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Peregrine Travel Centre

Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun Expedition

Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun Expedition

From AUD $8,820

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Description

An icy wonderland 
Witness the reawakening of life during spring in Svalbard. Starting in Oslo and sailing to Longyearbyen, this concentrated voyage takes you through untouched snowscapes with serene fjords, snowcapped mountains and glittering glaciers. You’ll discover the incredible scenery of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park and get an understanding of climate science in Ny-Ålesund. 
Wildlife reigns 
Long days under the Midnight Sun and lingering winter ice give us a great opportunity to spot Arctic wildlife. Look out for returning birds like Little Auks and Arctic Terns, as well as Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and walruses. With luck, we may even see the elusive polar bear. If conditions allow, we’ll sail above the 80th parallel north and scout for wildlife along the ice edge.

Trip Name
Svalbard in Spring - The Return of the Sun Expedition
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen.  After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.  Expedition team on board MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey. Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here.  Ship facilities Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge – Explorer lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
 Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard Your adventure begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time, why not explore the city and enjoy what it has to offer. With its rich history, diverse eateries and lively art scene, Oslo is a fascinating place. You'll find museums, galleries, and some very modern architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.  And the city is compact enough to explore in a leisurely manner. Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress, or relax in a floating sauna in the fjord. Explore modern Sørenga to sample urban beach life and perhaps try some New Nordic cuisine before you spend the night in your airport hotel.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Longyearbyen adventures
 Explore colourful Longyearbyen After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world's northernmost town, a colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles. Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame.   Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a glimpse of this amazing polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world. And if you’d like to discover even more of Longyearbyen’s special surroundings, why not join our optional Pre-Programme.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
 Experience science, serenity and epic scenery Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history. You’ll be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our small expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Northwest corner of Spitsbergen
 Explore pristine snowscapes under the Midnight Sun Making our way to the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we’ll cruise through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives us plenty of time to explore this breathtakingly scenic area. In the shadow of soaring snowcapped mountains, you’ll discover pristine icescapes as the summer just touches the region. Marvel at the array of majestic glaciers and get an insight into the area’s whaling past. On the cliffs above, look out for returning Arctic birds like Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese, If conditions allow, we may even cross 80th parallel north and explore the ever-changing ice edge.
Day 5 - DAY 5-6 Expedition days
 Experience Arctic wilderness in the far north Over the next two days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. Early in the season, there’s a good chance we may spot polar bears too, so we’ll be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. And as we progress further into June, we may see whales returning to the region for summer. Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Leader decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions.  Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Raudfjord, or to Liefdefjord, to see the magnificent Monacobreen glacier as it calves into the sea.
Day 6 - DAY 7 Astonishing Isfjord
 Witness living history and ecology Our expedition cruise continues into Isfjord's lush fjord system, where you'll see immense, glacier-carved valleys rich in wildlife, flora and human history.  To the north, Alkehornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The clear traces of the area’s whaling and hunting past are visible on beaches and in bays. Farther south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio satellite communication station, now one of the world's most beautifully situated hotels.  Our activities today will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Isfjord. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day.
Day 7 - DAY 8 Return to Longyearbyen
 A final day on top of the world Your Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Oslo. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience. If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Programme.
Day 8 - Please Note:
As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-05-202527-05-2025AUD $8,820Polar Inside. From
20-05-202527-05-2025AUD $9,870Polar Outside. From
20-05-202527-05-2025AUD $10,675Arctic Superior. From
20-05-202527-05-2025AUD $13,149Expedition Suite. From
26-05-202502-06-2025AUD $8,820Polar Inside. From
26-05-202502-06-2025AUD $9,870Polar Outside. From
26-05-202502-06-2025AUD $10,675Arctic Superior. From
26-05-202502-06-2025AUD $13,149Expedition Suite. From
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $11,078Arctic Superior. From
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $13,676Expedition Suite. From
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $9,130Polar Inside. From
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $10,234Polar Outside. From
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $9,130Polar Inside. From
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $10,234Polar Outside. From
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $11,078Arctic Superior. From
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $13,676Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • See pristine snowscapes under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun on this early-season expedition cruise from Oslo to Longyearbyen and western Svalbard.
    • A concentrated Arctic adventure, you’ll experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords and snowcapped mountains, and attempt to sail above the 80th parallel north.
    • As Svalbard reawakens in spring, witness iconic wildlife, including walruses, seals, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic birdlife and with luck, even polar bears.

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