Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear

Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. On arrival, you are met and escorted to your hotel. This evening, meet fellow guests for a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

Board an early morning charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in luminous glaciers. Tour the tiny town and its Arctic Museum. This afternoon, board your expedition cruiser, ‘Le Boreal.’

Very few people have the opportunity to view the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Islands. In the archipelago, polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer and an incredibly rich variety of birds are abundant, as are cathedrals of ice, glaciers and craggy mountain peaks. An exquisite assortment of flora also peppers this barren landscape. The primary objective of your voyage is to spot polar bears as they roam in their natural habitat. Cruising on A&K’s exclusive charter limited to just 199 guests grants you unrestricted access to every navigable area within the Svalbard archipelago — something ships with larger capacities cannot provide — allowing the ship to visit any locale favored by the bears. Your Captain and Expedition Leader determine the day’s best sightseeing opportunities, which may include: Ny Alesund: Home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world. Alkefjellet, or “auk cliffs”: Staggering cliffs that drop directly into the water and provide a home to vast colonies of auks, diving birds entirely dependent on the sea for their food. Monacobreen: Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bears, harbor and bearded seals, walruses and a multitude of seabirds. The Austfonna Icecap: One of the world’s largest icecaps spanning over 5,000 square miles. Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord): Named after a Dutch ship with the same name, this fjord is another excellent area for spotting polar bears and wildlife. Sjuoyane (“Seven Islands”): The most northerly region of the Svalbard archipelago. In every region, enjoy endless moments of discovery alongside A&K’s seasoned Expedition Team, who know intuitively where and when you’re most likely to see polar bears and wildlife — which you observe from the safety and comfort of ‘Le Boreal.’ These same experts also scout every landing site in advance of your arrival, assuring your safety and maximizing your experience ashore.

Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as lecturers offer presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Svalbard and prepare you for visits to Jan Mayen and Greenland.

At the confluence of the Greenland and Norwegian seas, arrive at Jan Mayen, a fascinating and rugged island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano, which today stands as the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely visited island to see its meteorological station, Olonkinbyen, and discover its phenomenal bird colonies. Designated by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA), Jan Mayen supports large breeding colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, thick-billed murres and black guillemots.

While crossing the Greenland Sea and cruising along the Arctic ice edge, your Expedition Team prepares you for the world’s largest island: Greenland. Arrive at its rarely visited east coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest fjord system in the world, both of which you enjoy exploring for the next three days. Embark on Zodiac excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its islands and icebergs and searching for residents including the musk ox and Arctic fox. Ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated villages in Greenland.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea cruising the narrow strip of water that separates Greenland from Iceland and connects the Arctic Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Continue exciting conversations with your Expedition Team and enrichment specialists. Watch for seabirds and whales from the deck in between the insightful lectures they present.

Arrive in picturesque Husavik and visit the Husavik Whale Museum, supported by A&K Philanthropy. The museum is one of the world’s foremost centers for research of whales and their habitat. Afterward, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching tour followed by free time in Husavik, or else set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather with your Expedition Team and fellow guests for a special farewell reception and dinner.

The Westfjords of Iceland are more remote and much less visited than other parts of the country. Settlements are small and interspersed among spectacular lava-formed mountains and coves. You might make a visit to Dynjandi Falls, the grandest waterfall in the Westfjords. Dynjandi is a spectacular sight, with water cascading down tiered ridges flanked by a green and brown façade. Enjoy leisurely walks up to a viewing platform or opt for something more vigorous, like a hike all the way to the top of the falls. Another possible place you may visit is Red Sand Beach, one of the most beguiling shorelines in Iceland. Wander the reddish-hued sands as they subtly change color with the sunlight, shifting through a palette of reds, golds and greys.

This morning, disembark ‘Le Boreal’ in Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue on in Iceland with a Reykjavik extension.