Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Oslo, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your luxury accommodation for the night. Arrive early and spend the day exploring the Norwegian capital to see the blend of modern Scandinavian architecture, meets cool waterfront dining and medieval Viking folklore. Don’t miss a visit to the medieval Akershus Fortress, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Munch Museum.

After breakfast in your hotel, begin your journey of wonder as you fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, where your 6-star Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse awaits. Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago and the northernmost territorial capital in the world. Towering glaciers and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see which will delight your adventurous spirit, providing a taste of what’s to come in the days ahead. Upon embarking on your ultra-luxury vessel, meet the world-class crew on board Scenic Eclipse, including the Discovery Team. Comprised of expert naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and more, they will guide you through multi-sensory moments that will be the highlight of your voyage, sharing with you their passion and knowledge about your destination and the wildlife around you. Settle into your luxurious suite before raising a glass of Champagne with fellow guests on the Observation Deck as you set sail into another world. 

Today discover the remote wilderness of Svalbard, known as a polar desert, surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your voyage itinerary is flexible, depending on weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long daylight hours, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.   Feel the excitement building as the Discovery Team explains how your Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboarding, nature walks, Scenic Freechoice and other Discovery excursions will take place in this polar region. Join an on board lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre and learn more about the places you’ll be visiting with our expert historians, geologists, archaeologists and photographers. 

Allow your butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in-suite dining menu or head to the Yacht Club before looking for wildlife in the pristine Arctic scenery that’s gliding by.  During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to always keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.   Possible landing sites include Ny Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, where few are lucky enough to have travelled. Learn about this quaint town’s rich history in the Kings Bay Museum and hike Arctic trails with your Discovery Team to ensure your safety in polar bear country. 

Join the Captain on the bridge as we sail through an Arctic wonderland. The open bridge policy provides an opportunity to learn about the technical abilities of your Discovery Yacht as well as joining the captain and Discovery Team in spotting wildlife from one of the best vantage points on the ship.  See how the Captain navigates through Polar regions where ice and weather conditions can rapidly change plans before your eyes. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement for the guests and the crew.   Spotting the Arctic’s elusive wildlife might be a chance of luck, but thanks to the eagle-eyed, experienced crew, your chances are greatly increased on board Scenic Eclipse. You can also always look for the Discovery Team experts to answer any questions you may have about this frozen world and expedition experiences – they are always on hand to share with you their knowledge and passion for this remarkable destination. 

Open the midnight sun relieving blackout curtains in your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring view. Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg dotted waters to jagged snow topped mountains towering over green slopes of tundra.   Today our journey may take us to the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve, the area’s highest population of polar bears and walrus, or to the North West Spitsbergen National Park, where we can cruise through spectacular fjords and see the vast wall of ice known as the Monaco Glacier. Join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures.  Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery from the Observation Deck and cabanas near the Sky Bar and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water for possible wildlife sightings.   

Everywhere you look, the Arctic is picture-perfect. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced photographer, you can be sure to take photos that will capture the stunning surroundings. Perhaps join a photography lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn expert tips and ask the Discovery Team for advice at any time throughout your journey.   The beauty around you may inspire you to explore other forms of art through the carefully curated art collection on board Scenic Eclipse. Tea Time by Francois Bertrand, a cocktail dress made from more than 4,000 spoons in Lumière, and three custom installations by British graffiti artist Carl Hush in Koko’s are some of the highlights you’ll see around your ultra-luxury yacht. 

Be sure to pack your swimmers for the ultimate icy experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht’s marina so that you can leap into the icy water below.  Feel the adrenalin build as you prepare to jump, then a moment that seems to stretch forever before you splash into the coldest water of your life. The polar plunge is an invigorating and refreshing shock to the system that you’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’d rather watch than jump in, you can enjoy the fun with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the spacious viewing areas.   After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa for some relaxation. 

Start your day with a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio. Sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing; alternatively, work out in the fully equipped gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available.     As you continue to look for Svalbard’s stars, the polar bears, see how many kinds of Arctic birdlife you can see. In the summer, Svalbard has over 30 species of birds including the Svalbard rock ptarmigan, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, and black guillemots, whose feathers get whiter the farther north they are found.    Sip specialty Kusmi teas and aromatic illy coffee in the Observation Lounge, where you can read books and play board games in between birdwatching. In the evening, up to 10 extraordinary dining experiences await. From contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to the freshest Japanese culinary at Sushi @ Koko’s, youll see a Scenic Eclipse voyage is also a remarkable culinary journey. 

As well as incredible wildlife opportunities, throughout your voyage you can learn how people live in one of the remotest places on Earth. The UK Arctic Research Base on Ny Ålesund is believed to be the world’s northern-most community, made of up to 150 people. The harsh environment and mixture of nationalities working at the base creates a unique atmosphere that you may be able to experience with a guided visit.   Step back in time on Smeerenburg, on Amsterdam Island and imagine what living in Svalbard was like in the 17th century as you walk around a historical site. Landing opportunities may include Amsterdamøya, where you can join the Discovery Team on a tour to see the ruins of old blubber ovens and wooden structures.    Back on board, warm up with a drink in one of your Discovery Yacht’s nine all-inclusive bars. Sip Frances best in Lumière’s rose quartz Champagne Bar, an aged whiskey at Scenic Lounge Bar or a cocktail in your cabana beside the Panorama Bar. Your in-suite mini bar is fully re-stocked daily with premium beverages, so you can also relax with a drink in the privacy of your suite at any time.   

The sound of ice cracking and popping may be disconcerting at first. By the end of your voyage, it could be one of your favourite sounds. Fall in love with all the shapes, colours and sounds of the environment around you is one of the most bewitching parts of an Arctic expedition cruise.   Today, join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures. As you look out over flat ice fields to the horizon, you may even see a Fata Morgana. These mirages look like ice cliffs in the distance, and you might find it hard to believe when your Discovery Team explains that they’re just an optical illusion on the horizon.

Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew who have shared this once-in-a-lifetime journey with you. As you disembark, share the highlights of your voyage in this spectacular part of the world with your new friends, knowing you have created memories to last a lifetime. You will be transferred to Oslo for an overnight stay, the final part of your journey.  

After breakfast in your hotel, take the time to say goodbye to your fellow Arctic travellers as you fly back to your own corners of the world. As you fly out of Norway, you will treasure all the memories made on your voyage on board The World’s First Discovery YachtTM, looking out at the majestic Arctic scenery few people will ever experience. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.