In the Realm of the Polar Bear
Flights from London→Longyearbyen → Spitsbergen → Tromso→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £9095
per person
Overview
An expedition exploring the Svalbard Archipelago aboard the Hanseatic Nature
Few places remain in the world where you can be assured that nature in its purest form will provide highlight after unexpected highlight. The region beyond Norway's North Cape is without doubt such a wilderness. The Svalbard Archipelago, and the island of Spitsbergen especially, is an astonishing place of glacial landscapes and endless horizons with lingering twilight located just 600 miles from the North Pole. Exotic and remote, this archipelago lies almost as far north as there is land on our globe. For this exciting expedition to Svalbard, Noble Caledonia is delighted to be working with their associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, who have made some cabins available to Noble Caledonia aboard their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Nature.
During the voyage, guests will spend eight days exploring Spitsbergen's magnificent fjords, spectacular and vast glaciers, a tundra landscape miraculously dotted with wildflowers and sheer cliffs, as well as some historic sites of early explorers. Despite such stunning scenery, for many the most striking aspect of the Noble Caledonia expedition will be the extraordinary abundance of wildlife they hope to encounter, including large colonies of walrus on beaches and passing ice floes, the amazing seabird cliffs of the offshore islands, Arctic foxes and, of course, the elusive polar bear, of which there are somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 in the region.
Highlights
- Enjoy the convenience of specially chartered flights from Germany to Longyearbyen and back from Tromsø.
- Experience eight days of flexible exploration aboard the ice-class PC6 expedition ship, the Hanseatic Nature.
- Visit the historic whaling site in Hornsund to view remnants like wooden boats, cabins, and whale bones preserved in the Arctic environment.
- Explore the world’s most northerly settlement, Ny-Ålesund, an international research hub featuring a museum, gift shop, and post office.
- Witness the five-kilometre-wide front of the majestic Monacobreen glacier from the deck or by Zodiac in the Liefdefjord.
- Navigate the ice-strewn waters of northeast Spitsbergen for the opportunity to spot polar bears hunting in their natural habitat.
- Marvel at the "bird mountain" of Alkefjellet, home to thousands of thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, and other Arctic species.
- Take a guided hike through the tundra of Nordaustlandet to discover unique Arctic flora like Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage.
- Observe formidable herds of walrus at Torellneset, where bulls can grow up to 3.5 metres in length.
- Search for whales and Barents Island reindeer while navigating the archipelago's protected waters and sounds.
Explore further
Destination guides
More expedition cruises
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the departure airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
- 2
Day 2 Germany to Longyearbyen.
After breakfast in the hotel, return to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival, transfer to the Hanseatic Nature and embark. Sail this evening. There are few places that quite measure up to Spitsbergen with its wild, raw island beauty and home to a fascinating animal world. In this kingdom of polar bears, the Hanseatic Nature moves flexibly and safely thanks to its ice class for passenger ships (PC6) and we will spend eight days exploring the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands. The goal in sight will be a circumnavigation but the exact schedule and route will be shaped by the weather and ice conditions we encounter. As we make our way along deserted coasts like the great pioneers before us one of the many highlights in south Spitsbergen is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where countless mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. Some 50 whaling stations were registered in Spitsbergen and this site is one of the oldest and comes from a time when whaling was still operated from the shore. We will find the remains of historical whaling operations, including wooden boats, cabins and thousands of whale bones—a scene from the distant past, literally frozen in time. Human habitation along our route can be found at Ny Alesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world's most northerly settlements and we will find a museum, gift shop and post office. In addition, Svalbard reindeer roam through the town and Arctic terns nest along the roads. An impressive Arctic landscape of steep mountains surrounds the Smeerenburgfjord and as your expedition ship approaches you will be able to see some fantastic glacier views and when ashore you might see the timid Arctic fox. In the Liefdefjord, we pass the majestic Monacobreen glacier with its blocks of ice that keep falling into the fjord from the five kilometre wide front. Witness this awe-inspiring spectacle from deck or from a Zodiac. The glacier was named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, who explored the area in 1906 and 1907 with Gunnar Isachsen. If the conditions allow, we will venture forth into the waters of northeast Spitsbergen, where you can experience the true expedition feeling. We will take the ship as close as safely possible to the jumbled and constantly shifting ice floes in the hope of observing polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat. At only around 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, every extra kilometre may be increasingly difficult to negotiate and our ability to complete a circumnavigation will depend on if the ice grants us a passage through the eye of the needle in the Hinlopen Strait. The captain and officers will constantly look for impressive scenes such as the cliffs of Alkefjellet; the “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The Zodiacs will also take you ashore in Palanderbukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, most of which is covered by ice caps. On a hike through the sparse tundra, keep an eye out for Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage. Herds of walrus like to lie on the flat ledges in Torellneset. The mighty bulls are a formidable and memorable sight from a respectful distance – they can weigh over 1,000 kilogrammes and grow to 3.5 metres in length. Weather and ice permitting, we will pass through the narrow Freeman Sound. Keep your eyes peeled: whales seek out protected biotopes off Spitsbergen and will happily follow ships that are passing the archipelago from time to time. On Barents Island, you may be able to spot reindeer in their flourishing natural habitat. The island is also an important area for polar bears, which bring their cubs into the world here. With a little luck and from a safe distance, you will be able to observe these animals from the ship.
- 11
Day 11 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Tromso.
- 12
Day 12 Tromso to Germany.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Germany. On arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the arrival airport for the charter flight from Tromso is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
- 13
Day 13 Germany to London.
Check out this morning and return to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
The Ship
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Deck plan
Life aboard Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
The Hanseatic Inspiration, Nature, and Spirit are five-star expedition vessels designed for immersive exploration in extreme environments like Antarctica. With a small passenger capacity and a high ratio of crew to guests, they offer a personalized and educational experience led by naturalists. These ships are ideal for travellers seeking intimate wildlife encounters and remote access via Zodiac landing craft.
Quick facts
Ship Class
Expedition
Launch Year
2019-2021
Passenger Capacity
230 (199 in Antarctica and Spitsbergen)
Crew Count
175
Ice Class
PC 6
Onboard Currency
Euro
Suites
All 120 cabins and suites feature outside views, contemporary amenities, and a personal touch with daily replenished soft drinks. Higher category suites provide additional luxury, including butler service, steam saunas, and larger living spaces.
- •All units include heated bathroom walls, rain showers, coffee machines, and mini bars.
- •Junior Suites and Grand Suites feature separate dining areas and butler service.
- •Grand Suites offer a free-standing bath and a veranda equipped with space heaters.
- •Selected cabins on Decks 6 and 7 feature connecting doors for flexible occupancy.
- •All rooms are equipped with binoculars and Nordic walking poles for expeditions.
Life on board
Public areas are designed to bring the outside in, featuring panoramic observation lounges and open deck access for wildlife viewing. Life centers around the HanseAtrium and Ocean Academy, where guests engage with experts and prepare for shore excursions.
- •The HanseAtrium hosts expert-led lectures and daily expedition briefings.
- •Inspiration Walk provides bow access for front-row wildlife sightings.
- •Sun Deck features a pool, whirlpool, and glass-floored viewing balconies.
- •The Ocean Academy offers microscopes and digital resources for independent study.
- •Ocean Spa provides wellness treatments and complimentary use of the sauna and steam bath.
Dining
Dining is flexible with open-seating arrangements across three restaurants, allowing guests to choose their pace. Menus are international, with speciality options providing regional culinary themes.
- •Choice of three open-seating restaurants: Hanseatic, Lido, and a speciality restaurant.
- •Speciality dining includes Nikkei (Inspiration), Hamptons (Nature), or L'Esprit (Spirit).
- •Lido restaurant offers casual, buffet-style dining with indoor and outdoor seating.
- •Soft drinks in the mini-bar are complimentary; Grand and Junior Suites include spirits.
- •Special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered to if notified at booking.
Practical information
These ships operate as high-tech, small-scale expedition vessels where guest comfort and safety are prioritised alongside environmental responsibility. Operations are conducted in both German and English.
- •Dress code is casual during the day and casual-elegant in the evenings.
- •Smoking is restricted to the Smoker's Lounge and designated outdoor areas.
- •Complimentary one hour of internet per guest daily; further usage incurs a surcharge.
- •Medical services are available on board with charges following German fee schedules.
- •220V and 110V outlets are available; travel adaptors are recommended.
- •Shore landings in remote areas are conducted via Zodiac and tender boats.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 1 to 13 July 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £9295 | £8795 |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £9295 | £8795 |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £10795 | £10295 |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £11495 | £10995 |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £10995 | £10495 |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £11995 | £11495 |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £12495 | £11995 |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £13495 | £12995 |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £14995 | £14495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHN010727
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 7 to 19 July 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £9595 | £9095 |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £9595 | £9095 |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £11095 | £10595 |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £11795 | £11295 |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £11295 | £10795 |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £12295 | £11795 |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £12795 | £12295 |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £13795 | £13295 |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £15295 | £14795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHN010727
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel between London & Germany • Specially chartered air travel between Germany and Longyearbyen & Tromso and Germany • Two nights hotel accommodation in Germany with breakfast • 10 nights aboard the Hanseatic Nature on a full board basis • Selection of soft drinks on board • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787