19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

This is a combination cruise consisting of a few smaller cruises. Learn more

Title

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

Start – End

Tripcode

OTL01D26

Language

English speaking voyage

Embarkation / Disembarkation

Vlissingen - Longyearbyen

Nights / Days

18 nights

Group request For reservations with more than 15 guests you can contact us directly
Trips included in the combination
Cabin/berths choice is subject to availability. We can’t guarantee the exact same cabin placement on each cruise.

North Sea - Vlissingen to Aberdeen

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Cross the North Sea to the picturesque and historic Scottish city of Aberdeen, enjoying local wildlife and fascinating lectures

Search for whales, seals, and seabirds on a scenic voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to culturally rich Aberdeen, the "Granite City" of northeast Scotland. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, orcas, and various species of seabird are all possible sights.

Dates: 25 May - 27 May, 2026
Ship: m/v Ortelius
Embarkation: Vlissingen
Disembarkation: Aberdeen
Duration: 2 nights

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

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Sail the East Greenland ice edge north of Spitsbergen in search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife

Sailing between the Scottish port of Aberdeen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure explores the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen as well as the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you the chance to search for whales, and other animals of the land, sea, and air.

Dates: 27 May - 5 Jun, 2026
Ship: m/v Ortelius
Embarkation: Aberdeen
Disembarkation: Longyearbyen
Duration: 9 nights

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

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The best opportunity to experience deep field pack ice and exotic wildlife

This expedition focuses on the pack ice of north Spitsbergen and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife.

Dates: 5 Jun - 12 Jun, 2026
Ship: m/v Ortelius
Embarkation: Longyearbyen
Disembarkation: Longyearbyen
Duration: 7 nights
Itinerary
PLEASE 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. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Short description

Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you the chance to search for whales, and other animals of the land, sea, and air.

Day 1: Northward bound

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You board the vessel at midday in Vlissingen, headed north. Far north.

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Crossing the North Sea and sailing by Doggersbank, we hope to be lucky enough to spot such species as white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, and orcas.

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Passengers who boarded in Vlissingen will be offered an excursion by bus to Fowlsheugh, a seabird cliff south of Aberdeen. Over 100,000 pairs of seabird of different species can be seen here. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the Ythan Estuary, where the beaches are teeming with harbor seals, grey seals, and birds that keep to the shorelines. Both outings are included in the price of booking.

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We will have at least one dedicated expedition guide in our team who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph on deck and learn more about the birds that we see. In addition to outdoor sessions, our guide will focus on species and related information on the birds of the Arctic in re-caps and lectures onboard.

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You arrive in Aberdeen, the Granite City, frequent winner of the Britain in Bloom competition. This is the true start of your trip. Several cetaceans, including orcas (killer whales), are native to these seas. To the south you see the lighthouse on Girdle Ness that was designed by the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famed Scottish writer who gave us such classics as Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. More passengers join you in Aberdeen.

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We plan to stay the day on Fair Isle, an island in the Shetlands whose seventy-odd inhabitants are known for their beautiful knitwear. This is a fantastic location with accessible seabird breeding grounds, and you may even spot grey seals.

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You sail north to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, 300 nautical miles northeast of Iceland. Your two days at sea do not pass idly, however. Keep a close lookout for any spouts of water from the surrounding seas, heralding the arrival of a minke, fin, orca, or blue whale.

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Jan Mayen is a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 2,300-meter-high (7,545 feet) volcano, broken glaciers grasp out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape.

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Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of west Spitsbergen. Here you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and – near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords – surfacing minke whales.

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Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here.  Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head 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.

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Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. But if you’re still craving additional chances to spot the Arctic’s most iconic apex predator, stay on board for our seven-night North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife voyage.

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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.

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

Raudfjord

On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. We will try to land at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

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 precipitous 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.

The Seven Islands

The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here we may reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. At Phippsøya there is a walrus haul-out site, while Rossøya is the northernmost landmass in Spitsbergen. The vessel may sail deeper into the pack ice when wheeling around west again.

Sailing in the pack ice

We aim to sail into the pack ice at quite some distance from the coast of Spitsbergen, watching for polar bears and other animals at the edges of the pack. Our voyage through the pack ice may be a multi-day affair, depending on the position of the ice and local sea and weather conditions. Regardless of how long we spend in the ice, these days at sea will be a highlight of the trip. Note that while the ship navigates the pack ice, we will not make any shore landings or excursions from the ship. However, wildlife encounters are the main draw here, with good chances to encounter many species that thrive in this icy habitat, including polar bears, seals, and whales.

After our time on the ice, we will retrace our route west, keeping watch for polar bears, ringed seals, and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. This is also the habitat of ivory gulls. About 40 nautical miles (74 km) west of Spitsbergen, we will sail along 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 will have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

Forlandsundet wildlife

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, at Poolepynten. But if we cannot go there, we might sail to the mouth of Isfjorden, where we may see different species of rorqual whales. Our intended landing site is Alkhornet, where seabirds nest on the cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. Another possibility is the glacier front in Ymerbukta, where you can see congregations of various eider duck species.

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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.

m/v Ortelius

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration and, when necessary, helicopter flights. Full ship info »

ACTIVITIES YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN

Choose a cruise

Birding
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Birding

FREE

We will have at least one dedicated expedition guide in our team who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph and learn more about the birds that we see.

Learn more
Photo Workshop
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Photo Workshop

FREE

Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. The workshop must be pre-booked prior to departure. 

Learn more

Cabins & Prices

Prices are displayed with discounts applied if you book berths or cabins on all cruises.

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Quadruple Porthole

  • Cabin size between 12,4 m² and 14,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 upper / lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

960 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

1200 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

240 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

300 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Porthole

  • Cabin size between 11,4 m² and 15,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

528 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

660 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

449 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

561 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

264 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

330 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Window

  • Cabin size between 17,5 m² and 17,7 m²
  • 2 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

608 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

760 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

517 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

646 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

304 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

380 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Deluxe

  • Cabin size 17,7 m²
  • 3 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Small sofa
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

640 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

800 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

544 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

680 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

320 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

400 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Superior

  • Cabin size between 18,4 m² en 20,4 m²
  • 2 windows (minimum)
  • 1 double bed
  • 1 single (sofa) bed
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

720 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

900 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

612 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

765 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available
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Quadruple Porthole

  • Cabin size between 12,4 m² and 14,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 upper / lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

9760 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

12200 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

2440 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

3050 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Porthole

  • Cabin size between 11,4 m² and 15,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

6960 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

8700 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

5916 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

7395 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

3480 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

4350 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Window

  • Cabin size between 17,5 m² and 17,7 m²
  • 2 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

7440 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

9300 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

6324 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

7905 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

3720 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

4650 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Deluxe

  • Cabin size 17,7 m²
  • 3 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Small sofa
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

7840 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

9800 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

6664 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

8330 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

3920 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

4900 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Superior

  • Cabin size between 18,4 m² en 20,4 m²
  • 2 windows (minimum)
  • 1 double bed
  • 1 single (sofa) bed
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

8880 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

11100 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

7548 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

9435 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available
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Quadruple Porthole

  • Cabin size between 12,4 m² and 14,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 upper / lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Sharing berth

3560 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

4450 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Porthole

  • Cabin size between 11,4 m² and 15,1 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

9840 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

12300 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

8364 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

10455 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

4920 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

6150 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Window

  • Cabin size between 17,5 m² and 17,7 m²
  • 2 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

10720 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

13400 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

9112 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

11390 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

5360 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

6700 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Twin Deluxe

  • Cabin size 17,7 m²
  • 3 windows
  • 2 lower berths
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Small sofa
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

11360 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

14200 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

9656 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

12070 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

5680 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

7100 USD

Sorry, berth is not available
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Superior

  • Cabin size between 18,4 m² en 20,4 m²
  • 2 windows (minimum)
  • 1 double bed
  • 1 single (sofa) bed
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Desk & chair
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample storage space

Complete cabin

12880 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

16100 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

10948 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

13685 USD

Sorry, cabin is not available
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