EXPEDITION CRUISE

Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # POLARLATDIS310820278

Longyearbyen TO Longyearbyen

Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun
Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun
Join us aboard the Ocean Albatros on an unforgettable Arctic expedition through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness, cruising among whales, walruses, polar bears, and millions of seabirds. This ice-class vessel is specially built to navigate the polar pack ice, allowing exploration of remote and pristine environments. Experience the high summer in the Arctic, when reindeer and Arctic foxes prepare for winter and seabird cliffs teem with life.

This expedition aims to sail as close as possible to the northern pack ice, the favored summer habitat of polar bears, while also visiting accessible locations along Svalbard’s west coast kept navigable by the warm Gulf Stream. From wildlife hotspots to eerie historical sites, glittering icebergs to breathtaking glaciers, this voyage offers a true immersion into nature’s high-Arctic paradise, blending staggering scenery, wildlife-watching, and historical discovery
TRIP STARTS ON
August 31, 2027
SHIP SAILS ON
August 31, 2027
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
MV Discoverer
TRIP ENDS ON
September 07, 2027
STOPS
8 Stops, 1 Country
CRUISE NIGHTS
7
OPERATOR
Polar Latitudes Expeditions
FROM: 

$7,495

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: August 31, 2027

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
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Itinerary

8 Ports
1 Country

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at sites such as Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, rich in Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
Day
Three
Arrival
September 02, 2027
Port
Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, ever-changing wilderness stretching to the North Pole and beyond to Alaska and Siberia, forming one of Earth’s largest and most dynamic habitats. Though it appears empty at first, this icy realm conceals abundant wildlife—from tiny cod-like fish to seabirds and seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and the elusive polar bear, the region’s apex predator. Ocean Albatros can navigate these narrow ice channels, offering a rare glimpse into this mysterious, shifting environment where nature’s secrets unfold with patience and careful observation.

During the Arctic “night,” we sail into the stunning Kongsfjord, a vast fjord system framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. Here we will visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers such as Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings, blending the frontiers of science and exploration.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

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About the Ship

Name

MV Discoverer

Operator

Polar Latitudes Expeditions

A Boutique Vessel, with an Expedition Soul

Ship Facts
cabin count
No Data
capacity
140
crew count
107
deck count
No Data
currency
USD onboard
gross tonnage
6158
language
en
launch year
1989
length
108m
speed
14kts
wheelchair count
No Data
width
15m

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DINING
Restaurant

World-class international cuisine in the ship’s restaurant. 

The Outdoor Grill

The Outdoor Grill can be found on Deck 6

Entertainment
Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge can be found on Deck 6.

Main Lounge

The Main Lounge can be found on Deck 5.

Health And Fitness
Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on Deck 4.

Wellness Centre

The Wellness Centre can be found on Deck 6.

Jacuzzis

The Jacuzzis can be found on Deck 6.

Enrichment
Lecture Lounge

The Lecture Lounge can be found on Deck 6.

Mudroom

The Mudroom can be found on Deck 3.

Expeditions

Where Will Your Inner Explorer Take You?

Whether your time is limited or your calendar is wide open, whether your explorer’s spirit is calling you to Antarctica or the Arctic, Polar Latitudes Expeditions offers a wide range of dates and experiences to suit your every need and passion. Included in every journey: bold history, mesmerizing landscapes, and endlessly enchanting wildlife. Come join us on a truly immersive expedition int....

Kayaks

To experience the polar regions in a truly intimate way, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years. Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by playful wildlife, this is about as magical as it gets.

Polar Plunge

It sounds like a crazy thing to do, but there are actually a number of reasons why hurling oneself into freezing cold water is one of our top activities.

Did you know that cold dipping is a long-standing Scandinavian tradition that has numerous health benefits? Taking a plunge in the coldest of waters provides plenty of perks for your well-being, including reducing stress, boosting energy, improving your immune system, and relievi....

Polar Camping

An Uninhabited Continent Opens Its Doors for One Incredible Night

What’s camping in Antarctica like? Long after most passengers are tucked away in their cabins, chances are you’ll still be lying awake, cozy in your sleeping bag, captivated by the ethereal sounds of gently lapping waves, creaking glaciers and perhaps the blow of a whale passing in the night.

The air seems even more pure than in the daytime, the scale of your ....

Photography

Award-Winning Coaches for Every Skill Level and Camera

Whatever your ambition and level of experience, and whatever camera you happen to carry, our award-winning photography coaches will help you bring home images that capture the unparalleled natural beauty and sheer magic of your Antarctica or Arctic adventure. We offer two options for our camera-carrying explorers: for the truly obsessed, there’s our small group, immersive prog....

Citizen Science

Citizen Science on Every Voyage

Having a Citizen Science program on every voyage is an effort we pioneered, as the very first Antarctic operator to officially collaborate with The Polar Citizen Science Collective. We continue to team up with them on several projects, giving our passengers the chance to play a meaningful role in recording and better understanding the Antarctic ecosystem and the impact of climate change. This is par....

Zodiac Cruises

Zodiac boats are not only used for shuttling guests to/from land. Zodiac cruising is a great way to venture out and get even closer to some of the magnificent sights during your voyage. It is also great for wildlife spotting and for taking in the dramatic sights from up close. The Zodiac boats are perfect for cruising around in the Polar Regions, giving you the chance to see the world from a new and spellbinding point of view.

Snowshoeing / Hiking

Take in most of the unimaginable landscapes and fresh air by hiking in suitable locations! These guided hikes are perfect if you want to enjoy active sightseeing surrounded by nature; at times crossing streams, on uneven and rocky terrains and/or hilly areas.

Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft, powdery snow, reaching unique vantage points without the hassle of sinking into deep snow. Please note that this acti....

USEFUL TO KNOW
Age Requirements

The minimum age for all voyages is 8 years old. Guests under 8 are not permitted under any circumstances.

All guests aged 8-12 require a signed Child Participation Form before booking can be confirmed. The completed form must be returned within 7 days of booking.

All children must also meet the following physical requirements at time of travel for Zodiac and safety equipment eligibility:

Minor Travel Policy (Last updated 01 M....

What to Pack

Do I Need My Own Waterproof Jacket and Boots?

Nope! A professional-grade waterproof expedition jacket will be provided for you throughout the voyage (in addition to a stylish mid-layer puffer jacket for you to keep!). Our expedition jackets are custom-designed with the polar regions in mind, with a fully windproof and waterproof outer layer, a high collar to keep the wind off and the warmth in, and extra length in the back to keep....

Restrictions

The following are prohibited without express written prior authorization from Polar Latitudes Expeditions:

  • Remote-controlled or independent flying devices (drones).
  • Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, E-scooters, Segways, E-bikes, and electric driven vehicles with stored battery power.
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), ham radios, satellite phones, tran....
Additional fees

Is There a Fee for Medical Services?

There is generally no charge to guests for medical consultations, rendered care, or dispensed medical supplies. The only exceptions are rare cases in which very involved, “Intensive Care” levels of treatment are required.

Medical Facilities

Every voyage has a currently-practicing and English-speaking doctor experienced in Emergency medicine. Medical services are available 24 hours a day, and a doctor accompanies passengers on all shore landings.

What Happens in the Case of a Serious Medical Problem?

In the unfortunate event of a serious medical problem, our onboard doctor will take every possible step to stabilize the patient, who may then be evacuated to the ....

Dietary Requirements

We can accommodate most dietary requests, such as low salt, gluten-free, and low cholesterol, and we include Vegetarian, Meat, and Fish options on all of our menus. Please enter any dietary limitations, from preferences to severe food allergies, when completing your medical information form. Please note that we are unable to offer Kosher meals. Should you have further information as to how we can best accommodate your needs, please speak to ou....