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Rembrandt van Rijn _ North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile Landscapes, Sea Ice & Wildlife

Sail to some of the most remote locations in Northern Europe aboard the Hondius

Length

8 Days

Ship category

Premium

Ship type

Large Ship

Capacity

170 Passengers

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Sea Ice & Wildlife

10 Reviews

Trip highlights

Witness iconic Arctic wildlife

Observe breathtaking glaciers

Explore Spitsbergen like few travelers do

Spot seals and whales in their natural habitats

The Polartours experience

Best price guaranteed

Observe a polar bear!

Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project

Polar experts to answer all your questions

Become a North Spitsbergen expert on this exploration cruise in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The Arctic will enchant you with its breathtaking scenery, snow-capped peaks and immense icebergs. Make the most of your trip aboard your Zodiac and venture to some of the most remote islands on the planet. See the beauty of Arctic wildlife up close and be the lucky person to see a polar bear in its natural habitat!

Your ship: Hondius

Polartours
Hondius deck plan
Polartours

We are proud to welcome you aboard Hondius, the world's first Polar Class 6 vessel. Purpose-built for demanding Antarctic exploration, Hondius meets the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships.

Built to exceed the Polar Code requirements adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced, innovative Antarctic cruise vessel currently operating. Her modern design allows you to enjoy genuine exploration that will bring you closer to the real Antarctic than ever before.

Huge expense and technical skill ha … Read more about Hondius

Cabins

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Twin Window Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Junior Suite

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Triple Porthole Cabin

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

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Twin Deluxe Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Superior Cabin

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Quadruple Porthole Cabin

Type:

Quadrupel

Max. occupancy:

4

More about this cabin

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Grand Suite with Private Balcony

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Twin Porthole Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.

Svalbard
Before and After Svalbard
Svalbard – Store norske leksikon

Skansbukta

Poolepynten

Disembark in Longyearbyen

Pyramiden

Nordfjorden

Cruising Isfjorden

Arrival at Longyearbyen

Brucebyen

Barentsburg

Festningen and Russekeila

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it.

In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage. In the evening you sail for Trygghamna, where you see the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which you can visit the next morning.

Rembrandt van Rijn _ North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer
Rembrandt van Rijn _ North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer
Rembrandt van Rijn _ North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Skansbukta

Pyramiden

Raudfjorden

Cruising Isfjorden

Disembark in Longyearbyen

Woodfjorden

Nordfjorden

Brucebyen

North coast - Nordaustlandet

Festningen and Russekeila

Arrival at Longyearbyen

Alkefjellet

Barentsburg

Alkhornet and Trygghamna

Poolepynten

This journey will lead you into the icy expanse and along the secluded shores of the rugged northern Spitsbergen. Our possible destinations include:

Raudfjord

Located on Spitsbergen's northern coast, Raudfjord boasts expansive waters filled with glaciers, often visited by ringed and bearded seals. Its cliffs and shores are alive with vibrant seabird colonies, lush vegetation, and the potential sighting of polar bears. We'll attempt landings at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

Monaco Glacier

Weather and sea ice permitting, we may navigate into Liefdefjorden, landing at Texas Bar and cruising near the impressive 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) face of Monaco Glacier. These waters are prime feeding grounds for thousands of kittiwakes and a favored hunting area for polar bears. If early-season ice conditions prevent this, we may explore the western coast of Spitsbergen.

Highlights of Hinlopen

Our aim is to sail through Hinlopen Strait, inhabited by bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the strait's entrance, blue whales may even be spotted. Cruising among Lomfjord's ice floes in Zodiacs offers views of Alkefjellet's bird cliffs, teeming with Brünnich’s guillemots. On the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait, we may land on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. If ice blocks our entry, we'll take an alternate route.

The Seven Islands

The voyage’s northernmost point could be north of Nordaustlandet at Chermsideøya or Phippsøya in the Seven Islands. Here, we might reach 80° north, a mere 870 km (540 miles) from the North Pole. Polar bears are common in this area, so the ship may linger among the pack ice before turning westward.

Sailing the Continental Shelf

As we retrace our path west, keep an eye out for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. Approximately 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we sail along the continental shelf's edge. Fin whales forage here during the summer in nutrient-rich upwelling zones along the Spitsbergen banks. Minke whale sightings are also possible near the mouth of Kongsfjorden.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet

Walruses often haul out at Sarstangen or Poolepynten in Forlandsundet. Alternatively, we might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to Isfjorden’s mouth, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes scavenge for eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze on the sparse vegetation.

Svalbard
Before and After Svalbard
Svalbard – Store norske leksikon

Skansbukta

Poolepynten

Disembark in Longyearbyen

Pyramiden

Nordfjorden

Cruising Isfjorden

Arrival at Longyearbyen

Brucebyen

Barentsburg

Festningen and Russekeila

You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies .

Dates & Prices

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

9

Jun

2025

16

Jun

2025

- German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

9

Jun

2025

16

Jun

2025

German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

16

Jun

2025

23

Jun

2025

- German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

16

Jun

2025

23

Jun

2025

German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

23

Jun

2025

30

Jun

2025

- German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

23

Jun

2025

30

Jun

2025

German language assistance

Available

From

USD 4,300

13

Jun

2026

20

Jun

2026

Available

From

USD 4,450

13

Jun

2026

20

Jun

2026

Available

From

USD 4,450

20

Jun

2026

27

Jun

2026

Available

From

USD 4,450

20

Jun

2026

27

Jun

2026

Available

From

USD 4,450

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.

What's included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary

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 snowshoes.

Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

What's not included

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights

Pre- and post- land arrangements.

Passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Credit Card charges may apply

A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info

Reviews

[email protected]

Hondius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Premium

The trip of a lifetime. The ship and it's crew were wonderful and we all became one big happy family on a joyous adventure. This trip was worth the wait and all the extra testing and paperwork due to Covid-19 restrictions. The ship was the perfect size and well appointed. Excursions and lectures were well orchestrated and fun. The meals were well prepared and there was always plenty of choices for even the pickiest of diners. Getting to know the other intrepid travelers on this journey really helped to make this a truly unforgettable experience. The only question now is .. where to next? (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

Claire Torrey

Hondius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Premium

We had an amazing experience in the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Hondius. The Expedition Team, led by the wonderful Sara, worked to make sure that we encountered wildlife up close as much as possible. The team was comprised of friendly people with varied backgrounds and knowledge and a passion for their work. They're enthusiasm and professionalism really made the trip extra special. The ship was beautiful, spacious, clean, and the crew was very attentive. The food was wonderful and plentiful, even for vegetarians. I highly recommend Oceanwide Expediitions and we plan to take future trips to the Arctic and Alaska. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

Anca Kooiman

Hondius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Premium

Thanks to the captain and crew we had a fantastic holiday. They did everything to let us see the wildlife but in a safe manner. Thanks to the guides for the interesting and safe trips on land. We had a perfect holiday!! (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

FAQ

All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:

  • Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
  • Bird Watching
  • Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
  • Dinghy rides
  • Kayaking
  • Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
  • Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.

All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.

Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:

  • Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
  • Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
  • Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
  • Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
  • Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
  • Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.

In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.

We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!

Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.

Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.

Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.

Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.

Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.

*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.

An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.

Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.

Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Life Onboard & Seasickness

A Polar expedition is one of the most singular travel experiences you could ever have. Its isolated location comes with a unique set of health-and-safety-related requirements. Besides it being mandatory to be reasonably fit, here is what you must know about insurances for your trip:

  • Mandatory for all Polar Trips: Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance. Polar regions are remote and challenging to access in case of a medical emergency. For this reason, all Polar tour operators require travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Without this coverage, you will not be allowed to board.

  • For Antarctica, most operators require coverage between $100,000 and $500,000.

  • In the Arctic, the required coverage ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.

To confirm the exact requirements for your specific cruise, please reach out to one of our Polar specialists. They’ll be happy to assist and ensure you’re fully prepared for your expedition.

If you are an EU resident, please inquire about insurance packages from our partner HanseMerkur by clicking here. If you are not an EU resident, then we must ask you to get an insurance on your own terms. Our customers have made good experiences with World Nomads Rescue and Allianz Care as insurers, both offer such packages that cover Polar Expedition Cruises.

  • Not mandatory, but recommended: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance. Polar expedition cruises can be quite expensive. Travel insurance can protect your investment by covering the costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, family emergencies, or other covered reasons.
  • Not mandatory and optional: Gear and Equipment Coverage. Polar expeditions often require specialized clothing and gear. Some insurance policies offer coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.

Please note that policies change over time and from ship to ship, so it's important to check both the booking documents we send you when you book your expedition and your insurance policy carefully. Some ships may already have some insurance included, some other operators may have specific insurance requirements. The insurers we list above are recommendations only and it's your responsibility to check that the insurance you buy really does cover everything you need for your trip.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Sea Ice & Wildlife

5.0

(10)

Premium

From

USD 4,300



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