Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo

Having made your way to Oslo, check in at our group hotel at Oslo Airport. Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.  

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen

Day 2 - Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation

This morning, please make sure your cabin luggage has cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and take some time to relax before your afternoon charter flight. 

After check-out, walk the short distance to the airport for our flight to Longyearbyen, where embarkation begins. Upon arrival, you will be transferred directly to the pier to board the ship in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin, attend essential safety briefings, and experience the excitement as we cast off and set sail. 

Days 3–7 - Spitsbergen

The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable will be the chance encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice.

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come.

Day 8 - Disembark in Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo

During the early morning, we cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.

Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated flight slot of our charter flight to Longyearbyen, which we expect to receive in February 2025.

Bird Watching

Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations

Marine Mammal Spotting

Photography

Polar Plunge

Scenic Cruising

Trips Ashore

Walking

Wildlife Watching

Zodiac Cruising

Inclusions

• Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.

• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.

• Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).

• Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen.

• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.

• All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.

• Beer and house wine with dinner.

• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.

• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

• Educational lectures and guiding services provide by Expedition Team.

• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).

• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.

• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.

• Comprehensive pre-departure information.

• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.

• Wi-Fi*.

  * Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

Exclusions

• International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.

• Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.

• Airport arrival or departure taxes.

• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.

• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.

• Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.

• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.

• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages outside of dinner service, gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.

  *A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

A non-refundable deposit of US $2,500 per person is required within 7 working days of booking. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to the departure date of the expedition