North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer
Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

The North Spitsbergen cruise takes you to some of the most isolated regions in Northern Europe. This expedition provides a unique opportunity to encounter remnants of historic whaling activities, witness awe-inspiring glaciers, observe a diverse array of Arctic bird species, including the Little Auk, and potentially spot majestic polar bears.

HIGHLIGHTS YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE
● Birds of Spitsbergen
One of the best seabird regions in the Arctic, Spitsbergen is home to many beloved and rarely seen species
● Monacobreen
Formerly known as Glacier de Monaco and Liefde Bay-bræ, Monacobreen is a glacier that reaches down into Liefdefjorden in Spitsbergen.
● Beluga Whale
The good-natured grin of these dolphin relatives is matched only by their high-frequency sounds, from which they derive the nickname "sea canaries"
● Polar Bear
Awe-inspiring icons of the circumpolar north, polar bears are majestic to behold, terrifying to confront, and as essential to the Arctic as ice and snow
● Walrus
Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers
● Svalbard reindeer
Saved from the brink of extinction by dedicated recovery programs, these small reindeer have a dramatically variable birth rate
● King Eider
These are one of the largest sea ducks in the Northern Hemisphere, though their weight can vary considerably – especially among females, who rarely feed during incubation
● Arctic Skua
These far-ranging fliers are known for their love of (and skill for) thievery, pilfering most of their winter migration diet

Itinerary:
Day 1: Largest town, biggest island
Your journey begins as you land in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Take a leisurely stroll through this former mining town, where you can explore the parish church and the captivating Svalbard Museum. Despite its rugged appearance, the local countryside is home to over a hundred recorded plant species. In the early evening, the ship sets sail from Isfjorden, offering the possibility of spotting the first minke whale of your voyage. Later, you will cruise to Trygghamna, where you'll encounter the remnants of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which you can explore the following morning.

Day 2: Foxes, seabirds, and grazing reindeer
Embark on a walk from Trygghamna to Alkhornet, a vast seabird cliff where birds are scouting for breeding locations. Below the cliffs, you might catch sight of Arctic foxes, and if the snow cover isn't too thick, you could also spot reindeer grazing on the lush vegetation.

Day 3: Remains of the whalers
Today, you'll sail into Fuglefjorden, providing views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, both known for breeding great skuas and possible polar bear sightings. Birgerbukta showcases 17th-century Basque ovens once used for cooking whale blubber. Your next destination is Ytre Norskøya, a small island that served as a Dutch whaling lookout for many years. You can still trace the whalers' paths to the island's summit, passing by popular bird cliffs along the way. Onshore, you'll discover remnants of 17th-century blubber ovens, with Arctic skuas and common eiders breeding among the graves of about two hundred Dutch whalers.

Day 4: Glaciers and Ermaktangen geology
Raudfjorden, on Spitsbergen's north coast, offers splendid views of glaciers and is a favored spot for ringed and bearded seals, seabird colonies, and the occasional polar bear and beluga whale sighting. Ermaktangen, located on the fjord's coast, is an excellent spot for observing the geological formations of the land.

Day 5: Wide open tundra
Weather permitting, you may land on the northern side of Reindyrsflya, Spitsbergen's largest tundra area. This expansive, rolling plain is a favored grazing ground for reindeer, and it's also home to various wader species. Lakes in the area provide good opportunities to spot red-throated divers and king eiders.

Day 6: The massive Monaco Glacier
Depending on weather conditions, you might sail into Liefdefjorden, offering a close view of the impressive Monaco Glacier, which stretches over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The waters in front of this glacier are a popular feeding ground for thousands of kittiwakes, and the ice base is a favored hunting area for polar bears. In case of early-season ice conditions, an alternative route along Spitsbergen's west coast will be taken.

Day 7: On to the little auks
Your morning landing takes you to Fuglesangen, where you can observe lively colonies of little auks. You'll then sail south to Magdalenafjorden, one of Spitsbergen's glacier-filled highlights. During your shore visit, you'll see remnants of 17th-century English whaling and encounter more extensive colonies of little auks.

Day 8: Earth’s northernmost community
You'll head north to Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, where the landscape may still bear signs of winter with snow-covered crags and slopes. This region provides excellent opportunities for snowshoeing (snowshoes are provided) and exploring places of historical significance. Ny London reveals remnants of early 20th-century marble mining, while Ny Ålesund is the northernmost community globally, home to research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which made the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska, in 1926. The fjord's ice extent will determine your itinerary in Krossfjorden, where you'll also enjoy views of massive glaciers and towering mountain peaks.

Day 9: The past days of polar bear hunting
As you journey south, you'll aim for a landing at Fuglehuken, a site with remains from the era of great polar bear hunting. The area also boasts large seabird colonies and a haul-out spot for harbor seals. Alternatively, you may land on the coast of Forlandsundet, at Engelskbukta or Sarstangen, where walruses are occasionally spotted, and the tundra is ideal for a peaceful walk.

Day 10: Wide tundra, towering mountains
Your next stop is Bohemanflya, an expansive tundra featuring its avifauna, depending on the arrival of spring. The region also boasts striking geological formations along the coast. At Gipsvika, you'll have the opportunity to go ashore near Templet, a mountainous location with eroded sedimentary rock dating back to the Upper Carboniferous period, around 290 million years ago.

Day 11: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You'll disembark in Longyearbyen, carrying with you memories that will accompany you on your future adventures.

Included in this voyage
● Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
● 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 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 programme.
● AECO fees and governmental taxes.
● Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage
● Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
● Pre- and post- land arrangements.
● Passport and visa expenses.
● Government arrival and departure taxes.
● Meals ashore.
● Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
● Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
● The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local 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, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

1. Choose your cabins