Norwegian Fjords and Realm of the Polar Bear
Embark on this adventure along the Norwegian coastline aboard the G Expedition Antarctica and Arctic Cruises
Price: Upon request
Norwegian Fjords and Realm of the Polar Bear
22 Days
6 Reviews
A 22-day expedition cruise
6 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Standing Stones of Stenness
Experience the midnight sun
Search for polar bears and whales
Wander through fishing villages
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Take the polar plunge
Arctic history from expert guides
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
G Expedition Parka as a souvenir
Begin your expedition cruise in beautiful Scotland en route to the Norwegian fjords and the remote shores of Svalbard on this incredible 21-day journey along the coastline of Norway. Explore the glaciers that shaped the stunning landscapes, search wildlife in arctic islands on Zodiac rides, walk through history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and so much more. Every day of this journey reveals a new icy wonderland on the water. From close-up encounters with wildlife to the plentiful icebergs and glaciers, this cruise is filled with highlights. You will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of this region not only by ship, but by zodiac and foot as well. You can only explore these harsh regions a few months out of the year, but you'll remember seeing the polar bears, the seals, and the reindeer forever.
We compensate all 5.72 tons of CO2 that this trip will cause.
Your ship: G Expedition
Welcome aboard the G Expedition, an intimate and comfortable setting for an extraordinary adventure cruise to the ends of the earth. Described by many as a home away from home, the G Expedition combines outstanding accommodations, expert guides, hard to resist comfort food, and a relaxed and fun atmosphere making your trip to the polar regions an unforgettable experience. The 134 maximum passenger cruise ship is built to get you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing and remote places: The Arctic and Antarctic. Make your next cruise a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
With … Read more about G Expedition
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Mudroom
Expedition Parka
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Computer Room
Kayaks on board
Conference Room
Gift Shop
Rubber Boots
Sauna
Medical Services
Library
Food & Drinks
The irresistible food provided aboard the G Expedition includes fine international cuisine and delicious comfort food. The Expedition's kitchen staff is a dazzling 30 people strong and can serve many needs. Vegetarian, Kosher, you name it - they can accommodate for it! All meals are served in the Albatross Dining room, an elegant and welcoming space large enough to accommodate all guests in one sitting.
Meet and get to know your fellow passengers in an open-seating dining experience. Head over to the Polar Bear Pub for a drink and live music. Or if you’re brave enough, compete in a friendly dance competition. There is always something to do aboard a G Expedition polar cruise.
Day 1 • Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, and start your adventure!
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and home to the Scottish Parliament, the ancient seat of Scottish Kings, and the world’s largest arts festival.
Edinburgh Castle sits high above the city, built on the remains of an ancient extinct volcano. Glaciers and ice sheets carved the countryside around the city center in the last ice age.
Edinburgh’s beautiful and historic architecture is celebrated because over 75% of the city’s buildings have protected status. Almost every street you walk can trace its roots to medieval times.
But Edinburgh is also a modern, vibrant city with an excellent public transit system and a superb range of shopping, eating, and sightseeing opportunities.
Day 2-3 • Explore Orkney and Shetland Islands
The Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands (previously known as Zetland) are North Atlantic archipelagos off the coast of Scotland. The Shetlands are the more remote, lying 110 miles off the Scottish coast, and 50 miles from the Orkneys.
Both these island groups have a rich prehistoric past and have been the subjects of invasion and territorial disputes in years gone by.
With economies based around fishing, farming, and tourism, both sets of islands share similarities, yet each has a very distinct identity and flavor.
Usually a one-day stop-over on an Arctic cruise, the islands provide wonderful opportunities for bird watching and stunning coastal walks, as well as fascinating historical sites and cultural history.
Day 4-9 • Sail north along the West coast of Norway
Often the start of an East-West journey along the Northeast Passage, or as the start and finish of a trip to Svalbard, this region is dominated by absolutely stunning coastal landscapes.
Molded over millennia by the ice of glaciers, the fjords and inlets of the Scandinavian coastline are renowned as some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.
With a rich mix of cosmopolitan cities, arctic wilderness, forests, tundra, and a variety of cultures, Norway makes a wonderful destination of its own or as several additional stops on your arctic cruise itinerary.
Day 10 • Visit Tromso, the capital of Northern Norway
Day 11 • At sea towards Svalbard
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard Peninsula, and the only one to have a permanent population.
The southwestern part of Spitsbergen benefits from facing the warmer waters that the Gulf Stream carries into this part of the Greenland Sea. This means that the shores and waters here remain ice-free for much of the year except the coldest winter months. The one area that tends to retain 'fast ice' the longest (sea ice attached to the land) happens to be the most southerly fjord, Hornsund.
As well as a warmer arctic climate than many other places on the same latitude, Spitsbergen benefits from long months of the arctic "midnight sun", when the sun doesn't set at all between the 20th of April and the 22nd of August.
The combination of long daylight hours and a warmer climate means that Spitsbergen is a haven for birdlife with the chance to sail into the heart of this part of the island surrounded by glaciers, offering stunning and rugged vistas, with some amazing geology. There is tendency to try for landings in Bellsund, and combine landings and ship cruising and Zodiac cruises in Hornsund, with some impressive glacial fronts.
Day 12-15 • Explore the South of Svalbard
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard Peninsula, and the only one to have a permanent population.
The southwestern part of Spitsbergen benefits from facing the warmer waters that the Gulf Stream carries into this part of the Greenland Sea. This means that the shores and waters here remain ice-free for much of the year except the coldest winter months. The one area that tends to retain 'fast ice' the longest (sea ice attached to the land) happens to be the most southerly fjord, Hornsund.
As well as a warmer arctic climate than many other places on the same latitude, Spitsbergen benefits from long months of the arctic "midnight sun", when the sun doesn't set at all between the 20th of April and the 22nd of August.
The combination of long daylight hours and a warmer climate means that Spitsbergen is a haven for birdlife with the chance to sail into the heart of this part of the island surrounded by glaciers, offering stunning and rugged vistas, with some amazing geology. There is tendency to try for landings in Bellsund, and combine landings and ship cruising and Zodiac cruises in Hornsund, with some impressive glacial fronts.
Day 16-21 • Sail along the west coast of Svalbard
Isfjorden is the second-largest fjord in Svalbard at 66 miles long. An important anchorage and shelter from the earliest times of human habitation here, most of the largest settlements on Spitsbergen have grown up along its shore. The largest is Longyearbyen, that started as a mining town and is the transport hub for those flying in and out of Svalbard, and the Russian mining town of Barentsburg.
Another key attribute of this fjord is that it very rarely ices up, thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream that is able to enter the fjord from the west. This not only makes it attractive to human settlers, but also for the wildlife that can't feed under fast ice.
Zodiac trips over the calm waters are a highlight, exploring the glacier fronts, and landings to explore the tundra and the chance to visit some spectacular bird cliffs. Do bear in mind that many cruise ships spend less time in the fjord (often sailing out the first evening and doing landings and exploration of the are on the last full day).
Therefore, for those that spend some extra time in Longyearbyen, it is highly recommended to spend more time exploring the area around the town, and activities like dog sledging, and also to visit other parts of Isfjorden fjord system, from day tris to camping. If you did not visit it on the cruise (and quite a few chose not to), a real highlight is to visit to the eerie and disused Russian mining town of Pyramiden. It used to be the biggest settlement in Svalbard and it feels like it belongs in Siberia, having the most northerly bust of Lenin in the World!
Day 22 • Your unforgettable Arctic cruise comes to an end in Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.
Isfjorden is the second-largest fjord in Svalbard at 66 miles long. An important anchorage and shelter from the earliest times of human habitation here, most of the largest settlements on Spitsbergen have grown up along its shore. The largest is Longyearbyen, that started as a mining town and is the transport hub for those flying in and out of Svalbard, and the Russian mining town of Barentsburg.
Another key attribute of this fjord is that it very rarely ices up, thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream that is able to enter the fjord from the west. This not only makes it attractive to human settlers, but also for the wildlife that can't feed under fast ice.
Zodiac trips over the calm waters are a highlight, exploring the glacier fronts, and landings to explore the tundra and the chance to visit some spectacular bird cliffs. Do bear in mind that many cruise ships spend less time in the fjord (often sailing out the first evening and doing landings and exploration of the are on the last full day).
Therefore, for those that spend some extra time in Longyearbyen, it is highly recommended to spend more time exploring the area around the town, and activities like dog sledging, and also to visit other parts of Isfjorden fjord system, from day tris to camping. If you did not visit it on the cruise (and quite a few chose not to), a real highlight is to visit to the eerie and disused Russian mining town of Pyramiden. It used to be the biggest settlement in Svalbard and it feels like it belongs in Siberia, having the most northerly bust of Lenin in the World!
Reviews
onyx007
G Expedition belongs to "G Adventures" which is a small group tour company with tours all over the world. Therefore if you are a single traveller you could choose to share a room instead of paying a single supplement. The crew is amazing and guest satisfaction is bigger than holding to a certain itinerary. I travelled with the tour called "Spirit of Shackelton" from Ushuaia to Falkland Islands (2 days), South Georgia (4 days) and Antartic Peninsula (5 days). Beforehand only this number was clear, but not where we will make landfall. And the crew made really the best afford to make the most landings as possible and we even made detours on the ship to follow a blow of a whale. Shore Excursions are all included and made with Zodiacs boats, so one should be able to enter such a boat. It's a mixture of landings and Zodiac boat cruises. (Bring at least waterproof trousers and a protection for your camera). We were provided (included in the price, to take home with you) with a water bottle, which could be filled the whole day at a water station and with a thick jacket. Also tea and coffee were available through the whole day for free. During sea days the crew gave lectures about nature, wildlife and history of the places we were visiting. And in the evening we had life music, movies and other entertainment in the Polar Bear Bar and in the Lounge. The food was amazing for such a small ship and only alcoholic beverages and fizzy drinks had to by bought, but still water was provided free to each meal. (Feedback from CruiseCritic)
jsadiving
This was the most enjoyable cruise I've ever done. Ship is spacious, cabin was bigger than many mainstream cruise ships. The staff and food is excellent. There's room for everyone to be seated at meal times so go when you want. No lineups to eat, or disembark, no line ups for anything. Staff lectures are outstanding. Here's the best part, there's no art sales, casinos, jewelry shops, staff taking unwanted photos. There is one dinning room with no upcharges to dine here or there. There's a small store that sells necessities, it's open 1 hour after lunch and dinner. They give you a nice reusable water bottle, it's in your room when you arrive, there's potable water dispensers throughout the ship. they have an open bridge policy, go up whenever you want, fascinating experience, especially when navigating tight channels. I enjoyed it so much I booked the Scotland/Norway with them in 2021. Simply the best. (Copied from Cruisecritic)
davidjez
I've traveled throughout the world but Antarctica tops the list of places I've been. My tour was with G Adventures and specifically the Antarctica Classic In-depth. I couldn't be more happy with the experience. First off, the crew were incredible. Our expedition leader was in fact featured on Blue Planet (Whale Sharks) and set the tone for the expedition. But all of the crew were fantastic and they gave talks on history, wildlife, climate and were also our zodiac leaders. I signed up for the Kayaking option which I highly recommend. There's limited spots but if you have kayaking experience it really does offer a perspective that's unique. You don't have to kayak during each operation, so a couple time I went on land as well, but you can't beat being a foot away from the water, touching icebergs, seeing penguins swim past. The organization of the daily activities was top notch. There's a daily briefing posted each morning and a recap in the lounge every evening before dinner. They kept us up to date on everything that was happening, both from a weather perspective and also some key points around the area we're travelling. I also appreciated their concern with the environment and impact on the wildlife and ensuring our footprint was as minimal as possible. It's a balance to want to see such a beautiful place but also understanding that you being there can potentially have a detrimental effect. So they're sensitivity around this was appreciated in addition to their contribution around Planeterra. The size of the ship was just right. Only 120 passengers which meant it never felt crowded, operations to land were quick and efficient, and the captain regularly opened the bridge so you could sit and enjoy things from that perspective, with binoculars provided for bird or iceberg watching. This would not be possible on the larger ships. As for the food, incredible. The cooks got a standing ovation at the end of the trip. I'm not even sure how they managed so many amazing and varied meals over the 12 days. Anyway, I think you can guess I had a great time. I highly recommend this tour company and what they stand for. (Copied from Cruisecritic)
kappyped
Lovely arctic weather and a helpful expedition staff made this trip to Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland truly exceptional. We were very excited by our two polar bear experiences. We saw a mother bear supervising her two cubs fishing! This is apparently an unusual polar bear activity. We also saw a mother bear protecting her cub from a male polar bear. Murdering the young is apparently a common male polar bear activity. We spent pleasant hours trekking across the arctic tundra, occasionally spotting musk ox, arctic fox and puffins. The zodiaks took us to retreating glaciers, magnificent icebergs and allowed us to view the wildlife still around as the arctic summer ended and we approached winter. It was a special treat to be woken to observe the Northern lights during our brief late summer nights. The food was adequate and well prepared, the beds comfortable and our safety on shore excursions well managed. I must also complement the expedition staff on their uniformly excellent lectures. My wife and I truly enjoyed our first arctic experience. (Copied from Cruisecritic)
Dick Stumbles
We got on this cruise initially because it fitted into our schedule and offered all the attractions. How lucky were we! We had an adventure that you dream about. The ship, the crew, the expedition staff and the organisation were all nothing short of excellent. Leaving from Ushuaia the day after our arrival gave us the chance to have a trip to the National Park as well as a look around this little town at the end of the world. Very pretty with plenty of restaurants to eat the local crab delicacy as well as shops for the last minute gear. The cabin was quite roomy with the en-suite bathroom more than adequate for the two of us. Stewards saw to our every need while the food was varied, very tasty and in no short supply. Two expeditions per day was the plan and we made it every day and there were usually options to do Zodiac explorations before landing. Abundant wildlife and stunning scenery was just an everyday event! The expedition Staff were all highly qualified and experienced giving presentations on history, wildlife, geography etc each day we were at sea, Always interesting and informative with no question going unanswered. Very strong health and safety instruction and practice made for a safe holiday especially when zodiac landings were on the agenda. I have no hesitation in recommending this cruise/ship to anyone. (Copied from Cruisecritic)
