Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

Duration14days

Price fromUSD $10,695 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip StyleExpedition Cruise

Time of yearJuly - August

Rarely visited today yet significant in the history of polar exploration, Franz Josef Land lives up to its legendary reputation.

A Franz Josef Land cruise is as unique and authentic as the place itself. Franz Josef Land is part of the Russian Arctic National Park which is a nature sanctuary. Starting in Longyearbyen in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, the Sea Spirit cruise ship crosses the icy, wildlife-rich Barents Sea to the Russian High Arctic. This remote wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears. In the surrounding icy waters, it is possible to spot seals, walruses, and the elusive bowhead whale. The archipelago also hosts an abundance of nesting Arctic seabirds such as the rare ivory gull.

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise Trip Highlights:

  • Upon our arrival in Franz Josef Land, we’ll spend a week exploring this uninhabited archipelago. We’ll navigate the shallow waters of the isles by Zodiac and make as many on-shore landings as possible. It is comprised of 192 islands where glaciers cover 85% of the land, carving out a spectacular terrain of steep valleys, caves and pinnacles
  • Our mission during our time in Franz Josef Land is to observe (sometimes at an extremely close range) the iconic Arctic animal species that call the islands home, including polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and narwhals
  • Svalbard Archipelago: Spend two days cruising the coastal islands of Svalbard, enjoying awesome Arctic landscapes from panoramic open decks. Whale species commonly sighted include humpback, blue, fin and minke

This 14-day cruise departs from Longyearbyen, Norway, a tiny but fascinating settlement of some 2,000 people and the administrative centre of the Svalbard Archipelago. From Longyearbyen, we set a northward course towards the Russian Arctic, sailing past the spectacular scenery of the Isfjorden fjord on the first evening. The long days of summer sunlight illuminate the surroundings as the Sea Spirit slips her moorings and carries you ever further from human civilization into an untouched wilderness where wildlife abounds.

A wealth of well-preserved historical sites makes the Franz Josef Land island group a veritable museum of polar exploration. Here, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen. The eerie remains of makeshift dwellings give testimony to the incredible struggles of these early expeditions.

On arrival at Franz Josef Land, weather and sea conditions will greatly determine how we spend our time in the archipelago; however, your expedition leader and captain will try their best to make the most of the near 24-hour daylight to maximise wildlife sightings and landing opportunities on the islands.

Frequent trips on the Zodiac (a small boat) tenders will offer the best chance to get close to colonies of walrus in their hundreds, reindeer, Arctic fox and the king of the Arctic, the polar bear. Scree slopes and cliffs form a habitat for enormous numbers of nesting seabirds including black guillemots, northern fulmars and little auks. Arctic Skuas, purple sandpipers, ivory gulls, Arctic terns and snow buntings nest in the tundra.

Back in Svalbard, you have the opportunity to explore beautiful fjords and islands on the northwestern coast of Spitsbergen. Here we seek the full range of Arctic wildlife in one of the world’s most impressive polar desert environments.

Our faithful steed on this two week Arctic cruise will be the ice-strengthened expedition vessel the Sea Spirit. The ship provides luxurious suites for 114 passengers and the friendly atmosphere of a small cruise liner. A fleet of 10 Zodiacs, an experienced crew and a set of retractable fin stabilisers for smoother sailing will make your polar cruise all the more enjoyable.

Arrival

Longyearbyen, Norway

Departure

Longyearbyen, Norway

Accomodation

MS Sea Spirit

Trip style

Expedition Cruise

Duration

14 days / 13 nights

Action rating?

     

Group size

115 guests

Type of tour

Guaranteed Departures

Itinerary View map

Day 1 Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Welcome to Longyearbyen, the Arctic adventure capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of our expedition. After arriving, you are free to explore this small but fascinating settlement. Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and enjoy the shops, cafes and restaurants in the town center.

Your hotel for the night has been arranged and is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2 Embarkation in Longyearbyen

In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home-away-from-home for the extraordinary adventure to come. The scenery as we sail through Isfjorden on our first evening is spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.

Day 3-4 Across the Barents Sea

From Isfjorden we proceed straight to Franz Josef Land across the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff prepare us for what lies ahead. Along the way, we’ll remain vigilant for sightings of ice-dependent marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, various Arctic seal species, and the majestic polar bear.

Day 5-11 Exploration of Franz Josef Land

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. As such, our route and exploration opportunities in Franz Josef Land are heavily dependent on weather and sea ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide our best route and continually adjust plans as opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Day 12-13 Along the coasts of Svalbard

Following our week of exploration in Franz Josef Land, we cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and then along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife sightings. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales.

Day 14 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After breakfast, we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, where we started our expedition. We provide a transfer to the airport, or to the town center if you plan to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!

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Inclusions

1 pre-voyage hotel night

Shipboard accommodation

All meals onboard throughout the voyage

Welcome and Farewell cocktails

Group transfers to the ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation

Leadership throughout the voyage by the experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team

All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)

Branded parka, rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

All port fees

Russian visa support document

Exclusions

Airfare

Russia visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Travel insurance

Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000 (make sure your insurance covers it)

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations

Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges

Tips

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability Price Single sup.  
Jul 16 - Jul 29, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0 Reserve
Jul 28 - Aug 10, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0 Reserve
Aug 9 - Aug 23, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0 Reserve

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

14 days / 13 nights

From
$10,695
USD

*Price per person, based on twin share cabin

Make an enquiry Detailed Itinerary

Special offer

Franz Josef Land Cruise

Testimonials

Donna BeckUSA

I thoroughly enjoyed the “Franz Josef Island Expedition Cruise”.

It was extremely well-managed, making the most of both good weather and bad. The staff was extremely talented, informed and informative. The ship was very comfortable. Food was sooo yum! Fellow passengers were very interesting. It was a wonderful 2 weeks in a very pristine environment. I highly recommend this Expedition.

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

14 days / 13 nights

From
$10,695
USD

*Price per person, based on twin share cabin

Make an enquiry

Dowlnload comprehansive info-kit for this tour, FAQ’s and extras

Detailed Itinerary

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

More benefits
+61 412 587 785[email protected]

Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

Days 14

From USD $10,695

Trip Style Expedition Cruise

Time of year July - August

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Welcome to Longyearbyen, the Arctic adventure capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of our expedition. After arriving, you are free to explore this small but fascinating settlement. Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and enjoy the shops, cafes and restaurants in the town center.

Your hotel for the night has been arranged and is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home-away-from-home for the extraordinary adventure to come. The scenery as we sail through Isfjorden on our first evening is spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.

Day 3-4: Across the Barents Sea

From Isfjorden we proceed straight to Franz Josef Land across the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff prepare us for what lies ahead. Along the way, we’ll remain vigilant for sightings of ice-dependent marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, various Arctic seal species, and the majestic polar bear.

Day 5-11: Exploration of Franz Josef Land

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. As such, our route and exploration opportunities in Franz Josef Land are heavily dependent on weather and sea ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide our best route and continually adjust plans as opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Day 12-13: Along the coasts of Svalbard

Following our week of exploration in Franz Josef Land, we cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and then along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife sightings. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After breakfast, we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, where we started our expedition. We provide a transfer to the airport, or to the town center if you plan to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!

Included

1 pre-voyage hotel night

Shipboard accommodation

All meals onboard throughout the voyage

Welcome and Farewell cocktails

Group transfers to the ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation

Leadership throughout the voyage by the experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team

All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)

Branded parka, rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

All port fees

Russian visa support document

Not included

Airfare

Russia visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Travel insurance

Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000 (make sure your insurance covers it)

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations

Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges

Tips

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup.
Jul 16 - Jul 29, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0
Jul 28 - Aug 10, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0
Aug 9 - Aug 23, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $11,395 US $0

Start planning your tour

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Franz Josef Land and Svalbard Cruise

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