Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge - Best of Svalbard
12 Days - Sea Spirit
This voyage provides the opportunity to get a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, from polar bears and walrus to spectacular scenery. You’ll be treated to daily presentations by our Expedition Team onboard the ship, and daily wildlife sightings on land.
from USD $8895pp
Book by 30th June 2025
Home » 12 Day Sea Spirit: Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge – Best of Svalbard
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit wildlife-rich Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, a pristine and rarely visited wilderness containing hundreds of uninhabited islands
- Experience excellent wildlife viewing including the polar bears
- Enjoy memorable excursions, stunning scenery, delicious meals and presentations by our expedition team
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (hotel night)
- Day 2: Welcome Aboard!
- Day 3 to 11: Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge
- Day 12: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (hotel night)
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. You will then be free to explore the charming, walkable town center.
We recommend starting your discovery of this fascinating Norwegian High Arctic territory at the excellent Svalbard Museum, where you can also purchase hard-to-find polar books and maps. Afterward, you can enjoy an excellent dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s many delightful restaurants. If you are still awake at midnight, you will notice the sun has not set. In fact, the sun will not set for the entire duration of our time in Svalbard.
Day 2: Welcome Aboard!
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Longyearbyen. Take in the views of icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding this historic former coal-mining town. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, Longyearbyen offers quick and easy meal options including the most northerly pizzas and kebabs in the world.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the gorgeous scenery in 24-hour daylight as we pass through the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden.
Day 3 to 11: Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge
The goal for this voyage is a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Along the way, we hope to experience the many facets of this incredible High Arctic territory. Our exact schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. We also expect there will be enough sea ice around to support ice-dependent animals such as polar bears and walrus.
During this voyage, we expect to encounter significant sea ice concentrations in the enormous Northwest Svalbard Nature Reserve. In this remote and isolated region, ice can persist very late into the summer, giving it a truly polar character. This reserve covers the rugged northwestern parts of Spitsbergen and the entirety of Nordaustlandet, the second largest island in Svalbard. Here we find the massive Austfonna ice cap, part of which meets the sea along the 45-kilometer ice cliff known as Bråsvellbreen—one of the great wonders of the Arctic world. The polar desert environment supports little in the way of vegetation but hosts prodigious numbers of seabirds at breeding sites such as the spectacular sea cliffs of Alkefjellet. The probability of encountering polar bears and walrus in this icy wilderness is very high.
Also on our route is Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders. Here we find deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain peaks and immense tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise waters. The whole area is alive with migratory Arctic seabirds. On this voyage, we are just in time to witness the return of millions of murres, guillemots and little auks to the small islands, mountainsides and sea cliffs where they breed within the park. This is also a great area to encounter marine mammals, including various kinds of whales and Arctic seals. Set among this incredible scenery and wildlife activity, we also find evidence of Svalbard’s earliest sealers and whalers.
Human habitation along our route can be found at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements where we find a gift shop and a post office. We also visit a famous airship mast that was a starting point of the North Pole expeditions by Umberto Nobile and Roald Amundsen. This place played an important part in the history of polar exploration.
The ambitious Svalbard and Polar Ice Edge route offers a comprehensive view of the Arctic’s many faces. Every day offers something new and exciting. We will not miss a single opportunity to encounter amazing Arctic wildlife, to witness incredible polar scenery, and to walk in the footsteps of historic expeditions that came before.
Day 12: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen. We provide transfers to the airport or to the town center in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard. By this time, you may already be making plans for your next amazing trip with us into the polar worlds!
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
15 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025 | USD $8895pp | ||
Triple Suite | USD $8895pp | Contact us | |
Main Deck Suite | USD $12295pp | Contact us | |
Classic Suite | USD $13095pp | Contact us | |
Superior Suite | USD $13395pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe Suite | USD $14995pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | USD $16495pp | Contact us | |
Single Suite | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Owners Suite | USD $21095pp | Contact us | |
25 Jun 2025 - 06 Jul 2025 | USD $8895pp | ||
Triple Suite | USD $8895pp | Contact us | |
Main Deck Suite | USD $12295pp | Contact us | |
Classic Suite | USD $13095pp | Contact us | |
Superior Suite | USD $13395pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe Suite | USD $14995pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | USD $16495pp | Contact us | |
Single Suite | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Owners Suite | USD $21095pp | Contact us | |
24 Jun 2026 - 05 Jul 2026 | USD $9176pp | Save 10%, Save 15% | |
Triple Suite | USD $9176pp | Save 10% | |
Main Deck Suite | USD $12506pp | Save 10% | |
Classic Suite | USD $13316pp | Save 10% | |
Superior Suite | USD $12916pp | Save 15% | |
Deluxe Suite | USD $14361pp | Save 15% | |
Premium Suite | USD $15721pp | Save 15% | |
Single Suite | USD $18536pp | Save 10% | |
Owners Suite | USD $20056pp | Save 15% | |
04 Jul 2026 - 15 Jul 2026 | USD $9176pp | Save 10%, Save 15% | |
Triple Suite | USD $9176pp | Save 10% | |
Main Deck Suite | USD $12506pp | Save 10% | |
Classic Suite | USD $13316pp | Save 10% | |
Superior Suite | USD $12916pp | Save 15% | |
Deluxe Suite | USD $14361pp | Save 15% | |
Premium Suite | USD $15721pp | Save 15% | |
Single Suite | USD $18536pp | Save 10% | |
Owners Suite | USD $20056pp | Save 15% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Main Deck Suite
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Classic Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Superior Suite
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Premium Suite
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Owners Suite
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Single Suite
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Sea Spirit Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 90.6 meters (297 ft.)
- Beam: 15.3 meters (50 ft.)
- Speed: 15 knots
- Passengers: 114
- Crew: 72
- Expedition Team: 14
Whats included?
- Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1;
- All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits (applicable only for 2026 voyages, except 02 AUG 2026 cruise);
- 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in a hotel in Longyearbyen;
- Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Group transfer upon disembarkation;
- Cozy accommodation aboard the elegant Sea Spirit, your home away from home;
- Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage;
- All AECO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience;
- 24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost;
- Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes;
- Expert leadership from our experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team;
- A stylish parka to take home as a cherished memento;
- Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise;
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails to celebrate your journey with fellow travelers (applicable only for 2025 voyages);
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure;
- A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer;
- Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.
What’s not included?
- Airfare;
- Visa and passport fees (if applicable) (applicable only for 2026 voyages);
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations (applicable only for 2025 voyages);
- Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
- Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person;
- Kayaking is an optional activity with limited availability and must be booked separately for an additional charge (applicable only for 2025 voyages);
- Staff gratuities.
Notes
Adventure options:
- Kayaking fee $795