After an included breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a final morning and afternoon exploring the northernmost town of Longyearbyen. In the late afternoon, we gather our belongings and transfer to the dock where we board the M/V Hondius and meet our outstanding crew and expedition team. In the evening, we enjoy dinner on board as the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

(BLD) refers to meals included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

As mentioned above, this is a true expedition, so our day-to-day activities may vary for the next several days based on weather conditions, pack ice, wildlife, and other factors. Below may be a possible schedule we will follow and some of the places we may be visiting during our epic Arctic journey, enjoying occasional Arctic walks along the way:

Krossfjorden and Ny Ålesund

Heading north along the west coast, you may arrive by morning in Krossfjorden with great views on glacier fronts. In the afternoon you sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. Another possibility is the mouth of Wijdefjorden with at both sides tundra landscape and a the glacier front of Nordbreen. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Stop at the Seven Islands

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, at Chermsideøya, and Phippsøya in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again. When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), you can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) you may turn to Sorgfjord, where you have the chance to find a herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans. The opposite side of the fjord at Heclahamna is also a beautiful area for an excursion.

Highlights of Hinlopen

Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjord in the Zodiacs, you then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing in Palanderbukta where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Alternatively, at Torrelneset you can also visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third-largest ice cap. Here you may encounter walruses during a coastline hike over the area’s raised beaches.

Storfjorden’s many bounties

We will opt to sail against stream through Heleysundet between West Spitsbergen and Barentsøya, when you arrive in a scenery of nearby glaciers like Negribreen. Later in the day we may land at the mouth of the valley Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeøya, near a canyon with a large Kittiwake colony is also an option. Other landings like at Kvalhovden near mighty glacier fronts are also possible.

Land of the Pointed Mountains

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. We may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where we have great opportunities for a long walk.

Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Today you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding, near Vaarsolbukta.

Disembark at Longyearbyen this morning and catch flights home at the close of an unforgettable Arctic adventure!

“High Adventure” is a tag we add to tours to warn travelers of possible additional challenges. These challenges could stem from a variety of sources including:

• A high percentage of 1-night hotels
• More time driving than usual or challenging traffic settings (e.g. India)
• Walks routes that are more challenging on average (e.g. Appalachian Trail, Swiss & French Alps)
• More walking per day than usual (e.g. Hiking the Camino de Santiago)
• Walks and/or travel at high altitude (e.g. Peru; Colorado)
• A greater number of mid-tour flights (e.g. Chile)
• Cultural factors that can be stressors (lack of public toilets; extra caution required regarding food and gastro-intestinal challenges – e.g. India, Hiking the Camino de Santiago)

A number of factors contributed to Svalbard being considered one of the highest adventure experiences offered by WAI.

ZODIAC LANDINGS

Once you have been in a Zodiac rubber boat, you will never forget the feeling of being whisked ashore!! Ship staff members are always available at every landing to give you a helping hand as you get into Zodiacs from our steel gangway and then again to disembark once you arrive ashore. You need to be confident, however, that you can walk down a fairly steep gang-way and command enough leg strength to step down into the Zodiac, which can bob up and down a bit depending upon sea conditions. The crew is extremely efficient about helping us into and out of the Zodiac, so even though it is a unique way to reach land, it may be easier than it sounds!

WET LANDINGS

In nearly all cases, jetties or docks are not available for unloading. In these instances, rubber Zodiac rafts will bring you ashore and unload on beaches or shorelines. This may require wading through shallow water to reach dry land, but the water is always very shallow and the ship provides rubber boots onboard so you will not get your feet wet! Expedition staff are always on hand to assist.

EXTREME REMOTENESS

We will be in some of the most remote parts of the planet with a complete lack of services, especially medical facilities (though the ship does have a doctor onboard). As a result, travel insurance is required by all ships sailing into Arctic waters (see Travel Insurance paragraph below).

DOCTOR’S RELEASE FORM

Due to the remote destination to which we are sailing, the ship requires that all passengers be fit and physically prepared for the Adventure. As mentioned, very few hospitals or services of any kind are closely available throughout most of our Arctic adventure. A doctor is aboard the ship, but serious medical

conditions en route could jeopardize the cruise for everyone if the ship is forced to return to Svalbard pre-maturely. After you register for this trip, you will receive an online link to the ship’s Personal Information Form requiring information about your health. Upon their review of this information, the ship is entitled to request a medical release from your doctor. If you are concerned that you may have a medical condition that may disqualify you from participation, it is best to have your check-up before you fully register (but not before pre-registration).

Offering walks from a cruise ship through one of the most remote corners on the globe, with unpredictable weather, can be tricky. Following are general aspects unique to walking in the Arctic.

We are subject to the ship’s schedule, which is itself subject to a sailing itinerary tightly controlled by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). We will participate in multiple shore excursions via Zodiac boats (usually two per day) and walk various distances at each location. Those who’ve participated in our Galapagos Island or Antarctica tours will be familiar with the pattern used in the Arctic. 

Though there is no possibility for walks of a normal distance (3 to 6 miles), we will package various walks together to add up to at least two official walks for those tracking their walks and collecting walk stamps. We will do our best to arrange IVV walk stamps (2) with the help of our walking friends in Norway.

Terrain will be uneven, sometimes icy, often rocky, and there are no roads or fixed trails. The ship will provide rubber boots to take the “wet” out of wet landings. These boots have proven to be adequate for the limited distances we will be walking ashore. Walking sticks are strongly recommended.

Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand in order to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please contact our office at office@walkingadventures.fun. 

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

INCLINE

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

TERRAIN

1. Almost entirely on pavement.
2. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
3. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

Because we don’t know the specific landing sites for our walks, it is difficult to give descriptions. From Scott’s 2017 preview tour in Svalbard, the walks were mostly on flat or slightly undulating terrain, but without many designated or permanent trails, so the terrain can be rather uneven in places. We are not typically at altitude, but the footing can be a bit tricky in places. Walking sticks and the waterproof boots provided by the ship should be adequate. 

Also “bear” in mind that we will always walk in groups in Svalbard, and under armed escort from our expedition crew, due to the constant possibility of polar bears showing up. The expedition team always previews the areas we will be walking in before we walk there, but polar bears can be present in spite of these precautions, so we will always walk with one armed escort at the front and one armed escort at the back of the group. No walking on your own allowed here!

Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 passenger vessel, making her among the most structurally fortified and technologically advanced polar cruise ships on the seas. 

This vessel fully complies with the mandatory requirements of the Polar Code as adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for safe and environmentally sound ship operation in the polar regions. Using some of the latest sustainable technology, Hondius employs LED lighting, steam heat, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and flexible power management systems to keep fuel efficiency high and CO2 emissions low. Hondius is also equipped with stabilizers that make her highly suitable for swift, safe, and nimble exploration of Arctic and Antarctic waters. 

Hondius offers comfortable accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies, eight junior suites, eight superior cabins, 11 twin deluxe cabins, 14 twin window cabins, 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins. 

One deck of Hondius is reserved for multi-language lectures and presentations in a large observation lounge as well as in a separate lecture room. But while the ship’s interiors are cozy and classically conceived in mid-century modern décor, her tough small-scale design enables her to react quickly to moment-by-moment weather changes and wildlife opportunities. 

Oceanwide’s main focus is always exploration, wildlife, and outdoor activities. For this reason, Hondius carries a powerful fleet of Zodiac boats to guarantee swift and safe transit from ship to shore. She also has two separate gangways for efficient outings as well as an indoor Zodiac boarding area that can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. 

While cruising, Hondius carries 70 crew and staff members, including expedition and hotel staff, all of whom will be at your service during your polar expedition trip. Hondius is equipped with two main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.

To see the deck plan for the M/V Hondius, click here. 

Cabins Available on Our Ship

All cabins are spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin and all cabins have a private shower and toilet.

The vessel offers simple but comfortable cabins and we have booked space in the Twin Porthole and Twin Window categories as described below:

Twin Porthole: The tour price is based upon twin porthole cabins with 2 single lower berths (twin beds). These cabins are located on deck 3 and are approximately 145-170 square feet in size.

Twin Window: A limited number of upgrades are available to twin window cabins for an upgrade fee of $650 per person. These cabins are on deck 4 and are approximately 130-155 square feet in size.

Ship Fuel Surcharges

It is possible that a fuel surcharge may be assessed if world fuel prices (Brent barrel) exceed a price of USD $90 (current price is $68). In this case, a net fuel surcharge will apply of USD $25 per passenger per night to be billed 90 days prior to departure. If fuel world prices (Brent barrel) exceed a price of US $120, a total fuel surcharge of USD $50 per passenger per night, may be billed 60 days prior to departure.

The official starting point for Svalbard Islands Polar Bear Cruise is at our hotel in Longyearbyen, Norway on July 5, 2026. Embarkation on M/V Hondius begins on the afternoon of July 6, 2026. Because there is no way to catch up with the ship once it sails from Longyearbyen, we have included the extra night before embarkation to cushion your window of time between arrival in Longyearbyen and embarkation on the ship.

Therefore, please plan to arrive into Svalbard Airport (airport code LYR) on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Hotel lodging in Longyearbyen for the night of July 5 is included by WAI. 

Because lodging costs in Longyearbyen are so high, we are not securing any pre-night rooms on July 4 or earlier, so if you plan to arrive into Longyearbyen even earlier than July 5, you will be responsible for securing your own lodging for those nights.

Details about necessary flight arrangements will be provided by email after you register for the Adventure. Please do not book your airfare prior to receiving these flight details from us!

When you receive these flight details, we recommend that you contact Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements.

Laura Pfahler: 503.434.6401 or llp@wtpdx.com. 

Due to the extreme remoteness of our destination, and the sparseness of medical services or facilities in Svalbard (though the ship does have a doctor onboard), travel insurance is required by all ships sailing into Arctic waters. This insurance must include a minimum of $50,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation.

Many travel insurance providers are available for you to consider. Laura Pfahler and Sharon Mitchell of World Travel Inc. are travel agents who provide air travel and insurance services to many WAI travelers.

Laura Pfahler: 503-434-6401 or llp@wtpdx.com

Sharon Mitchell: 971-261-2091 or smitchell@wtpdx.com

Check out Insurance Tips from World Travel for a short introduction to travel insurance. (NOTE: WAI receives no commission or financial remuneration from World Travel Inc.).

Be aware that some travel insurance policies contain time-sensitive provisions (i.e. some benefits, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, are available only if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of the purchase of the travel package). In addition, remember that airfare is not covered by any travel insurance policy you may have purchased for the tour.

As always, do some shopping to ensure you are getting the best value. Using the SquareMouth.com website can be a good way to compare pricing.

Other options include:

Allianz

Betins

Travel Guard

Travel Insured International

WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by various credit card companies. If you are relying on this type of benefit for insurance, we advise you to verify coverage types and limits and that your purchase does in fact qualify you for this insurance.

NOTE: We suggest purchasing from a reputable, well-established insurance company (avoid buying insurance from an unknown company found only online). Travelers interested in purchasing “cancel for any reason” insurance coverage should be careful to check pricing and terms BEFORE they register for a tour. Recent changes in the international travel landscape has caused changes in the policies of some insurance companies, and made the purchase of this particular type of policy even more time-sensitive.

Walking Adventures International reserves the right to cancel this tour departure with fewer than 15 participants, in which case registered participants will receive a 100% refund of payments received.

This refund policy contains one exclusion. Many suppliers require non-refundable deposits as a condition of booking services. Though it is rare, unforeseen circumstances can force us to cancel a tour. In cases where supplier’s non-refundable policies are imposed, WAI attempts to retrieve as much of these deposits as possible but cannot guarantee a 100% refund. In cases where full refunds cannot be obtained for a cancelled tour, we will do our best to transfer unrefunded money as traveler credits to be applied to a future tour to that destination.

Our approach to wellness on tour has traditionally been to encourage travelers to:

Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.

Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.

Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc). If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.

If you feel ill, isolate yourself in your cabin and away from others. In fact, because of our isolation from medical services once aboard ship, strict quarantine measures on those with illness symptoms are enforced by ship staff.

Click WAI Wellness on Tour Policy to view the WAI policy on Wellness on Tour.

After registration, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps required by our ship. Other general advice is also included to help you prepared in the months before your trip. Please do not buy airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

A second document of Travel Tips will be published in the months leading up to departure to further aid your preparation.

The interim deposit payments required, along with the final payment, will be preceded by reminders from WAI 2-3 weeks before each due date. All payments are non-refundable after the due date. 

Please see our General Tour Conditions for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure.

Around 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel names and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.

We look forward to sharing with you this expedition to Svalbard, in the Norwegian Arctic!