Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear (2024)

Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the conveniently located Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing.

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen | Meals: D

Board an early morning charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic Archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in luminous glaciers. After a tour of the tiny town and its Arctic Museum, board your luxury expedition cruiser.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Awake to your first morning aboard as your vessel cruises up the Svalbard coast. Today’s planned port of call is Ny Alesund, home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world. Back aboard, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Today, your vessel sets course for Monacobreen. Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bear, harbor and bearded seal, walrus and a multitude of seabirds. You may also cruise through Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord), another excellent area for spotting polar bear.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Conditions permitting, you may cruise past the cliffs of Alkefjellet. Plunging steeply into the water, these staggering cliffs harbor vast colonies of auk diving birds. This afternoon, your Captain and Expedition Team may take advantage of sea conditions and cruise along the Arctic ice edge in search of the elusive polar bear.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Your expedition vessel navigates around the Austfonna Icecap, one of the world’s largest icecaps, spanning over 5,000 square miles. Austfonna is renowned for its massive scale and awe-inspiring glacial waterfalls.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

The day’s explorations may take you to Sjuoyane, the most northerly region of the Svalbard archipelago.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as your Expedition Team lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of Svalbard.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

The day’s planned shore excursion is Jan Mayen, a rugged island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano, the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely visited island to see its meteorological station and discover colonies of northern fulmas, little auk, thick-billed guillemot and black guillemot.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Your Captain charts a course across the Greenland Sea, skirting the Arctic ice edge toward Greenland’s rarely visited eastern coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You may embark on Zodiac excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its islands and icebergs while searching for Arctic and musk fox.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Today, ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated villages in Greenland.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Cruise the Denmark Strait as you relax or watch for seabirds and whales from the deck between insightful lectures from your Expedition Team.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Today, visit picturesque Husavik and its fascinating whale museum. Supported by A&K Philanthropy, the museum is one of the world’s foremost whale research centres. Afterward, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching tour followed by free time in Husavik, or perhaps set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather for a special farewell reception and dinner.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Explore the Westfjords of Iceland, a remote region of small settlements interspersed amid spectacular mountains and coves. You might make a visit to Dynjandi Falls, the grandest waterfall in the Westfjords. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore or take a more vigorous trek to the viewing platform, both offering scenic views of the falls.

'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

This morning, disembark your luxury expedition cruiser in Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your onward departure.

Meals: B

This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Oslo/Longyearbyen Economy Class flights included.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 5–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: welcome reception at 6:30 p.m. on Jul 29.

Last group event: disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. on Aug 12.

Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team
• Pre-Cruise Stay at Ideally Located Hotel
• Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
• Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
• Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3
• Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
• 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
• Complimentary Expedition Parka, Backpack and Water Bottle, and Use of Waterproof Pants, Boots and Trekking Poles
• Zodiac Excursions Led by Expert Naturalist Driver-Guides
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service on board
• All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
• Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support