Arctic Cruises - North Spitsbergen Voyage

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement and the administrative centre of the Svalbard archipelago. Before boarding the S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn stroll around this former mining town and perhaps visit its parish church and Svalbard Museum. In the early evening, sail out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage, and head towards Trygghamna bay. (D)

Today walk to Alkhornet cliff and see thousands of seabirds nesting on the cliff. On your way back to the S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn you might also spot Arctic foxes and grazing reindeer. (B,L,D)

Head north to Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden and enjoy majestic views of glaciers and mountain peaks. Unearth research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Alaska in 1926. See Ny London, the remains of an early 20th-century marble mining settlement, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanently inhabited village in the world and a centre for polar research. (B,L,D)

Continue exploring West Spitsbergen. (B,L,D)

Sail south through the Forlandsundet strait between the main island of Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland. Spot walruses and seals at Poolepynten, a headland at the eastern coast of the Prins Karls Forland. (B,L,D)

Reach Isfjorden and stop at Ymerbukta bay where you may embark on a walk in this mountainous area. Explore some of the extensive tundra before sailing to Ekmanfjorden. Continue to Gipsvika and step ashore to venture close to the impressive bird cliff of Templet. (B,L,D)

Continue sailing through Isfjorden. (B,L,D)