Starting in Longyearbyen, the largest town on the archipelago, we board our ship and sail through Icefjord to the Russian mining community of Barentsburg.

Continuing north to the tiny settlement of Ny-Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, we then visit the glacier-fed Magdalenefjord, one of the island’s most beautiful fjords and Smeerenburgfjord – meaning ‘Blubbertownfjord’ – site of a former whaling station set amid dramatically barren mountainscapes.

Informative talks and lectures in the ship’s panoramic lounge will allow us to learn about the natural environment, geology, wildlife and exciting polar heritage as we sail.

The beautiful Svalbard archipelago is host to over 170 species of plant, 110 types of migratory birds and a mammal population that includes reindeer, walrus, seal, Arctic fox, whale and the majestic polar bear. The Gulf Stream has allowed the island’s 400 kilometres long western coastline to become incredibly rich in animal and plant life, while the remote east is forever under the grips of the Arctic winter. The further north and east that we sail, the more ice we will meet and this ice will gradually build up into large ice floes with seals resting on them. On rounding the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we will cross the 80th parallel, just 1000 kilometres from the North Pole.

Deep within the Arctic Circle, we see lonely Nordaustlandet – the second-largest island in the archipelago – before heading down Hinlopen Strait, lined by fjords and tundra. We plan to visit Vibebukta and the 200 kilometres wide ice sheet of the Austfonna Glacier. Our aim is to sail to the remote polar regions in order to experience the Arctic wilderness, drift ice, flora and fauna. This is very much the kingdom of the polar bear and there is a very good chance to see large males as well as mothers and their cubs. With the dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords, enchanting drift ice and rugged backdrop of the snow-capped landscape this trip is a voyage to the extremes of the Earth.

This expedition cruise to Svalbard’s remote northern and eastern regions on board the MV Polar Star provides you with the opportunity to experience at close hand the unique wildlife, awesome landscape and overwhelming silence of the Arctic. Our ship is one of the most comfortable ice class vessels available for polar expeditions and she can safely explore areas that many others simply cannot reach. Your final itinerary is dependent on weather and ice conditions, but we aim to explore the remote northern and eastern regions of Spitsbergen – perhaps circumnavigating the whole island.

Arrive in Longyearbyen. Overnight stay at Spitsbergen Hotel.

Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, board MV Polar Star and sail for the Icefjord and Barentsburg.

Stop off at Ny–Ålesund, before heading north to Magdalenefjord and Smeerenburgfjord.

Round the top of Spitsbergen, crossing the 80th parallel before exploring fjords, glaciers and icebergs. From here your itinerary is based on local sea and ice conditions at the time, with regular landings and excursions using Zodiacs.

Explore remote locations, seek out Arctic wildlife – including polar bears – and have the chance to learn more about the heritage of this fascinating region, from our on board experts. If conditions allow, we may circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, visit Nordaustlandet, Wahlenburgfjord, Murchisonfjord and possibly voyage as far as Edgeøya and Sørkapp (Southern Cape).

Return to Icefjord. Farewell dinner on board

Early morning arrival in Longyearbyen where your tour ends.

Your flight package includes: Return economy class flights from London Heathrow to Longyearbyen (via Oslo), including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges.

Not included: Optional carbon balancing fee. Departures & supplements from other UK airports are available on request.

Please refer to the voyage dossier for more information about the programme, day to day itinerary, recommended equipment and reading.

Our main 2010/11 brochure features our authentic voyages along the Norwegian Coast and Expedition Voyages to Antarctica, Greenland and Spitsbergen. Our 2009/10 Northern Lights brochure features a range of Northern Lights Cruises and Winter Adventures to Norwegian Lapland.

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