Very few people have the opportunity to view the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Islands. In the archipelago, polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer and an incredibly rich variety of birds are abundant, as are cathedrals of ice, glaciers and craggy mountain peaks. An exquisite assortment of flora also peppers this barren landscape.

The primary objective of your voyage is to spot polar bears as they roam in their natural habitat. Cruising on A&K’s exclusive charter limited to just 199 guests grants you unrestricted access to every navigable area within the Svalbard archipelago — something ships with larger capacities cannot provide — allowing the ship to visit any locale favored by the bears. Your Captain and Expedition Leader determine the day’s best sightseeing opportunities, which may include:

Ny Alesund: Home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world.

Alkefjellet, or “auk cliffs”: Staggering cliffs that drop directly into the water and provide a home to vast colonies of auks, diving birds entirely dependent on the sea for their food.

Monacobreen: Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bears, harbor and bearded seals, walruses and a multitude of seabirds.

The Austfonna Icecap: One of the world’s largest icecaps spanning over 5,000 square miles.

Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord): Named after a Dutch ship with the same name, this fjord is another excellent area for spotting polar bears and wildlife.

Sjuoyane (“Seven Islands”): The most northerly region of the Svalbard archipelago.

In every region, enjoy endless moments of discovery alongside A&K’s seasoned Expedition Team, who know intuitively where and when you’re most likely to see polar bears and wildlife — which you observe from the safety and comfort of your luxury expedition cruiser. These same experts also scout every landing site in advance of your arrival, assuring your safety and maximizing your experience ashore.