North Spitsbergen Explorer – Sea Ice & Wildlife – Midnight Sun

June 15 – 25, 2025

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Venture forth into the ethereal realms of the High Arctic on our Spitsbergen odyssey. An immersive experience awaits as you journey through the north of this majestic haven, bathed in the perpetual daylight of the midnight sun. Prepare for awe-inspiring encounters in a land where sea ice stretches to the horizon and wildlife reigns supreme.

In the heart of Arctic summer, let the 2025 summer solstice be your guide—a celestial spectacle offering 24 hours of solar embrace. As we celebrate this astronomical marvel in Longyearbyen on June 21st, witness the sun’s grand halt in the sky, marking a time where day never ends and night is but a memory.

With each adventurous landing and shoreline hike, opportunities abound to observe whales breaching, polar bears traversing, and seabirds soaring above. Prestigious walruses reveal glimpses of their communal bonds while Svalbard reindeer, triumphs of conservation, graze amongst the dramatic backdrop.

Available at no additional cost, step into a pair of snowshoes and traverse across varied terrains that lead from icy shores to snowy plains. For those seeking an aquatic perspective, glide across tranquil waters enclosed by glaciers with our kayaking options—note that these activities are laden with an extra charge unless specified.

Embrace this stirring journey where each fjord tells a tale as old as time and every encounter edges you closer to nature’s grandeur. It’s not just a voyage; it’s an expedition through Svalbard’s heart—where adventure meets tranquility, and life-long memories await.

Why is this cruise vacation already waitlisted? Here’s what Janice said…

“Hey Suzy, I can’t say enough about our fabulous Oceanwide cruise, the people, the ship, the expedition leaders, and everything! Got me thinking. All our Antarctica group agreed – how about a cruise to the Arctic to see the walruses, polar bears and more?

The beautiful Hondius spends the summer months in the Arctic region. It leaves Antarctica in March and heads north as the perfect vessel for polar exploration. It was built just for this and easy to get in and out of the zodiacs. The ship itself is the perfect size – not overcrowded. Our expedition leaders we had head north with the ship, so we know that they are knowledgeable and are so much fun. They showed us videos of the Arctic cruises, all the wildlife and remote areas and we’re all ready to sign up! This will be an awesome trip. Anyone who’s done Antarctica with you would want to get this on their bucket list too.”

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

June 14 or 15 – Fly USA to Oslo and then take a connecting flight to Svalbard. SAS flies to Longyearbyen from many US cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.. Other airlines that fly to Longyearbyen from the US include Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe Airlines, and Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.

Longyearbyen is the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Check into the Svalbard Hotel Vault on your own and spend the rest of your day exploring. Don’t miss a stroll along the waterfront, where you can watch boats bobbing in the harbor and catch glimpses of the mountains rising in the distance. Town highlights include the wood paneled parish church and the Svalbard Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history.

Overnight: Svaldbard Hotel Vault (I night). Address: Vei 507.1 Longyearbyen

JUNE 16 Arrival in Longyearbyen

Your Arctic adventure begins in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard. This former mining town, now a hub for Arctic exploration, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Spend your day exploring the town’s highlights, including the Svalbard Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history, and the wood-paneled church, a serene oasis amid the rugged landscape. Don’t miss a stroll along the waterfront, where you can watch boats bobbing in the harbor and catch glimpses of the mountains rising in the distance. In the evening, board your ship and set sail into the wilderness, keeping a keen eye out for your first sighting of the magnificent minke whale. Overnight: Hondius

JUNE 17 to 22 North Spitsbergen’s Natural Wonders

As you venture deeper into the pack ice of North Spitsbergen, prepare to be awestruck by the untouched beauty of this remote region. From the glistening icebergs to the towering glaciers, every moment promises a new wonder.

Raudfjord – On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather and sea ice, we could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent us from sailing here early in the season, we may sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Highlights of Hinlopen – We aim to sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance, there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here we may see reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. We can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

The Seven Islands – The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here we may reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

Sailing the continental shelf

While retracing our route west, keep watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet. Alternatively, we might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. Overnight: Hondius

JUNE 23 Return to Longyearbyen

Your Arctic odyssey comes to an end as you return to Longyearbyen. Spend your final hours in this unique town, perhaps visiting the Svalbard Museum again to reflect on your incredible journey, or exploring the local shops and cafés. In the evening, bid farewell to your ship and companions, carrying with you memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.

Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Modifications may be made.

Have you read the Trip Tips yet? See the next tab at the top of this page.

AFS Polar Cruise Trip Tips

Prepare to be thrilled by pure polar perfection of Svalbard! On our expedition cruise focuses on visually stunning tundra landscapes, vast sea ice and opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, reindeer, walruses and more. Each day, enjoy adventurous zodiac landings for fun shoreline walks. Our past groups loved the Hondius expedition ship and great crew on board Oceanwide. And you’ll love the phenomenon of the midnight sun during Arctic summer, with visible sun averaging 20 to 24 hours a day. The highlight is Isfjord, largest of all on the island of Spitsbergen. We have a wonderful group of 31 travel lovers. Connect now on your group Facebook page. Link below. Print these trip tips. More cruise details and documents will come as we near departure.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly). pic

GTL Janice was an early AFSer and has traveled with Suzy since almost the beginning. She has visited more than 96 countries and all 7 continents both on her own and in her job as a writer and television producer! She has actually been to Antarctica TWICE – once with the legendary Jacques Cousteau and a second time with Prince Albert of Monaco. Imagine that. While she currently works mostly with ABC News, she spent 20 years with CNN, reporting news across the globe.

A prolific writer, Janice has written 17 books on travel and history. She also has an independent production company called J-Mac Productions which has afforded her the opportunity to do independent documentaries as well as producing marketing, training and commercial materials. She has won numerous awards including 6 Emmys and three Edward R. Murrows for her work.

Trip Prep:

Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email. Also good to scan any docs, Covid test, trip tips, etc.
To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.
Visa – none

General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. Britney Carter, britney@business-class.com, (305) 390-4132 or Alen@skylux.com or ali@business–class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Group Air: None because we will not meet the minimum required to make a group air booking since this is a small group. See below on how to do your own air which gives you more flexibility.

Important Air Dates: June 14-23 Round-trip USA to Longyearbyen (LYR)

June 14 – fly the Oslo to LYR.

June 15 land begins in LYR! Transferred to Svalbard vault hotel to overnight.

June 16 – Group transferred to board ship at 2 PM.

June 23 departure, see below.

Doing Own Air – some of you already bought air and are extending some free time in Oslo. 1. You can buy a ticket round-trip to Oslo on 12 different airlines from USA and then separate ticket round-trip to LYR on SAS or Norwegian. (We were quoted group air for you to buy but the price was way too high and you could get at half on your own). 2. By roundtrip from USA directly to LYR.

Departure home to USA – June 23, disembark shipped at 9 AM. Ship transfers you to airport for your flights, most via Oslo. Note that SAS offers three flights per day to Oslo at 2, 5 and 7 PM. Connect from Oslo to your US flight home. If your times miss connect, enjoy a day in Oslo with its countless attractions. Connect with your group to see what others booked and perhaps share a room. It seems complicated however oceanwide polar cruises sell out each year and people find a way

We like Google Flights. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. If you need help air, our guy Delhi can help, email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name and details with birthdate.

Airport Transfers– (With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs. Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like. If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up With Group- June 15 at Svalbard hotel in LYR at 3 PM.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing- Google weather in Spitsbergen Norway. We’ll have nearly 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun, which means long days and short nights. June can be a bit wet, with average precipitation around 1-2 inches. Rain is more common than snow, but occasional snowfall can still occur. In general the weather can be quite variable, with sunny days interspersed with cloudy and brief rainy spells. Overall, June is one of the milder months in Spitzbergen, making it a popular time for visitors and outdoor activities. However, it’s always wise to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Bring: Light down jacket or fleece. Warm pants and tops. Gloves or mittens. Light and warm socks. Wool scarf. Thermal undergarments. Sturdy walking shoes. Regular clothes like jeans and T-shirts as weather will change. Bring sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm and day pack. Note, ship provides you MSR lightweight snow shoes that attach to your own shoes, as well as rubber boots for free. More details coming in your cruise docs.

Dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins.

Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – You may need some cash for personal tipping. $300 cash should suffice as you’ll be charging anything you buy mostly from the ship. Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.) The US dollar is stronger than ever before now in Sri Lanka for your exchange to the Sri Lankan rupees!

Currency Exchange Rate $1 = 11 NOK (Norwegian kroner)
The ship will charge your card in euros $1 = .94 EU
Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash or you can charge gratuities to your shipboard account.

Communication– Internet is available. The Hondius ship typically offers Wi-Fi on board. However, the availability and quality of Wi-Fi can vary depending on the ship’s location and the surrounding conditions, especially when navigating remote areas. It is advisable to check with Oceanwide Expeditions to review the specific details provided during your booking for the most accurate information regarding internet access on the Hondius.

On shore – With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Fitness – The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky.

Retail Therapy – Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of stores and souvenir options. Key places include the Svalbard Museum Shop and the Longyearbyen Global Store, which feature local handicrafts, clothing, and literature. Visitors can find unique souvenirs like reindeer leather products, local art, and Svalbard-themed apparel. The Polar Night Shopping Centre also offers practical items for your stay. Most shops accept Norwegian krone (NOK) and credit cards, making it convenient for tourists to explore and support local artisans.

Leisure Time – Enjoy a range of activities during your free time. Take in the diverse wildlife, including polar bears and walruses, and capture the stunning Arctic landscapes through photography. Participate in guided shore excursions to explore the unique environment, or kayak through serene waters. Expand your knowledge with onboard lectures about the region’s ecology, history, and culture. Relax and take in the views, or socialize with fellow travelers. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s amenities. Check your itinerary for specific excursion and free-time options.

Optional – each night you will be briefed on next days activities. Experienced guides will lead snowshoe treks along the shore. For extra charge, you can book on board the polar sea kayaking and skills camp.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.