Svalbard in Depth
15 Days - Sylvia Earle
On this extended exploration of the Svalbard archipelago, there is ample time to enjoy the best of this magical region, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea. With extra time for exploration, we hope to show you some of our favourite places in Svalbard, and perhaps discover some new ones. Unpredictable conditions are expected in wild and remote places such as Svalbard, and with extra time, we can slow the pace of the voyage, linger longer in quiet bays to enjoy wildlife encounters and return to a place that was previously not possible. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic fox, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and delight in the breathtakingly beautiful fjords. We don’t want you to miss out on anything!
from NZD $35328 $28263pp
Subject to availability
Home » 15 Day Sylvia Earle: Svalbard in Depth ex. Oslo
Itinerary Highlights
- Venture close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on pack ice
- Discover the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins
- Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords
- Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
- Day 2: Embarkation Day
- Day 3–14: Svalbard Archipelago
- Day 15: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the 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.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Oslo Hotel (to be advised)
Day 2: Embarkation Day
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. 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 excursion tour.
On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz we enjoy a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ - a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon.
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.
Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of our charter flight to Longyearbyen.
Day 3–14: Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team 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. Above the Arctic Circle during the boreal summer, the sun does not drop below the horizon until late August, so we enjoy 24 hours of daylight, and more time to explore this breathtaking part of the planet.
Svalbard's phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and polar desert are rich in fossils, perfectly setting the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. We may encounter walrus hauled-out on sea ice or wallowing on beaches. We may seek out towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and listen to the busy chanting of little auk colonies protected amongst the scree slopes.
With more time than on our classic Svalbard voyages we plan to reach further afield; we will attempt to explore the two largest islands in the archipelago; Spitsbergen and Nordauslandet. We may enjoy the delights around Barentsoya and Edgeoya that are located in the Hinlopen Strait, a known polar bear migration route. We plan to visit the remains of old whaling settlements, old pomor sites, and enjoy early morning Zodiac cruises. We will encounter glittering glaciers, keep watch for beluga whales and watch for ivory gulls.
Weather and ice permitting we may sail along the most northerly point of the Svalbard archipelago, a favoured spot to a large colony of walruses. We may encounter the mighty polar bear in its element, in the pack ice. Your expedition team is just as keen as you are to find them – we will be on constant watch to spot these magnificent creatures.
If you are participating in an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have opportunity to experience the Arctic whenever conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, when conditions are perfect, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory to savour for years to come.
Day 15: Disembark in Longyearbyen
In the early morning we cruise back into Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Farewell your crew and expedition team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
04 Jul 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | NZD $28263pp | Save 20%, Free upgrade to Balcony Stateroom Category A or B, Free upgrade to Balcony Stateroom Superior | |
Aurora Triple Stateroom | NZD $28263pp | Save 20% | |
Aurora Superior Stateroom | NZD $30752pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (C) | NZD $31640pp | Free upgrade to Balcony Stateroom Category A or B, Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (B) | NZD $33152pp | Free upgrade to Balcony Stateroom Superior, Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (A) | NZD $35818pp | Save 20% | |
Superior Balcony Stateroom | NZD $39018pp | Save 20% | |
Junior Suite | NZD $49063pp | Save 20% | |
Captain's Suite | NZD $58129pp | Save 20% | |
18 Jun 2026 - 02 Jul 2026 | NZD $30040pp | Save 20% | |
Aurora Triple Stateroom | NZD $30040pp | Save 20% | |
Aurora Superior Stateroom | NZD $32529pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (C) | NZD $33418pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (B) | NZD $35196pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (A) | NZD $37863pp | Save 20% | |
Superior Balcony Stateroom | NZD $41329pp | Save 20% | |
Junior Suite | NZD $51907pp | Save 20% | |
Captain's Suite | NZD $61596pp | Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Aurora Triple Stateroom
22.67m2 (244ft2) located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat-screen TV.
Aurora Superior Stateroom
20.1-22.3sqm, located on deck 7, french balcony, double bed, private en-suite bathroom, desk area, 42" flat screen TV, room-controlled thermostat, safe, closet space.
Balcony Stateroom (C)
21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk space, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Balcony Stateroom (B)
21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (fore and aft), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Balcony Stateroom (A)
21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (close to internal stairs/elevator), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Superior Balcony Stateroom
30.5 - 40.2sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Junior Suite
38.9sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 7, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Captain's Suite
44.5sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Sylvia Earle Deckplan
Specifications
- Cabins: 71
- Number of passengers: 132
- Crew & Staff: 60
- Guide to Guest Ratio: 1:8
- Decks: 6
- Length: 104m
- Beam: 18.4m
- Draft: 5.1m
- Year Built: Launching in 2022
- Speed: 10-12 knots
Whats included?
- 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.
- Transfer from pier to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 15.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks 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.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
What’s not included?
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
Notes
Add-on Activities:
- Sea Kayaking: From AUD $1,650.00/pp