g expedition polar bear cruise

Realm of the Polar Bear

  • Overview

    From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year.

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 130 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
    Disembarkation Point: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.6x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Longyearbyen / Spitsbergen; Embarkation Day

      Transfer from Longyearbyen to the G Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation.

      Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

      All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

    • Day 2/7 - Spitsbergen

      This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!

      Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

      Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.

      Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.

      The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

      Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
      Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

      Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
      Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

    • Day 8 - Spitsbergen / Longyearbyen; Disembarkation

      On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.

      General disembarkation from the vessel is at approximately 8:00am. You will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.

      Due to restrictive airline schedules for flights departing from Longyearbyen, we are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    If you're feeling mighty adventurous (we think that's likely) you can take on an additional challenge by considering a kayaking excursion in the Polar regions. Before you ask yourself why, let us ask "Why not?"

    USD$ 1,019 per person

    The Polar Bear

    To many people, the polar bear is the Arctic. The sight of such an impressive silky white bear wandering the frozen Arctic seas in search of seals symbolizes the cold, isolated nature of the Arctic so well. Polar bears are marine mammals because they spend so much of their lives away from land. In the high Arctic where there is always some sea ice to travel on, polar bears range over ice floes in the pack ice hunting seals all summer. In some areas (e.g. southern Hudson Bay, southern Svalbard) they are simply forced to come ashore. Polar bears rarely venture inland.

    Endless Arctic nights

    Svalbard is the Arctic North as you always dreamed it existed. This wondrous archipelago is a land of dramatic snow-drowned peaks and glaciers, of vast icefields and forbidding icebergs, an elemental place where the seemingly endless Arctic night and the perpetual sunlight of summer carry a deeper kind of magic. One of Europe's last great wildernesses, this is also the domain of more polar bears than people, a terrain rich in epic legends of polar exploration.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots (USA sizes 6-16) and a high quality expedition parka. Specifically designed for the polar regions the expedition parkas feature; breathable waterproof fabric, 5cm Thinsulate liner, reflective taping, large storage pocket and cuff pocket.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Expedition parka
    - Insulated and waterproof boots supplied for USA size 6 - 16
    - Tours specified in the itinerary
    - Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
    - Meeting point to ship transfer
    - Accommodation aboard the G Expedition

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Trip interruption / cancellation insurance
    - Travel medical insurance including medical repatriation (mandatory)
    - Medical expenses - fees / prescriptions / medications
    - Postage / telephone calls / email
    - Personal laundry
    - Soft drink and alcoholic beverages
    - Personal expenses
    - Pre & post cruise transfers and hotel
    - Airport taxes
    - Visa and passport fees
    - International & internal airfares
    - Gratuities
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 06 28 at 1.55.59 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    G EXPEDITION

    The G Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines can hold up to 134 passengers. Many expedition cruise operators offer you a choice of space, comfort or expertise; the Expedition delivers all three at a price few can top. With a focus on safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, the crew of the Expedition is committed to the ship’s continued safe operation.

    Features & Facilities
    • Recently refurbished
    • Lounge/Bar
    • Lecture room
    • Expedition mud room
    • Library
    • Computer room
    • Internet/Wifi
    • Gym
    • Sauna
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 130
    Crew #: 69
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished: 2009
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1972
    Length: 105m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 6334
    Registry: Liberia
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Quad

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Quad cabin with private facilities
USD$ 3,467pp
USD$ 3,467pp

Triple

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Triple cabin with private facilities
USD$ 4,079pp
USD$ 4,079pp

Twin Porthole

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Twin porthole cabin with private facilities
USD$ 4,895pp
USD$ 4,895pp

Twin Window

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Twin window cabin with private facilities
USD$ 5,575pp
USD$ 5,575pp

Superior Twin

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Superior twin cabin with private facilities
USD$ 6,595pp
USD$ 6,595pp

Suite

14 Jun 2018 - 21 Jun 2018
Suite with double bed, private facilities and panoramic windows
USD$ 7,275pp
USD$ 7,275pp