Region: The Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard

Ship: m/v Hondius

the trip did not live up to the title, no pack ice and a single bear at a range of 3km !

Oceanwide Expeditions

Comment from Oceanwide Expeditions

Thank you for your review. We value any feedback that helps us improve our voyages.

In this case, however, we can only reiterate what we state frequently in our itineraries and other content: wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and are determined entirely by the animals, not by us. Their presence or absence, like that of pack ice, is beyond our control.

While it is a shame we did not see bears any closer, there are strict guidelines governing how close we are able to get to bears when there are other vessels in the vicinity. The vessel did, however, navigate the fringes of pack ice that had begun to break into smaller floes.

Our trip titles reflect our goals and the general way each trip is meant to go, but nature is under no obligation to agree. Sometimes it has other plans, making it more difficult for us to deliver a trip the way we intend. This is the variable nature of expedition travel. It is the risk we all take when embarking into such remote regions.

Nonetheless, we hope your voyage afforded you some pleasure and memorable moments, and we are pleased you chose to sail with us.

Been on one of our voyages?

Leave your own review

Related cruises

North Spitsbergen Basecamp – Summer Solstice - Free Kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Diving (supplemented)

19 Jun - 26 Jun, 2026

Tripcode: OTL05-26

$ 1000 Travel Credit Svalbard North Spitsbergen

The North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy this Arctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, and learn to take perfect pictures of the polar flora and fauna.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

20 Jun - 27 Jun, 2026

Tripcode: HDS05-26

  • EN
  • DE
  • LA

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful...

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer

25 Jun - 5 Jul, 2026

Tripcode: RVR11-26

  • EN

The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of Northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the little auk , and polar bears.

East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear, Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores
Up to $950 OFF

East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear, Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores

26 Jun - 3 Jul, 2026

Tripcode: OTL06-26

$ 1000 Travel Credit Svalbard East Spitsbergen

Experience the high Arctic summer solstice with an expedition that visits some of the top sites of eastern Spitsbergen. Our goal is to take you to amazing glaciers, fascinating historical sites, bountiful seabird colonies, and sprawling fjord systems...

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

27 Jun - 6 Jul, 2026

Tripcode: HDS06-26

  • EN

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Loading