On a voyage aboard the National Geographic Endurance, discover the remote islands and fjords of northern Norway, including the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Spend several remarkable days amid the ice floes of Svalbard and follow nature’s rhythms in search of walruses, seals, and polar bears. Continue to Bear Island to encounter towering cliffs populated with thousands of seabirds. Then head further south to the spectacular isles of Søroyø and Senja, where nature flourishes amid vibrant coastal cultures.
Arctic & Alaska
Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords
10 Days aboard National Geographic Endurance. Contact for pricing.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- See the spectacular fjords of Norway
- Explore the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard
- See arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals, walruses, foxes or reindeer
- Visit Soroya Island known for scenic bays, pristine nature reserves and long sandy beaches
Itinerary in Brief:
- Day 1: Oslo, Norway
- Day 2: Oslo - Longyearbyen
- Day 3-5: Exploring Svalbard
- Day 6: Bjornoya (Bear Island)
- Day 7: Soroya Island
- Day 8: Senja Island
- Day 9: Tromso
- Day 10: Oslo
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and check in to the Clarion Hotel, The Hub upon arrival. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Norway’s capital city. Stroll through Frogner Park among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Then visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen.
Day 2: Oslo - Longyearbyen
Depart Oslo on a private charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of Svalbard and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Explore the Svalbard Art Gallery, home to a permanent collection of historic items as well as contemporary exhibitions of local artists. Later, embark the National Geographic Endurance, your floating base camp for the next six days.
Day 3-5: Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, we let nature guide our course. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience in the archipelago allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With our fully stabilized, ice-class ship, we probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. Join our spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. Venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations.
With our National Geographic photographer, experts, and seasoned naturalists, we make the most of our days here. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders we encounter, and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by our remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different, and every day is an adventure.
Day 6: Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
Sail south to isolated Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Board a Zodiac to explore the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island. Gaze up at sheer cliffs and use your binoculars to take in the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and murres.
Day 7: Sørøya Island
Off Norway’s northern coast lies the mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and long sandy beaches. It also is renowned for its large populations of skrei, or cod, which migrate to these waters during winter and spring. We plan to make an in-depth visit to this beautiful island, with opportunities to explore its surrounding fjords by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.
Day 8: Senja Island
Senja, the second largest island in mainland Norway, is characterized by dramatic mountains, colorful fishing villages, and a coastline split by beautiful fjords. In the southern part of the island, you’ll find Ånderdalen National Park—more than 70 square miles of pristine wilderness that is home to reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more. Spend a day exploring the island and fjords, and, if you wish, join our naturalists on a spectacular hike.
Day 9: Tromsø
Disembark in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board our charter flight to Oslo and check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
Day 10: Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Cabin Details
Category 1
183 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.
Category 2
205 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.
Category 3
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, main deck location.
Category 4
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, lounge deck location.
Category 5
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.
Category Solo A
140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the main deck.
Category Solo B
140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the lounge deck.
Category 6
344 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.
Category 7
430 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, large balcony, sofa, bathtub, walk-in closet, bridge deck location.
National Geographic Endurance Deckplan
Specifications
- Guests: 138
- Crew: 112
- Cabins: 71
- Length: 124.4m
- Beam: 21m
- Draft: 5.3m
- Speed: 16.6 knots
- Decks: 5
- Ice Class: 5
Whats included?
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary
- Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant
- Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in itinerary
- Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks
- Cocktails and spirits on select ships
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
- 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers
What’s not included?
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
- Travel protection plan, passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.
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