Sylvia Earle

June 24, 2027

Oslo, Norway Roundtrip

Arrive in Oslo: Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.  

Longyearbyen: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. 

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. 

Svalbard: Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife. 

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. 

Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo:

During the early morning, we cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey. 

Our Experience:

In June of 2023, we, Suzanne and Steve, had the most unique and meaningful cruise experience of our lives. We embarked on our very first expedition cruise with Aurora Expeditions, and it was completely different from the traditional cruises we usually take. This journey allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the untouched Arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Throughout the cruise, Aurora Expeditions took us on numerous Zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers. We were fortunate to witness incredible wildlife, including walruses, seals, beluga whales, blue whales, polar bears, and Arctic foxes. We hiked ashore to observe walruses from a respectful distance and watched reindeer dash across the hillsides. The expert expedition guides shared fascinating stories and the rich history of the region as we visited historic whaling stations and trapper huts.

The hospitality team made every part of the journey seamless, especially embarking and disembarking the Zodiacs, while the dining experience was a true gourmet delight—casual yet refined every evening. One of the highlights was the camaraderie we built with both the expedition team and our fellow travelers, creating lasting friendships along the way.

Although we had never taken an expedition cruise before, just a few days in, we knew this was something we wanted to experience again. Since then, we’ve enjoyed expeditions to the Galápagos, the Canadian and Greenland Arctic, and the South Pacific—each incredible in its own right—but nothing has quite compared to the sights and the life-changing experience we had in Svalbard. We are thrilled to be escorting a group to Antarctica in 2026, and even more excited to return to Svalbard in 2027 with Aurora Expeditions to share this unforgettable journey with our clients.

An Arctic cruise offers an unforgettable journey through some of Earth’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Sail past towering glaciers, drift through shimmering pack ice under the midnight sun, and explore rugged coastlines and tundra bursting with fleeting wildflowers. From calving icebergs to serene polar vistas, the Arctic is a breathtaking showcase of nature at its most raw and pristine.  

Cruise along towering blue glacier fronts and through stunning, ice-carved fjords that reveal the raw, untouched beauty of the Arctic. As your expedition vessel navigates these majestic waterways, you’ll witness massive glaciers calving into the sea, their thunderous cracks echoing across the stillness. Glide past steep cliffs rising from icy waters, where seabirds nest in the rugged rock faces and waterfalls tumble into the fjords below. With each turn, the landscape transforms—offering unforgettable vistas that few travelers on Earth have ever seen.  

Discover the thrill of encountering Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat—an experience that’s as humbling as it is exhilarating. Watch as mighty walruses haul out on ice floes, their long tusks and social grunts a striking sight. Spot seals resting on the ice or darting through the frigid waters, while whales break the surface with powerful grace, creating unforgettable moments just meters from your ship. On land, reindeer roam across the tundra, and elusive Arctic foxes may appear, camouflaged in their seasonal coats. Look to the skies and cliffs to witness colonies of guillemots and colorful puffins, their energetic flight and charming presence adding life and motion to the rugged Arctic scenery. Every wildlife encounter on an Aurora Expeditions Arctic Circle cruise is a moment of pure wonder, offering a rare glimpse into this remote and thriving ecosystem.  

Enjoy guided tundra hikes that immerse you in the stunning, surreal beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Step ashore in remote landing sites where few have walked before, and trek across vast, open landscapes painted with mosses, lichens, and tiny Arctic wildflowers that bloom briefly in the midnight sun. Surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and mirrored glacial lakes, you'll feel the profound stillness and serenity of this untouched environment. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the region’s geology, flora, and history, enriching every step of your journey. Whether you're climbing a rocky ridge for panoramic views or walking across soft, spongy tundra, each hike reveals the raw, awe-inspiring power and fragile beauty of the Arctic.  

Venture close to 80° north, deep into the realm of the midnight sun, where the ice-draped wilderness feels like the edge of the world. Here, the vast pack ice stretches to the horizon, and the thrill of spotting a polar bear in its natural habitat becomes a real possibility. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through this remote expanse—these magnificent apex predators often roam the ice in search of seals, and sightings from the ship or Zodiac are nothing short of unforgettable. Whether it’s a distant silhouette crossing a frozen plain or a closer glimpse of a bear resting near an ice lead, every encounter is a powerful reminder of the Arctic’s raw beauty and untamed spirit. Guided by Aurora Expeditions’ expert naturalists, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for these iconic animals and the fragile ecosystem they call home. 

Make sure to pack a camera with a zoom lens! As we may be able to spot and photograph polar bears at a distance.

For more than 32 years Aurora Expeditions has been pioneering discovery and adventure. They are 100% Climate Neutral and are deeply committed to travel with a positive impact.

An experience with Aurora Expeditions is life changing. Founded by legendary adventurer Greg Mortimer, their expert Expedition Teams have been sharing their knowledge and understanding of some of the most remote and unspoiled destinations on our planet – Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.

On an Expedition, they follow the experience, so their purpose-built small ships, Zodiacs and immersive activities can take you to undiscovered areas. Because if you want to see something you’ve never seen, you have to go somewhere you’ve never been.

Their Discovery voyages take you to the heart of nature and they are full of adventure as well as history and cultural experiences. Sometimes they go off the beaten path and on others they visit a combination of less discovered and more populated areas.

Each expedition is accompanied by an expedition team Aurora believes are the world’s best. Remote area specialists, their onboard lectures entertain and expand your knowledge.

Whether you’re joining Aurora Expeditions for the first time or returning for another thrilling adventure, the original goals remain unchanged. Explore wild places that stir the soul, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions and welcome new friends into the Aurora Expeditions family.

Included Activities: 

• Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
• Marine Mammal Spotting
• Photography
• Polar Plunge
• Scenic Cruising
• Trips Ashore
• Wildlife Watching
• Zodiac Cruising
• Bird Watching

Inclusions:

• All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.
• Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).
• Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
• All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
• Beer and house wine with dinner.
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
• Educational lectures and guiding services provide by Expedition Team
• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites.
• Unlimited Wi-Fi

Our Unbeatable Pricing: