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This polar bear cruise is the ultimate wildlife experience in the Arctic
Dates: June 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: m/v Plancius
Embark: Longyearbyen
Disembark: Longyearbyen
Price: starting from 4450 USD
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: m/v Plancius
Embark: Longyearbyen
Disembark: Longyearbyen
Price: starting from 4450 USD
There are not too many places to see polar bears in their natural habitat. You can choose to go to Alaska where you can see them close to habited areas or to Canada which is probably the most popular place out of all.
But if you are looking for the ultimate, the real polar bear encounter you have to go further and further north... To be exact to the waters, glaciers, and fjords of Spitsbergen - a small island in the north of Norway. (Actually it is way away from Norway, but belongs to the country)
Being on a ship allows you to get far away from any inhabited area and also to get close to floating ice and the coast of the fjords where polar bears live, hunt and raise their families.
Of course, the wildlife in the Arctic includes many other amazing species as well. Different species of whales, seals, walruses and an incredible variety of seabirds.
But if you are looking for the ultimate, the real polar bear encounter you have to go further and further north... To be exact to the waters, glaciers, and fjords of Spitsbergen - a small island in the north of Norway. (Actually it is way away from Norway, but belongs to the country)
Being on a ship allows you to get far away from any inhabited area and also to get close to floating ice and the coast of the fjords where polar bears live, hunt and raise their families.
Of course, the wildlife in the Arctic includes many other amazing species as well. Different species of whales, seals, walruses and an incredible variety of seabirds.
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Itinerary
June 18. : Embarkation and departure from Longyearbyen
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Highlights
June 19: We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favored by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bears are often seen here.
Highlights
June 20: Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Highlights
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Highlights
- ✓Svalbard Museum
- ✓Longyearbyen
- ✓Minke Whale
June 19: We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favored by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bears are often seen here.
Highlights
- ✓Snowshoeing
- ✓Polar Diving
- ✓Bearded Seal
June 20: Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Highlights
- ✓Kittiwake
- ✓Monaco Glacier
June 21: We will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seals
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gulls. At the entrance, there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gulls, and Walrus.
Highlights
June 22: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
We will try to reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bears inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Highlights
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gulls. At the entrance, there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gulls, and Walrus.
Highlights
- ✓Zodiac Cruising & Shore program
- ✓Svalbard Reindeer
- ✓Ivory Gull
June 22: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
We will try to reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bears inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Highlights
- ✓Polar Bear
- ✓Phippsøya
- ✓Ivory Gull
June 23: We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear
Retracing our route westwards, our cruise takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden, we also have good chances to see Minke Whales.
Highlights
June 24: Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively, we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime, we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
June 25: The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Retracing our route westwards, our cruise takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden, we also have good chances to see Minke Whales.
Highlights
- ✓Whale safari
- ✓Bowhead Whale
June 24: Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively, we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime, we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
- ✓Arctic Fox
- ✓Walrus
- ✓Alkhornet
June 25: The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Included in this price
- Voyage aboard the Plancius
- A knowledgeable and super dedicated guide (myself, Barna J ) only
for the Encounters team on board. This means you have a proper representation on the ship, so if you have any special requests, complaints etc. you will have the power of a group to make things happen. - Encounters will make sure you have a smooth reservation process without any problems. I personally will be in touch with you and answer all your questions connected directly, indirectly or not even remotely to this tripJ.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by
experienced expedition staff. - Free use of rubber boots
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the
programme. - Comprehensive pre-departure material, which will include detailed
packing list as well, so you don’t have to be worried, Encounters have you covered! :)
Our ship - Plancius
M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a 116-passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.
M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins (108 passengers as of season Arctic 2020) with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters).
The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk- around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice- strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 37 (18 nautical crew and 19 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.
M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins (108 passengers as of season Arctic 2020) with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters).
The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk- around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice- strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 37 (18 nautical crew and 19 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.
