©StudioPONANT-Ophelie-Bleunven
©StudioPONANT-Noemie-Watel_M
©StudioPONANT-Ophelie-Bleunven
©StudioPONANT-Noemie Watel
©StudioPonant-Morgane MONNERET

Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen

From

A$13,960 per person

  • Dates

    Jun and Jul

  • Duration

    8 Days

  • Embark

    Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

  • Disembark

    Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Route

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  • Depart

Route Information

Embark: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Disembark: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Destinations:
Spitsbergen, Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden and the Monaco Glacier, Raudfjorden, Smeerenburg and Ny-Alesund

Ships:
Le Lyrial, Le Boréal

Duration:
8 days

Additional Information:
Return Flights from Paris to Longyearbyen included.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 Fly Paris to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Take the group flight from Paris high into the Arctic to Longyearbyen. Transfer to your ship for embarkation in the late afternoon.  Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, is located on Svalbard’s main island and holds the title of the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures plummeting below -40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, expansive mountains, and untouched nature make you feel as if you are in completely unexplored territory.

Day 2 - 3 Hornsund Fjord & Bellsund Fjord

Known as Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is renowned as its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, eight great glaciers slowly descend to the sea, giving way to icebergs drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.

Continue your journey to the Bellsund fjord, tracing the footsteps of the first explorers from the Norwegian coast and the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting a rich diversity of wildlife, the fjord’s arms separate two lush valleys.

Day 4 Toward the Ice Floes

Sailing North, your Captain will navigate up close to the ice floes, weather permitting, take the opportunity to venture out in a Zodiac dinghy for a unique experience amid these floating slabs of ice. This journey through the floes, with their blue-tinged edges and thickness sometimes exceeding 2 meters, provides a chance to observe a distinct type of fauna entirely dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals, and polar bears.

Day 5 Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden and the Monaco Glacier

Despite its name, this location is neither in Texas nor a bar; it is an unusual spot in the High Arctic. Texas Bar is a former trapper’s hut, once used by Arctic fox and polar bear hunters. The hut, still standing, has a rudimentary interior with bunk beds and kitchen utensils. Situated at the entrance to Liefdefjorden (the “fjord of love”), it rests peacefully in a landscape of hills covered with moss, lichen, and flowers. Cliffs with ever-changing colours, frequented by birds, add to the beauty of the surroundings. A short hike up the slopes brings you to a superb view of the Monaco Glacier, further south.

Located in the northwest of the Svalbard archipelago, the Monaco Glacier is arguably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic sights. Named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a renowned sailor, it stands as an impenetrable, blue wall of ice, cracking as it breaks free and crashes into the clear water. Here, amongst the magical landscape, you might be fortunate enough to spot bears and whales, as these magnificent creatures are fond of this area.

Day 6 Raudfjorden and Smeerenburg

Raudfjorden, meaning “red fjord” due to the colour of the surrounding sandstone mountains, is a breathtaking destination along the west coast of this 20 km fjord, which is dissected by numerous shallow bays. Here, you can admire some of Spitsbergen’s most spectacular ice formations. At the fjord’s end, two offshoots lead to the magnificent glaciers of Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen, the latter spanning 3 km wide. To the east, Alicehamna Beach in Bruceneset Bay has welcomed trappers, fishermen, and explorers for centuries, as evidenced by “Raudfjordhytta,” the cabin of a Swedish trapper built in 1927.

Today we also visit Smeerenburg . Located at the far northwest of the Svalbard archipelago, at the intersection of oceanic and Arctic influences, Smeerenburg is a former Dutch whaling colony on the southern part of Amsterdam Island. The landscape is steep with, lakes, and lagoons, here we will anchor at a sandy beach. Dotted with driftwood and the remains of ovens once used to process whale blubber, this site is one of Spitsbergen’s most important archaeological treasures. At the peak of whaling activity, 200 men worked here, and several are buried on this historic ground.

Day 7 Ny-Alesund and Kongsfjorden

Continue to Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the starting point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the legendary explorer Roald Amundsen. Don’t miss a visit to the museum and its post office, considered the most northerly in the world.

Very close to Ny-Ålesund, venture to Kings Bay. Sail through one of Svalbard’s most stunning fjords: Kongsfjorden (the fjord of the King), the gateway to a stunning landscape. Here, snow-capped mountains are mirrored in the water, where icebergs vie for attention, a paradise for photographers. Seals, reindeer, barnacle geese, and black guillemots inhabit this unique place.

At the end of the fjord, admire Kongsbreen (the glacier of the King) and its three distinctive rocky points, named after three Scandinavian countries: Svea (Sweden), Dana (Denmark), and Nora (Norway).

Day 8 Disembark in Longyearbyen, fly Paris

On arrival in Longyearbyen, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Paris.

Activities

    ©StudioPONANT-Olivier Blaud

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiac cruising offers thrilling exploration of icy landscapes, allowing travellers to navigate through ice floes and wildlife-rich waters, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the polar regions up close.

    ©PONANT:Ragnar Axelsson

    Hiking or Snowshoeing

    Explore the untouched wilderness with varied hikes, guided by expert naturalists. From coastal strolls to snowshoe adventures, discover remote viewpoints, embracing the challenges of weather and ice.

    Dates & rates

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    • Dates

      Jun 7 – Jun 14, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$16,160 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jun 14 – Jun 21, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$15,430 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jun 15 – Jun 22, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Boréal

    • Price range (per person)
      A$14,690 - $49,780
    • Dates

      Jun 21 – Jun 28, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$14,690 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jun 22 – Jun 29, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Boréal

    • Price range (per person)
      A$17,030 - $49,780
    • Dates

      Jun 28 – Jul 5, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$14,690 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jun 29 – Jul 6, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Boréal

    • Price range (per person)
      A$13,960 - $49,780
    • Dates

      Jul 5 – Jul 12, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$14,690 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jul 5 – Jul 12, 2025

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$15,430 - $63,010
    • Dates

      Jun 13 – Jun 20, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$13,680 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jun 20 – Jun 27, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jun 27 – Jul 4, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jul 4 – Jul 11, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jul 11 – Jul 18, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jul 18 – Jul 25, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670
    • Dates

      Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026

    • Embark

      Longyearbyen / Longyearbyen

    • Ship

      Le Lyrial

    • Price range (per person)
      A$12,980 - $59,670

    What's included

    Inclusions

    Flight from Paris to Longyearbyen return.
    An official expedition parka to keep.
    Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
    Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
    All meals, snacks and unlimited complimentary drinks throughout the cruise including minibar (excludes premium alcoholic drinks served a la carte).
    Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
    Complimentary Wi-Fi.
    Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.

     

    Exclusions

    International airfare to join in Paris.
    Passport and applicable visa expenses.
    Meals unless otherwise specified.
    Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
    Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
    Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
    Additional overnight accommodation.
    Optional activities not listed in included activities.