North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

The best opportunity to get active while spotting exotic Arctic wildlife!
Description
Highlights
Prices
Price start from :
$
4,300
Contact Us
calendar-img16 June 2025 - 23 Jun 2025
clock-img8 Days/7 Nights
route-imgLongyearbyen - Longyearbyen
m/v Hondius
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - gallery 0
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - gallery 1
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - gallery 2
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - gallery 3
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - gallery 4
This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscapes, adventurous landings, and shoreline hikes. For additional activities, check the tour description.
Description

Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations.

The midnight sun is a unique event that happens during the Arctic summer, where the sun stays visible for a full 24 hours if the weather is good. The summer solstice in Longyearbyen is on June 21, when the sun is at its highest point above the northern horizon at midnight. The sun won't fully set again until late August, and even then, only for a few minutes. Join us to experience this amazing phenomenon during our cruise through the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.

Largest town, biggest island

You arrive in Longyearbyen, the main town of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Take a walk around this former mining town, where you can visit the parish church and Svalbard Museum. Despite its stark appearance, over a hundred plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might see the first minke whale of your expedition.

North Spitsbergen’s natural beauty, wildlife, and pack-ice

This cruise will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Places we might visit include:

Raudfjord

On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this large fjord filled with glaciers – and maybe even see ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and possibly polar bears. We will try to land at Alicehamna or Buchanan Peninsula.

Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather and sea ice, we could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this steep glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent us from sailing here early in the season, we may sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Highlights of Hinlopen

We aim to sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance, there is even a chance to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjord in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here we may see reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses. We can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

The Seven Islands

The northernmost point of the cruise may be north of Nordaustlandet at Chermside Island or Phipps Island, in the Seven Islands. Here we may reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before heading west again.

Sailing the continental shelf

While retracing our route west, keep watch for polar bears and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we sail the edge of the continental shelf. Here fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet

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

There and back again

Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. The vessel arrives back in Longyearbyen in the early morning, and bus transportation to the airport will be provided.

Cabins and Pricing
Ship Information
Quadruple Porthole
More Details
Quadruple Porthole
2 upper & lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Family
Family
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
17200
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sold out!
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
4300
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Triple Porthole
More Details
Triple Porthole
1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Family
Family
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
16050
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
5350
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Porthole
More Details
Twin Porthole
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
11900
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sold out!
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
10115
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sold out!
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
5950
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Window
More Details
Twin Window
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
12900
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sold out!
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
10965
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sold out!
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
6450
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Sold out!
Twin Deluxe
More Details
Twin Deluxe
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
13600
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sold out!
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
11560
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sold out!
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
6800
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Sold out!
Superior
More Details
Superior
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
15500
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
7750
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Junior Suite
More Details
Junior Suite
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
17700
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
8850
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Grand Suite with private balcony
More Details
Grand Suite with private balcony
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
19100
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
9550
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request

m/v Hondius

Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel and was built from the ground up for expedition cruising.

Specifications

Passengers: 170 in 80 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 57 | Guides 13 | Doctor 1
Length: 107.6 meters
Breadth: 17.6 meters
Draft: 5.30 meters
Ice class: Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
Displacement: 5,590 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
Speed: 15 knots

Cabins Gallery

Show more

Ship Interior Gallery

Show more

Ship Exterior Gallery

Show more

Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.


Happier polar passengers, healthier polar environment 

Not only will the numerous amenities and on-board entertainments help make your Hondius voyage truly memorable, this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas.

Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible.

Hotel comfort, expedition class

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway.

The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet.

One deck consists of a large observation lounge and a separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius.

Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding area that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.

Age and nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

What to wear

In keeping with the spirit of the expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from the deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside at a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Non-smoking policy

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment. 

Map
Route of North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice
Important
Included
Excluded

The average price for flights (round trip) to Longyearbyen

From Jakarta: $3,200
From Singapore: $2,800
From Kuala Lumpur: $2,900

Insurance Requirements:

  • Mandatory Insurance: All travelers must have insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation/evacuation.
  • Recommended Insurance: It is strongly recommended to include cancellation insurance for added protection.

Drone Usage Policy:

  • Prohibited: The use of drones is strictly prohibited during the expedition.

Clothing and Gear Recommendations:

  • Water-resistant coat and Pants: Essential for protection against wet and windy conditions.
  • Layered Underwear: To ensure warmth and comfort in extreme weather.
  • Sunglasses: Necessary to protect against the strong UV rays and glare from the snow.
  • Gloves: Insulated and water-resistant gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
  • Additional Items: Consider packing a warm hat, thermal socks, and sturdy waterproof boots.
FAQ
Show All
ads from nexta

You May Also Like
go-leftgo-right

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

calendar08 May 2025 - 15 May 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 3.750 per person
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Aberdeen

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

calendar31 May 2025 - 09 Jun 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 2.900 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

calendar03 Jun 2025 - 10 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

calendar08 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more

calendar10 Jun 2025 - 17 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

calendar12 Jun 2025 - 19 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

calendar16 Jun 2025 - 23 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

calendar18 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special

calendar19 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores

calendar26 Jun 2025 - 03 Jul 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

calendar30 Jun 2025 - 09 Jul 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
Around Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Around Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet

calendar14 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

calendar23 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025
clock14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 7.450 per person
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Aberdeen

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

calendar27 May 2026 - 05 Jun 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 3.050 per person
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring ,  Hike & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Hike & Sail

calendar29 May 2026 - 05 Jun 2026
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 3.950 per person
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Birding Special - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring , Birding Special

calendar05 Jun 2026 - 15 Jun 2026
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.600 per person
Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

calendar05 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026
clock9 Days / 8 Nights
From $ 2.750 per person
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Summer Solstice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Aberdeen

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Summer Solstice

calendar12 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 3.050 per person
North Spitsbergen Basecamp – Summer Solstice - Free Kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Diving (supplemented) - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Basecamp – Summer Solstice - Free Kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Diving (supplemented)

calendar19 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.450 per person
North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer

calendar25 Jun 2026 - 05 Jul 2026
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.600 per person
East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear, Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear, Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores

calendar26 Jun 2026 - 03 Jul 2026
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.450 per person
North Spitsbergen - In Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen - In Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale

calendar28 Jun 2026 - 07 Jul 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail

calendar12 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
clock20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 9.350 per person
Around Spitsbergen incl. Nordaustlandet - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Around Spitsbergen incl. Nordaustlandet

calendar17 Aug 2026 - 26 Aug 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
83 Degree Farthest North Spitsbergen Extreme - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

83 Degree Farthest North Spitsbergen Extreme

calendar28 Aug 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
Blog
go-leftgo-right
Arctic on Foot: Hiking and Snowshoeing the Far North - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic on Foot: Hiking and Snowshoeing the Far North

The focus of our voyages is always to get you off the ship and into the action as frequently as possible. While we travel from site to site on ice-strengthened vessels, our expeditions are crafted to provide you with the maximum firsthand experience of the polar regions and their unique wildlife.
Birds of the North: 29 Arctic Birds and Seabirds - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Birds of the North: 29 Arctic Birds and Seabirds

The Arctic is home to some of the world’s most majestic mammals, both on land and sea. However, the bird life in this region is equally remarkable, showcasing numerous exotic species that are highly prized by bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure

There’s an astonishing variety of activities to choose from when planning an Arctic trip or Antarctic cruise, which can be a bit overwhelming. How do you choose just one voyage over another when you want to experience everything? Happily, you don’t have to give up one activity for another. Basecamp cruises have you covered.
Polar Bears and Pack Ice: 22 Pics from North Spitsbergen - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar Bears and Pack Ice: 22 Pics from North Spitsbergen

Last month, we explored one of the premier Arctic cruise destinations in our North Spitsbergen blog. That post not only detailed our itinerary in this breathtaking region but also highlighted some of the stunning locations where you might encounter polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, seabirds, and the mesmerizing ice formations of the far north.
Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic

Given how widespread their habitat is, it is little wonder that Arctic foxes are one of the animals we most often see during our Greenland and Svalbard expeditions. The Arctic fox is a circumpolar species whose feeding grounds include North America, Eurasia, even Iceland, ranging from nearly the North Pole all the way down to the sub-Arctic islands.
Polar bear encounter in Spitsbergen - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar bear encounter in Spitsbergen

I watch the sea ice from the bridge of a ship in one of the fjords of Spitsbergen, an archipelago north of Norway. I observe a perfectly adapted animal moving on the ice, the results of hundreds of thousands of years of ecological fine-tuning. Snowshoe-sized paws distribute weight, fur handles the cold and sunlight to perfection, and an incredible sense of smell samples this monochromatic realm.
“The polar bear will still be there” - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

“The polar bear will still be there”

For several hours, we had been navigating the pack ice in search of polar bears. Despite numerous binoculars scanning the ice, no bears were visible, and only a few tracks were found. This suggested we might be in an area with fewer bears. Later that morning, we decided to head a few miles east, suspecting a higher bear population there.
Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts

When we think about reindeer, we might also think of Saami herders or the holidays or teams of these beloved Arctic animals pulling a bell-covered sleigh across the nighttime sky. Only the first of these options, however, is something you're likely to encounter on an Arctic expedition cruise - and that's only in Northern Norway.
Spitsbergen: a true polar bear trip - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Spitsbergen: a true polar bear trip

On the third day of our Svalbard cruise, we navigated through the sea ice north of Spitsbergen. The morning greeted us with fog and fragmented ice, but conditions gradually improved. A swarm of black-legged kittiwakes trailed behind us, as our ship stirred the waters, pushing aside ice floes to reveal the tiny dark polar cod beneath.
The Ins, Outs, and Ups of Polar Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Ins, Outs, and Ups of Polar Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering

Traveling to the polar regions, whether to the Arctic or Antarctica, is an adventure almost no matter what you do.
Svalbard’s Texas Bar - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Svalbard’s Texas Bar

Texas Bar is one of the historic areas we visit on certain Svalbard trips, and it always proves to be a cherished landing site among both our guides and guests. This might be surprising, however, given that its name can be a bit misleading.
Where the Polar Bears Roam - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Where the Polar Bears Roam

Going to the Arctic without clapping eyes on a wild polar bear can be reasonably compared to visiting Africa without seeing a giraffe or a zebra or, most analogously, a lion.
Polar bear feast - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar bear feast

The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.
The Arctic’s Most Phenomenal Fjords - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Arctic’s Most Phenomenal Fjords

Fjords are often linked with Norway, but they are not exclusive to that region. They are a common feature of the Arctic and are major attractions in Greenland and Svalbard.
Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen

Many of our expedition cruises focus on specific areas of the Arctic or Antarctica, delving deep into local wildlife and other natural highlights. However, some programs aim to provide a broader survey, visiting a variety of sites to offer guests a wider perspective.
Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic

Though narwhals are among the rarest whale species encountered during our Arctic expeditions, a journey to the Arctic regions of Greenland and Svalbard always holds the potential for spotting these elusive creatures.
Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists

Svalbard is situated in the north-western corner of the Eurasian plate. Historically, Svalbard was part of a vast continent that included North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. At one point, both Northeast Greenland and Svalbard were submerged under the ocean before resurfacing.
The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

Kongsfjorden is a glacial fjord in Svalbard that hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Arctic Icon: 10 Facts about the Polar Bear - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Icon: 10 Facts about the Polar Bear

Polar bears are to the Arctic what penguins are to Antarctica.