Land of the Ice Bears: An Exploration of Arctic Svalbard - Endurance
This brand-new ship with National Geographic-level guiding, offers one of the world's most outstanding trips for searching out the elusive polar bear.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
126
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the best place on the planet to see polar bears—wild and majestic in their native habitat. Over the past 30+ years, ace spotters have given this ship's guests multiple opportunities to experience close sightings. In addition to the bears, you’ll have the opportunity to see and observe walrus, fascinating creatures and wonderful photo subjects, reindeer, elusive arctic foxes, fur seals, and a glory of birds. The islands of the archipelago are ideal for walking, with some hikes revealing artful, sculptural arrangements of whale bones on pebbled beaches, and the ghostly remains of trapper’s huts.
- • Search for polar bears and walrus alongside skilled veteran spotters who know where to look for them.
• Explore under the midnight sun—and take advantage of spectacular photo ops with tips from a National Geographic photographer.
• Travel on a brand-new, purpose-built expedition ship with kayaks and an underwater viewing device for seeing the ocean floor.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $14,085 per person
May to June offers longer daylight hours, providing ample time for exploration and wildlife observation. As the ice begins to melt, you can witness polar bears, reindeer, and seabirds in their natural habitats. The stunning landscapes come alive with blooming flora, making it an ideal time for adventures like hiking, kayaking, and glacier cruising.
Inquire for specific dates.
May – June;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Itinerary
Day 1: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world's northernmost settlement, which has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3-8: Exploring Svalbard
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walrus sun themselves, and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view. Sail deep into protected bays and fjords, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Fly back to Oslo on a private charter flight, enjoy dinner with fellow guests, and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Oslo/U.S.
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for flights home.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of this operator.
Sample Airfares in USD:
Economy: from $1,180pp
Business: from $3,960pp
Charter(round-trip Oslo/Longyearbyen): from $760pp
Special Offer (Subject to change): Travel aboard the National Geographic Endurance or Resolution on any voyage and this operator will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew.
Children: Take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
Back-to-Back: Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of this operator's expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only and are not valid on extensions or airfare. Ask your Travel Curator for dovetailing options.
Group Rates: Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from regular policies.
National Geographic Endurance
The first new polar build in this operator's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions.
• Capacity: 126 guests
• Cabins: 69 outside cabins, 53 cabins with balconies
• Specialists: Nat Geo Experts, Full-Time Doctor, and Wellness Coach
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"The brand new, state-of-the-art X-Bow ship, the National Geographic Endurance, offers one of the most exciting, cutting-edge expedition experiences available. With her spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, expedition equipment, and National Geographic-level experts onboard, the NG Endurance is an outstanding choice for any of her far-flung destinations. Highly recommended!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
I enthusiastically recommend 'Land of the Ice Bears' to travelers looking for an experienced operator with great skill and an excellent track record for locating polar bears.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Includes two hotel nights; accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance (recommended) Air transportation; charter flights Oslo/Longyearbyen/Oslo; immigration/passport fees; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD.
