
Title: | North Spitsbergen, Polar Bears & Bowhead Whales in pack-ice |
Dates: | |
Tripcode: | HDS03-24 |
Duration: | 7 nights |
Ship: | m/v Hondius |
Embarkation: | Longyearbyen |
Disembarkation: | Longyearbyen |
Language: | English speaking voyage |
More about: | |
20%
Combination
Discount
North and East Spitsbergen - Summer Solstice
Combining our North Spitsbergen voyage (focusing on polar bears, bowhead whales, and pack ice) with our East Spitsbergen cruise (also emphasizing bears as well as the summer solstice), this program turns two equally amazing trips into one amazing Arctic expedition.
Tripcode: | HDS03d24 |
Dates: | 10 Jun - 24 Jun, 2024 |
Ship: | m/v Hondius |
Embarkation – Disembarkation: | Longyearbyen – Longyearbyen |
Duration: | 7 nights |
Price: | 6400 USD |
20% off from individual cruises | |
More info |

Cruises included:
North Spitsbergen, Polar Bears & Bowhead Whales in pack-ice
This expedition focuses on spotting whales, polar bears, birds and other Arctic wildlife while enjoying the 24-hour daylight of the Arctic summer
East Spitsbergen, Home of the Polar Bear - Summer Solstice
Discover the highest peaks, largest seabird colonies, and best places to spot polar bears along the eastern shores of 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.
Search for whales, polar bears, birds and other exotic wildlife among the Arctic sea ice while enjoying the 24-hour daylight of the midnight sun, which provides excellent conditions for outdoor photography and activities.
Day 1: Largest town, biggest island
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: Walrusses, seals & sea birds
After an exciting sailing through straits and fjord we arrive late morning at Smeerenburg, where a large group of Walrusses often lays at its haul-out place. It is also a rare opportunity to see Harbour Seals on rocky islets. Smeerenburg was an important whaling station in the 17th century. Later on the day we land at Fuglesangen, where we have a great opportunity to sit among hundreds of nearby Little Auks. In the evening we make a short landing in Birgerbukta, where the Basq whalers had their station, and continue into the splendid Raudfjord.
Day 3: Route to Raudfjorden
Raudfjord, with glacier fronts, is a good area for meeting Polar Bears and Bearded Seals on fjord ice, which is still unbroken. In Hamiltonbukta is an impressive colony of Brünnichs’s Guiillemots. Later we visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island which was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers. There we can still follow their tracks to the summit of the island. On shore the remains of 17th century blubber ovens can be found near about 200 graves. The north side of the island offers the rare opportunity to see Puffins near their breeding places. There is also a small colony of Kittiwakes. From there we sail northwest to the edge of the pack-ice.
Day 4 - 6: Along the ice edge in search of Bowhead Whales, Seals & Polar Bears
At sea sailing from 80 N to 76 N along and in the outer fringes of the ice edge looking for Bowhead Whales, Harp Seals, Hooded Seals, Polar Bears and migrating seabirds like Little Auks, Brünnich’s Guillemots, and Kittiwakes. On previous voyages in this area we have sometimes seen up to hundred Bowhead Whales. On the last day, at open sea we have good chances for Northern Bottlenose Whales and the first Fin Whales of the season.
Day 7: Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history
Bellsund is a fjord system with two major branches (Van Mijenfjord, Van Keulenfjord) and a side bay (Recherchefjord). The geology is fascinating and has created amazing landscapes, such as the long, narrow island of Akseløya that blocks Van Mijenfjord almost completely. The rich wildlife of the area has attracted hunters throughout several centuries, including English whalers, who also wintered there. - we will walk in their footsteps and see remains of their huts. We see often Polar Bears and we have also seen Beluga (white whales) in this area. Much is depending on the fjord –ice how far we can sail into these fjords.
Day 8: There and back again
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.
Highlights you might experience
m/v Hondius
Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, optimized for the most innovative exploratory voyages throughout the Arctic and Antarctica. Full ship info »
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN

Cabins & Prices
Quadruple Porthole
- 2 portholes
- 2 upper & lower berths
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
Complete cabin
16000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
4000 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price
Triple Porthole
- 2 portholes
- 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
Complete cabin
15000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
5000 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price
Twin Porthole
- 2 portholes
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
11200 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
9520 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
5600 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price
Twin Window
- 1 window
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- Please be aware that the view from some windows might be partially obstructed due to the design requirements of the ship
Complete cabin
12100 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
10285 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
6050 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price
Twin Deluxe
- 2 windows
- 2 single beds
- Sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
12800 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
10880 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
6400 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price
Superior
- 2 windows
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
14600 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
12410 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Junior Suite
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
15500 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
13175 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Grand Suite with private balcony
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private balcony
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
18000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
15300 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).