1-800-240-3648

Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

Feb 01, 2024 - 
Feb 20, 2024
All (sub-)Antarctic highlights in one voyage, with spectacular landing sites on the Falkland Islands and encounters with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper pinguins. You’ll have the chance to meet at least six different penguin species. You’ll explore the transition fro...
Feb 02, 2024 - 
Feb 21, 2024
All (sub-)Antarctic highlights in one voyage, with spectacular landing sites on the Falkland Islands and encounters with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper pinguins. You’ll have the chance to meet at least six different penguin species. You’ll explore the transition fro...
Feb 03, 2024 - 
Feb 13, 2024
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins....
Feb 13, 2024 - 
Feb 25, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
Feb 20, 2024 - 
Mar 13, 2024
All (sub-)Antarctic highlights in one voyage, with spectacular landing sites on the Falkland Islands and encounters with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper pinguins. You’ll have the chance to meet at least six different penguin species. You’ll explore the transition fro...
Feb 25, 2024 - 
Mar 07, 2024
This voyage will take you further south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circle. This cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike, kayak, and dive in the iceberg-heavy w...
Mar 04, 2024 - 
Mar 16, 2024
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...
Mar 07, 2024 - 
Mar 21, 2024
This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound make this voyage truly exceptional....
Mar 13, 2024 - 
Mar 28, 2024
This voyage explores a number of historically significant Antarctic areas, such as the very rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island. We focus on places discovered by Adrien De Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897 – 1899) and Jean-Bapti...
Mar 16, 2024 - 
Mar 29, 2024
This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise will take you further south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circe. This expedition cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance ...
Mar 21, 2024 - 
Apr 01, 2024
This voyage will take you further south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circle. This cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to  dive in the iceberg-heavy waters....
Mar 28, 2024 - 
Apr 20, 2024
The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season....

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

A voyage around Spitsbergen, where you have chances to see the King of the Arctic, Walrus, Reindeer, various bird species and surprisingly beautiful flora. Near the mouth of Liefdefjorden, we will go ashore for a walk on the tundra of Reindyrsflya. Sailing into Liefdefjorden, we will cruise near the face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes and occasionally Polar Bear are seen on the glacier.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

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. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2

Heading north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden. Here you might board the Zodiacs for a cruise near the towering blue-white face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, colorful flowers bloom while flocks of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nest on the cliffs. You have a good chance of spotting an Arctic fox scouting for fallen chicks, or a bearded seal paddling through the fjord.

In the afternoon you sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

Day 3

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this 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 sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Day 4 – 5

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you 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.

When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), you can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) you may turn to Sorgfjord, where you have the chance to find a herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th-century whalers. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans, and the opposite side of the fjord is also a beautiful area for an excursion.

Day 6

Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Near Torrelneset you can also visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third-largest ice cap. Here you may encounter walruses during a coastline hike over the area’s raised beaches. 

Day 7

The plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though polar bears sometimes make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsøya include Sundneset (for an old trapper’s hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its kittiwake colony), and Rindedalen (for a walk across the tundra). You might also cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely your destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and the chance for hikes along Edgeøya.

Day 8

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears.

Day 9

Today you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife.

A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod.

Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding.

Day 10

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Please Note...

N.B. The chances that we can complete a full Spitsbergen circumnavigation (based on our experiences from 1992 – 2019) are about 30% in the first half of July, 70% in the second half, 90% in the first half of August, and 95% in the second half. In case we cannot complete a full circumnavigation, we may devise a program in northeast or southeast Spitsbergen. 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.

Cabin Information

Ship name Cabin Name Price Sale Price Departs on Returns on
m/v Plancius Quadruple Porthole $5,650 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Plancius Triple Porthole $7,000 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Porthole $8,200 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Window $8,850 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Deluxe $9,500 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Plancius Superior $10,650 NA Jul 1st, 2025 Jul 10th, 2025
m/v Hondius Quadruple Porthole $5,400 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Triple Porthole $6,950 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Porthole $7,700 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Window $8,300 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Deluxe $9,000 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Superior $10,000 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Junior Suite $10,650 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Hondius Grand Suite with private balcony $12,300 NA Jul 3rd, 2024 Jul 12th, 2024
m/v Plancius Quadruple Porthole $5,400 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Plancius Triple Porthole $6,550 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Porthole $7,700 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Window $8,300 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Deluxe $9,000 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Plancius Superior $10,000 NA Jul 4th, 2024 Jul 13th, 2024
m/v Hondius Quadruple Porthole $5,650 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Triple Porthole $7,000 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Porthole $8,200 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Window $8,850 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Deluxe $9,500 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Superior $10,650 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Junior Suite $12,150 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Hondius Grand Suite with private balcony $13,150 NA Jul 9th, 2025 Jul 18th, 2025
m/v Ortelius Quadruple Porthole $5,400 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Ortelius Triple Porthole $6,550 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Ortelius Twin Porthole $7,700 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Ortelius Twin Window $8,300 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe $9,000 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Ortelius Superior $10,000 NA Jul 10th, 2024 Jul 19th, 2024
m/v Plancius Quadruple Porthole $5,650 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Plancius Triple Porthole $7,000 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Porthole $8,200 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Window $8,850 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Plancius Twin Deluxe $9,500 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Plancius Superior $10,650 NA Jul 10th, 2025 Jul 19th, 2025
m/v Hondius Quadruple Porthole $5,400 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Triple Porthole $6,950 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Porthole $7,700 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Window $8,300 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Twin Deluxe $9,000 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Superior $10,000 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Junior Suite $10,650 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Hondius Grand Suite with private balcony $12,300 NA Jul 12th, 2024 Jul 21st, 2024
m/v Ortelius Quadruple Porthole $5,650 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Ortelius Triple Porthole $7,000 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Ortelius Twin Porthole $8,200 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Ortelius Twin Window $8,850 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe $9,500 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Ortelius Superior $10,650 NA Jul 12th, 2025 Jul 21st, 2025
m/v Plancius Quadruple Porthole $5,400 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Plancius Triple Porthole $6,550 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Porthole $7,700 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Window $8,300 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Plancius Twin Deluxe $9,000 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Plancius Superior $10,000 NA Jul 13th, 2024 Jul 22nd, 2024
m/v Hondius Quadruple Porthole $5,650 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Triple Porthole $7,000 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Porthole $8,200 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Window $8,850 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Twin Deluxe $9,500 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Superior $10,650 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Junior Suite $12,150 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025
m/v Hondius Grand Suite with private balcony $13,150 NA Jul 18th, 2025 Jul 27th, 2025

Inquire about this trip