Price listed below the daily itinerary
The ethereal realms of the High Arctic await as we venture forth on our stunning Spitsbergen 9-day expedition odyssey. Bathing in the perpetual daylight in the land of the midnight sun, we’ll experience the summer solstice by land and sea, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the polar regions of Norway.
This is an experience like no other in a region that is almost other worldly. Here is where sea ice stretches to the horizon and wildlife reigns supreme. We’ll experience it all with our spectacular polar vessel, cruising through polar ice and exploring the numerous islands.
Any summer in this northern wonderland is a spectacular array of awe-inspiring sites and adventures, but we’ll be there in the heart of Arctic summer for the 2025 summer solstice—a celestial spectacle offering 24 hours of solar embrace. As we celebrate this astronomical marvel in Longyearbyen on June 21st, the longest day of the year, witness the sun’s grand halt in the sky, marking a time where day never ends and night is but a memory.
Best news – all your shore excursions are included! With each adventurous landings and shoreline hikes, opportunities abound to observe whales breaching, polar bears traversing, and seabirds soaring above. Prestigious walruses and sea lions reveal glimpses of their communal bonds while Svalbard reindeer, triumphs of conservation, graze amongst the dramatic backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for bearded seals, different whales, the rarest sea birds, and elusive narwhale! And you’ll learn so from each evening’s lecture from our naturalist guides.
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, you can glide across tranquil waters enclosed by glaciers with our kayaking options.
Our home for the voyage is the incomparable MS Hondius. It is the same vessel our AFS Antarctica group sailed on, and they just raved about it. It was built specifically for polar exploration and allows easy access for our zodiac adventures. The Artic guides will astound you with their knowledge and know how to help you make the most of each adventure… and the food is amazing!!
Embrace this stirring journey where each stunning 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 a pure archipelago of islands in Svalbard’s heart—where adventure meets tranquility, and life-long memories await.
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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 2024 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
Tap for a printable PDF Itinerary
Short description: This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes.
Solstice: The midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs during the Arctic summer, when the sun is visible for a full 24 hours in fair weather. The summer solstice in Longyearbyen falls on 21 June, when the sun reaches its highest altitude of the year above the northern horizon at midnight. It will not be until late August that the sun fully goes down again, and then only for a few minutes. Join us in experiencing this fascinating phenomenon during our voyage through the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.
June 14 – Depart USA to Norway
Your international flight destination will be Oslo, Norway with a connection to Longyearbyen. A dozen major carriers fly to Oslo from major U.S. cities. Airlines that fly to Longyearbyen, Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe Airlines, and Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. Check Trip Tips for suggested options or look up dates through Google Flights.
Everyone must arrive the day prior on June 15 to embark on the cruise ship June 16.
June 15 – Welcome to Spitsbergen! (Tour officially begins)
You touch down in Longyearbyen, 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.
Pre-night and transfer to ship: For any cruise, it is imperative to arrive a day early to ensure you don’t miss the boat. Because the hotels are limited here and group needs to be together, we have pre-booked and included a pre-trip night at the Vault Hotel in Longyearbyen for our group. So, we added $245 to the cruise package. We will add this to your final invoice.
Check-in at hotel on own. Overnight at Svaldbard Hotel Vault
Experience the best of Svalbard from our ideal location – Our hotel combines stunning location, comfortable amenities, and exciting activities all in one place. Welcome to Svalbard Hotell | The Vault, your perfect base for exploring the wonders of Longyearbyen. The hotel is nestled in the heart of Longyearbyen, just 1.1 km from the iconic Svalbard Church. This means you’re within easy reach of the town’s main attractions, restaurants, and shops. But it’s not just about being close – our location also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape that will make your stay truly unforgettable. At breakfast savor local specialties and international favorites to give you the energy to take on the day.
JUNE 16 – Expedition Cruise Begins, Embark from Longyearbyen B/D (included meals)
After breakfast, we’ll transfer our bags to the pier where our cruise staff can tag it to be taken to our ship. It will be placed in your cabin prior to your arrival. We should have some free time to explore the wonderful harbor area before group can board our vessel. We’ll need to be aboard well before 4pm before the spectacular MS Hondius sets sail.
You’ll have a hearty welcome by the crew with introductions followed by a full briefing of your 8-day program. You’ll want to be on deck as the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Overnight: Hondius
JUNE 17 – 22: SPITSBERGENS NATURAL BEAUTY, WILDLIFE, AND PACK ICE B/L/D
This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Your crew will keep you informed of daily navigation and tours by zodiacs or hikes. It all depends on the weather 80° north. Places we might visit include the following:
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 Lomfjord 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 at Chermsideøya or Phippsøya, 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 at Sarstangen or Poolepynten. 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: There and back again B
All good things must come to an end. We say goodbye to the Hondius in the morning and disembark in Longyearbyen. Spend your final hours in this unique town, perhaps visiting the Svalbard Museum again 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
Transfers to the Longyearbyen airport will be arranged through the Hondius.
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. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage will be by zodiacs. You must be reasonably fit to board these rubber boats. Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes on board.
Cabins with deposit and payment schedule. Note, Oceanwide cancellation terms apply- all payments from Oct 15 onward are non-refundable. Travel Insurance recommended
Special notice of cruise line terms apply. Initial deposit – nonrefundable deposit of $800 is due upon initial reservation. However, a partial refund of your initial deposit may be granted if cancellation occurs before October 1, 2024. The refund amount will be determined in accordance with Oceanwide Cruises refund group policy. Please note that failure to comply with Oceanwide cruise payment terms may result in the cancellation of your reservation. It is your responsibility to review and understand these terms prior to booking.
Payment schedule – to align with Oceanwide payment schedule, the following nonrefundable payments will be due – Oct 15, 20% of package total. December 15, additional 20% of package total. February 14, additional 20% of package total. March 14, final balance due. Auto bill reminders will be emailed to you a few days before payment is due.
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$5795 shared cabin (5) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6040
* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 160 ft.²
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$6195 shared cabin (5) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6440
* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 150 ft.²
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$6695 shared cabin (1) + $245 pre-cruise hotel = $6940
* For pre-bookers your $200 deposit will be applied to the initial deposit to total $1000. Cabin size approximately 225 ft.²
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Single cabin – Because some will ask… a single cabin is only available with the Twin Deluxe at a surcharge of $4760 extra. If you’re worried about finding someone to travel with, no problems we have you covered. Finding a match is our specialty. The single cabin is only available upon request
Your Program Includes :
- 8 nights’ accommodation at a Cruise. (M/v Hondius)
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and 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 program.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Not Included: pre-post land arrangements, gratuities avg $12 per day
Have you read the Trip Tips yet?
AFS Realm of the Polar Bear Trip Tips 2025
Please check back at a later date we are working on these and will notify everyone soon
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Hotel comfort, expedition class
Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere.
Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations
It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding are that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.
The fast, flexible, friendly heart of the polar regions
Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 70 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained.
Age and nationality
Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.
What to wear
In keeping with the spirit of expedition, 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.
How to pay
Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.
Electric current
The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.
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.
Your physical condition
You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. 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. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.
