The 2023-built, Ocean Albatros offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, and design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.
Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest
From 192-guest Ocean Albatros or the 194-guest Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, explore the magnificent Svalbard archipelago by land and by sea. On this comprehensive Svalbard voyage, take it all in: mountainous fjords, polar pack ice, wildlife hotspots and polar deserts.
Jun
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Sep
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$7,895
USD
PER PERSON
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From the mountainous fjords of the south to the north polar pack ice, from the wildlife hotspots of northwest Svalbard to the polar deserts of Hinlopen Strait, this thrilling expedition offers the complete Arctic experience. Explore this magnificent archipelago by land and by sea, venturing into one of the largest protected areas in the Arctic.
During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer, geese and arctic foxes are busy amassing energy for the icy polar winter. The cliffs shimmer with life as every surface is populated with countless birds. On shore, walrus enjoy the short Arctic summer as seals, whales and polar bears forage along the edge of the pack ice. Zodiacs allows you to take every opportunity for exploration–from historical sites to glacier fronts and remote lonely beaches, no area is off limits.
The highlights are many on this long, in-depth Svalbard expedition. Visit the world’s northernmost community, the scientific town of Ny-Ålesund. See charismatic wildlife including walrus, reindeer and polar bears. Venture into the Arctic pack ice. Explore on foot, by kayak and by Zodiac to see Svalbard from every angle!
Purpose-built expedition vessels like Ocean Albatros and the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes serve as your floating basecamp. These 192- to 194-guest small ships feature modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Their fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, plus citizen science equipment, keep travelers active outside the boat. And her inviting lecture room and library, plus relaxing wellness amenities, keep guests engaged between excursions.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Spitsbergen & Svalbard cruises and Arctic trips.
Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest Itinerary
Longyearbyen, SvalbardLongyearbyen, Svalbard
The Svalbard Circumnavigation voyage operates round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, in an attempt to travel clockwise around the entire island.
Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!
Optional: Begin with a pre-booked charter flight from Oslo, Norway.
During the Arctic “night,” sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.
Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, everchanging wilderness, shifting seasonally and stretching beyond the North Pole to Alaska and Siberia. Though seemingly barren, this icy habitat supports diverse wildlife, from fish and seabirds, to seals, belugas and bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground of polar bears. The ship navigates through ice channels to explore this remote environment, hunting for wildlife, ending the day cruising toward the Hinlopen Strait between the islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
From the Arctic ice, the journey continues into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, crowded with guillemots and fulmars amid predatory skuas and gulls. The unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard are surrounded by iceberg-studded seas, where vibrant marine life thrives. Walruses rest on beaches, belugas frolic in pods and baleen whales feast offshore, showcasing Svalbard’s rich biodiversity despite the harsh Arctic conditions.
In Eastern Svalbard, cold polar waters meet the weak last gasp of the Gulf Stream, and the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. On Edgeøya, evidence of past large-scale walrus and beluga hunting contrasts with today’s strict wildlife protections and extensive nature reserves. Highlights you may visit include the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, or the vast bird colonies at Sundneset, before you return toward the main island of Spitzbergen via Sørkapp.
After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, the expedition enters the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.
During the night, enter Forlandssundet, the strait which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Your destinations may include Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. The remote beaches, rugged mountains and tundra plains of the region positively beg to be explored! From Forlandsundet, return southwards during the afternoon into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as you return to civilization.
On the final morning of your expedition, arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! After exploring Longyearbyen and bidding a fond farewell to the crew and fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland-with memories to last a lifetime.
Optional: End with a pre-booked charter flight back to Oslo, Norway.
Included
Arrival transfer from airport to ship (Day 1), for guests arriving on optional charter flight or recommended flight (inquire for details); shipboard accommodations; waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition; English-speaking expedition team; guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary (excluding optional activities with cost); briefings and educational lectures; citizen science program; all meals on the ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands); 24-hour access to tea, coffee and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food; welcome and farewell cocktail parties; taxes and landing fees; 500MB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device; digital expedition memento.
Exclusions
Optional return transfer charter flight package ($850-$1,000 depending on departure; see Internal Flights for details); international or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary; excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary (such as optional, added-cost activities); meals and beverages not listed as included; voluntary gratuity for the crew and expedition team; personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry and communications unless specified; mandatory travel insurance and insurance of any kind; visa, reciprocity and passport fees; medical care or emergency evacuation; expedition jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes (inquire for more details); life jackets for selected minors (inquire for more details); optional charter flights ($850-$1,000 depending on departure); optional return transfer package (see Internal Flights for details); premium alcohol and any alcohol not mentioned in Inclusions; WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – $1,250 cancellation fee
180 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
No Charter Flights: The Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Plan flights to arrive to Longyearbyen by 12:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is included if arriving on the recommended arrival flight (inquire for details). The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend booking your return flight as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 10:00am, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Optional Charter Flights: The Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise begins and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL), with charter flights linking travelers to the embark/disembark point of Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). Charter flights are unique per departure, inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details, but in general plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time before Day 1 of the itinerary. Transfers in Longyearbyen are included. The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary, followed by the return charter flight to Oslo. We recommend booking your flight from Oslo for the day after disembarkation, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Optional group charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen are offered on this trip’s itinerary (see Exclusions for pricing). Detailed information is available approximately 11 months prior to departure. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early on Day 1 of the itinerary. A group transfer from the Longyearbyen airport to the ship is part of the package. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier around 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Oslo (as part of the package).
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Svalbard Circumnavigation cruise. Per-person prices for the 2026 & 2027 season: discover kayaking $350; photography, citizen science, trekking, the polar plunge and Zodiac cruises included. For the discover kayaking program, the minimum required age is 14 and all kayakers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; weight limit is 260 pounds per person. Discover kayaking one-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the immersive kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s discover kayaking excursion may be pre-booked or booked on the ship.
The immersive photography program ($315 aboard all ships in the 2026-27 season) is available to a small group of experienced photographers (minimum 5, maximum 10) and includes daily outings (including priority disembarkation) with an award-winning photo instructor who can provide input in the field, plus onboard workshops and image reviews.
Note: Activities are capacity-controlled; book early via your Adventure Specialist to reserve your space. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the activity fee is required per person at time of booking.
Room Configuration
Single travelers (18+ only) wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Aboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, third person rates are available at 50% reduction of the double occupancy rate, in Junior Suites and Deck 4 Superior Balcony Suites (inquire for pricing).
Families & Children
Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an Arctic voyage. However, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 7-11 may be accepted with additional screening prior to booking. Children under 18 years old must room with a responsible adult who is designated as the lead passenger on the booking.
Travel Insurance
Medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $150,000 USD per person. This plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
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The Ocean Albatros accommodates 192 guests and 104 crew members, offering a high level of service and comfort. It’s also Arctic- and Antarctica-maximizing, designed for total comfort and safety in even the roughest seas. And its superior 1A Super ice rating and Polar Class 6 mean it can push through deeper ice and deliver access to ever more remote and elusive areas. On board enjoy spacious rooms, everywhere visibility, and seamless access to Zodiacs, all joining forces to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience that will exceed your highest expectations. Our experts can help compare this ship to her nearly identical sister Ocean Victory.
Ocean Albatros Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Albatros ship review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Antarctica and the Arctic. Please read our Ocean Albatros review below then contact our experts to compare the Ocean Albatros with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships operating Antarctica cruise itineraries and Arctic cruises, including Svalbard cruises and Greenland small ship cruises.
Choose the Ocean Albatros for her superior comfort and modern feel. Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros lies decades of learning and adaptation to the harsh Antarctic environment. Her patented X-BOW offers unprecedented stability and comfort; her many onboard amenities are designed to maximize your Antarctic experience; and her spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors makes Zodiac boarding quick, safe and effortless.
Design and Sustainability
The Ocean Albatros is powered by two diesel and two electro engines, controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel efficiency. Compared to traditional expedition ships, this technology allows the ship to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% and by implementing the Green Initiative Program, the ship and guests enjoy the highest standards of both comfort and sustainability.
Onboard Facilities
The Ocean Albatros is designed to keep the polar world front and center, from wake-up to lights out. A variety of observation decks are accessible from multiple indoor spaces. Two hydraulic platforms can be lowered to offer unprecedented near-water-level views–and rare photograph opportunities. Even the two outdoor Jacuzzis provide 360 views of the mesmerizing landscape that surrounds you. Ocean Albatros also offers superior observation decks, for the best views of the polar landscapes.
Aboard the Ocean Albatros, guests can indulge in a variety of activities to enhance their polar expedition. World-class cuisine and live entertainment provide delightful moments, while the observation area offers stunning panoramic views. Enrich your mind in the lecture room or community library, and explore the wonders of science in the citizen science laboratory. Stay active in the fitness center and unwind in the panorama sauna (an amenity not available on sister ship Ocean Victory) or Albatros Polar Spa. Guests can also enjoy the Albatros Ocean Boutique, the infinity pool and the Jacuzzi.
Dining & Bars
The main dining room (Jens Munk Restaurant, Deck 5) offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere with options for made-to-order hot and cold dishes, multiple entrée choices and scrumptious desserts. For a more casual experience, the Bistro on Deck 8 ("specialty restaurant") offers everyday favorites from a buffet as well as menu items inspired by dishes being served in the main dining room. For guests on the go, a 24/7 self-serve station at the Deck 5 bar is stocked with quick bites. Several bars and lounges provide a wide selection of beverages, potentially including curated wine lists and tasting menus, alongside cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic drinks.
Activities & Expeditions
Ocean Albatros invites her passengers to take part in the Citizen Science Program, uniquely with a custom-built Citizen Science laboratory. Citizen Science is a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record and report on natural phenomena. A variety of activities engage guests in supporting important research projects across major disciplines. For example, the data collected contributes to a better understanding of climate change and how it’s affecting the Antarctic Continent.
Increased storage space aboard Ocean Albatros translates into more adventure equipment aboard, including kayaks, dry suits, neoprene gloves, and camping gear consisting of insulated sleeping bags and pads, sleeping bag liner, dry bags and four-season mountaineering tents or bivy sacks. More activity equipment allows more guests to participate in added-cost activities. This expedition ship provides all guests with excursions in Zodiacs, loaded and unloaded via the stern’s Zodiac launching platform.
Cabins & Ocean Albatros Deck Plan
Every stateroom provides a generous view, and most include private balconies. Your stateroom is serviced daily with a provided turn-down service. Suites will have VIP services. All staterooms feature a sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, a complimentary mini-bar, flat-screen TV, telephone, safe to store your valuables, independent temperature controls, luxury toiletries and a hair dryer. All Suites include wine and fruit on arrival, restocked mini-bar (non-alcoholic), laundry service, and an in-room espresso machine.
Carrying just 140 guests, the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes is purpose-built for an intimate, highly personalized experience. Her size and agility enable access to smaller landing sites and remote coastlines beyond the reach of larger vessels. Outward-facing staterooms and a wraparound walkway on Deck 6 are designed to maximize views and maintain a constant connection to the surrounding ice, wildlife and sweeping polar horizons.
Discoverer: Polar Latitudes Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Discoverer review includes a detailed description of the small ship, including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Discoverer: Polar Latitudes ship review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Discoverer with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships and ice-class expedition ships sailing Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises and Svalbard cruises.
Choose the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes for a spacious expedition ship that blends modern design with a strong expedition heritage. Her layout balances small-ship access with upgraded public spaces, lounges and amenities, creating a welcoming onboard atmosphere. The result is a vessel that feels expedition-first at its core, with a refined level of comfort shaped by years of operating in remote polar environments.
Design
With a recent refurbishment and a fresh, contemporary interior throughout, the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes blends modern expedition design with enhanced guest comfort. Her Ice Class 1A rating and Polar Code compliance ensure safe, capable and responsible navigation in some of the world’s most remote polar regions.
Onboard Facilities
A range of thoughtfully designed spaces aboard Discoverer: Polar Latitudes allow guests to relax, connect and immerse themselves in the journey. The ship provides easy access throughout via forward and mid-ship stairways and elevators.
At the top of the ship, Deck 7 offers expansive outdoor viewing areas designed for uninterrupted scenery and fresh air immersion. Just below, Deck 6 serves as the ship’s social and wellness hub with an observation lounge and wellness center. The spa facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room and treatment room. This deck also offers outdoor Jacuzzis and a grill area, creating inviting spaces to unwind between excursions.
Deck 5 is home to key gathering points, including the main lounge, boutique and bridge area, while Deck 4 brings together dining and fitness, with the ship’s restaurant and workout facilities located here. On Deck 3, essential expedition services are centralized, including the reception area, medical center, mudroom and expedition office—ensuring guests are fully supported throughout their voyage.
Across the ship, these spaces blend comfort and functionality, offering a boutique-style onboard experience while remaining closely connected to the expedition environment.
Off-Ship Activities
The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes remains a true expedition vessel at heart. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising, and expansive outer decks—including a wrap-around walkway on Deck 6, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography—make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. This expedition capability opens the door to a range of optional off-ship experiences, including kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and guided photography activities (available at an additional cost), allowing guests to engage with the polar regions in a more active and personal way.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The team combines warm hospitality with expert expedition knowledge, ensuring guests feel well cared for while gaining deeper insight into the landscapes and wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. The expedition staff play a central role in the experience, offering guidance on deck, during shore excursions and bringing the polar environment into sharper focus at every stage of the journey.
Cabins & Discoverer Deck Plan
The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes cruise ship offers a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations across 9 categories, including 59 cabins and 10 suites. Each stateroom features a comfortable lounge area with sofa or chairs, a writing desk, a flatscreen TV with interactive media library, ample storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with a shower.
All accommodations are outward-facing, with many offering private balconies or Juliet balconies. Rooms are equipped with a mini bar (stocked with complimentary soft drinks, juice and sparkling water) and refrigerator, WiFi and direct-dial telephone, individually controlled air conditioning, a personal safe, luxury bath amenities, bathrobes and slippers, a hair dryer, and 110/220V power outlets, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the voyage.
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes expedition ship offers an intimate yet well-rounded experience, combining welcoming social spaces, expansive viewing decks and modern comforts with an Ice Class 1A rating for capable exploration of remote polar regions.
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre-cruise option is available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.
Svalbard Pre-Embarkation Tour (4-day) is based out of Hotel Polfareren in Longyearbyen, with included meals and transfer, and guided daily activities. Enjoy a walrus safari, a fossil hike to the Longyear Glacier, an ATV safari and an excursion with dogs on wheels.
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