Overview
See Svalbard the way few ever have—in spring. The archipelago will be covered in snow, surrounded by sea ice, and bathed in astonishing light. Stunningly beautiful vistas of snow and ice will be bathed in near-perfect light as the spring sun rises higher in the Arctic sky each day. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, seals, and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea, conditions permitting.
Trip Highlights
- Be among the few travelers to sail the region at this time of year, exploring aboard the supremely comfortable National Geographic Resolution, whose polar-class capabilities allow her to navigate these icy waters
- Experience pristine snow and ice conditions during the early season in Svalbard
- Search for adult male polar bears in their natural habitat, the sea ice
- Walk on the frozen sea in the Arctic, an adventure only possible in early spring
- Capture the astonishing springtime light with our expert photographers on hand to provide instruction
Itinerary
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Our introduction to Norway begins with an afternoon tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival, explore this northern outpost and research center, including the expansive views of the icy fjord and surrounding mountain ranges. Embark the National Geographic Resolution, our base of exploration for the coming six days.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Longyearbyen and soak in the atmosphere of this exploration outpost once again before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. The next day, walk across the street to the airport for flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on Day 9; breakfast is provided on Day 10.
Disembark in Longyearbyen and soak in the atmosphere of this exploration outpost once again before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. The next day, walk across the street to the airport for flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on Day 9; breakfast is provided on Day 10.
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What's included
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary;
- all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and
- onshore; beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship
- (except certain super premium brands which are available
- for purchase); hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks,
- premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and
- filtered water; excursions and airport transfers to and from
- recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary; crew
- gratuities; exploration tools curated to destination, such as
- Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis; guidance
- and company of our leading expedition staff; assistance
- by the National Geographic Photography Expert and
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo
- instructor; access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker;
- presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers;
- complimentary reusable water bottle; services of a physician,
- physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic;
- morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise
- equipment; 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks,
- library, and other shared spaces; park and site entrance fees,
- special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or
- items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Not included in price
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); pre- and
- post-expedition extensions; additional hotel nights (except
- when indicated as included); private transfers; laundry,
- spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when
- indicated as included); travel protection plans; and passport,
- visa, and immigration fees.
