke whales.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet:
Depending on circumstances, observe walruses in Forlandsundet, sail into St. Johns Fjord, or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, where a landing at Alkhornet awaits. These areas host seabird colonies, Arctic foxes, and grazing reindeer, creating a diverse and captivating Arctic experience.

Disembarkation

Every remarkable adventure reaches its conclusion. The vessel docks back in Longyearbyen in the early morning, and convenient bus transportation to the airport will be arranged for your departure.

Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

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Ortelius

Ortelius

With its origins in Poland, the M/V Ortelius now plies the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic as an ice-strengthened Polar expedition vessel. It is named after the Flemish cartographer and geographer, Abraham Ortelius, who also created the first modern atlas. Adept at navigating through solid one year sea-ice and loose multi-pack ice, this ship is ideally suited to reaching more remote locations such as the Ross Sea.

The comfortable M/V Ortelius accommodates up to 108 passengers in 50 cabins. Staterooms range from quadruple and triple cabins with portholes and both upper and lower berths, to twin porthole, window and deluxe cabins with lower berths only up to superior cabins which feature a double bed. The ship has plenty of open-deck spaces as well as a large bridge accessible to passengers. Alongside the expedition team that is made up of an expedition leader plus 5 guides/lecturers, the ship is manned by 34 extremely experienced nautical crew, an international catering staff and you can find a doctor onboard for any required medical attention.

On board there are also two restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna. There are 11 Zodiacs on board, maximising time spent on shore and wildlife opportunities.

 

Ice Class: Length: 90.95m / 299.4ft
Breadth: 17.20m / 57.8ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14.5 knots
Electricity: 240 volts Passenger
Capacity:
116 passengers & 52 Crew & Staff

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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

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the Pack Ice | Ortelius from NZD 7,167
Departing Ending Duration
12 Jun 202519 Jun 20258
19 Jun 202526 Jun 20258
05 Jun 202612 Jun 20268
12 Jun 202619 Jun 20268

Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, and may be based on quad/triple/twin share.

    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.

  • INCLUSIONS

    All meals on board including snacks, coffee and tea.
    Accommodation onboard the Ortelius in booked cabin category
    Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
    All applicable shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
    Use of rubber boots & snowshoes
    Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
    AECO fees and governmental taxes.
    Comprehensive pre-departure material.
    Access to 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity per person, which resets every 24 hours. Supplementary vouchers available to purchase on onboard. Subject to satellite coverage
     
     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International or internal flights unless specified
    Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
    Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
    Pre and post land arrangements 
    Visa & passport fees (if applicable)
    Travel insurance (compulsory)
    Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
    Additional optional activities
    Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
    Meals ashore
    Personal expenses such as laundry & bar
    Miscellaneous extras
    Gratuities for the crew (guidelines will be provided)
    Government arrival or departure taxes (if applicable)
     

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Subject to availability upon request. No single supplement will apply if willing to share in selected cabins. Please contact us for more details. 

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