Experience the wild raw beauty of Arctic nature on this in-depth voyage around Svalbard. A combination of our two Polar Bear Express voyages, this in depth itinerary will explore two distinct regions of Svalbard - beginning in the the green plains and desert hills of South Eastern Svalbard, before sailing via Longyearbyen towards the far Northwest of Svalbard and exploring the icy wilderness of the Arctic Ocean. With a unique combination of environments, locations and wildlife, this rare combination voyage offers a more in depth experience on Svalbard than any other Albatros Expeditions voyage.
 
Join a new and exciting voyage onboard Ocean Albatros, exploring Svalbard in depth. This expedition departs from Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, before heading towards the deep fjords and rolling mountains of Southern Svalbard. Experience the raw beauty of nature in this high Arctic paradise, which is kept warmer than other lands at the same latitude by the last gasp of the Gulf Stream. This region includes some of Svalbard's most spectacular scenery and greatest biodiversity with a variety of habitats, from green tundra meadows, to glassy fjords and precipitous mountains. Spot the endemic Svalbard reindeer, puffins and maybe even the elusive yet charismatic Arctic fox in this chilly utopia. 
From the southern region of Svalbard, Ocean Albatros will return to Longyearbyen, allowing guests to explore this fascinating little town and join us on a tour into a coal mine, witnessing the evidence of a rough working environment first hand. Rich in history and local culture, Longyearbyen is one of the most fascinating towns in the world, and offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor, from excellent museums, galleries, dining and shopping through to challenging but rewarding hiking and other outdoor activities. 
 
From Longyearbyen, Ocean Albatros will journey via the remote lands of the Northwest Spitzbergen National Park to the northernmost region of planet Earth - the Arctic Ocean. Spending two full days exploring the frozen wilderness of the pack ice, guests can experience one of Earth's most remote and beautiful regions. The nutrient-rich waters of the northern Barents Sea nourish a plethora of wildlife, much of which can be found in the Arctic pack ice and nowhere else - including the King of the Arctic, the polar bear. Our unique ice-strengthened vessel is the ideal platform from which to explore this icy seascape, offering the best possible views over the ever-shifting ice which stretches from Svalbard to Siberia and Alaska, far beyond the North Pole. Navigating these ethereal white ice floes is a challenge even for even the most skilled seafarers, however our talented Captain, Bridge Team and Expedition Leader will artfully exploit the leads and cracks in the ice, endevouring to explore as much of this unearthly realm as possible. From the ice edge, your vessel will return to Northwest Spitzbergen before concluding in Longyearbyen. 
 
Embark on the adventure of lifetime aboard Ocean Albatros for a truly unique take on the traditional Svalbard expedition cruise.