Voyage to the Arctic and Spitsbergen
Experience more with so much included
- Visit the vast glaciers, icebergs and stunning fjords of Spitsbergen
- Experience the midnight sun from within the Arctic Circle
- Sail around the Svalbard archipelago and along the rim of the Arctic pack ice
- Be amazed by the huge variety of wildlife, from polar bears, walruses and whales to arctic foxes and thousands of seabirds
- Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard in high Summer and visit former whaling stations and the northernmost settlement of Ny Ålesund
- Discover the small rocky islands Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard - almost vegetation-free they are located some 1000 km further north than the North Cape (conditions and weather dependent)
- Encounter the charming small city of Oslo with its futuristic waterside opera house on a guided tour
- A programme of fascinating lectures by the on-board team of knowledgeable expedition guides
- A seven-night cruise on board the new MV Ocean Albatros with its state-of-the-art amenities, including a speciality dining meal in the panoramic restaurant
At a Glance
Departing June 2023
2023 DATES ON SALE NOW
7 nights on the new MV Ocean Albatros
2 nights hotel in Oslo with breakfast
Return flights & transfers
Programme of daily tours & visits on board
Full board during the cruise
Expert tour manager
Checked Luggage
Our promises
Holiday Happiness. Guaranteed
If you're not happy by day two, we'll bring you home at no extra charge and offer you a full refund.
Price Promise
If the price of your holiday reduces after you've booked, we'll reduce the price for you - or refund you the difference.
Quality Promise
You can't find the same quality of holiday for less with a competitor - if you do, we'll match the price.
Overview
Imagine gazing out over an empty landscape of vast creaking glaciers surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the sea around you dotted with small icebergs and the huge black tailfins of humpback whales as they dive. On land the low tundra vegetation is dotted with bright flowers taking advantage of the short summer warmth and look carefully to catch sight of an Arctic fox or some Svalbard reindeer, or perhaps a colony of walruses on the pristine beaches. As our ship skirts the pack ice, we may be lucky enough to spot a polar bear and her cub on their constant hunt for seals. All this and more awaits on a true Arctic adventure aboard the brand new four-star MV Ocean Albatros!
Launching in 2023, this magnificent vessel will spend its first summer season sailing Northern Waters. Starting in the small Norwegian town of Longyearbyen, explore these magnificent inshore waters and fjords, and visit spectacular cliffs inhabited by thousands of seabirds.
June is the perfect time to spot the amazing wildlife of one of the world’s most fascinating and remote polar regions; we’ll aim to voyage around 80 degrees north to meet the edge of the pack ice and spot polar bears in their preferred habitat. Located well inside the Arctic Circle, you’ll also experience the spectacular midnight sun.
On our first and last nights, you’ll stay in Norway’s capital Oslo – a charming small city, with its futuristic waterside opera house and pedestrianised main street just 5 minutes by train from your hotel.
Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room/cabin and includes:
- Domestic return flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- International flights between Oslo and the UK
- One night's pre cruise stay and one night's post cruise stay at the Scandic Sjølyst hotel in Oslo with breakfast
- Seven nights' cruise on the MV Ocean Albatros, with daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- All shore excursions by Zodiac dinghies
- Lectures by the on-board expedition team
- Port charges
- All transfers
- Porterage of one item of luggage per person
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. On-board currency is the US dollar.
Not Included: US$14 per person daily for cruise staff gratuities, all drinks onboard, including speciality coffees, wifi/phone charges & laundry.
Classic Tours Information
Along with your experienced and knowledgeable tour manager and local experts, you’ll discover so much on our award-winning Classic tours, offering the best value for money way for you to explore the world.
Our tour managers have been rated as the best in the business for their knowledge and experience and will go above and beyond to ensure every aspect of your holiday runs smoothly – so all you need to worry about is your packing.
Meet Your Tour Manager, George Bareham
Raised in Yorkshire, George’s photography and tour leading career began in South America 30 years ago.
George says: "I’ve always loved the natural world and other cultures and it’s my absolute passion to photograph them. I’m proud to say I’ve won a few awards for my work! I have led many photography tours and there’s nothing I love more than getting out into the wilds with my camera in hand."
Useful Information
Tour Essentials
- Currency: Norwegian Krone on land and US dollars onboard the ship
- Flight time: UK/Oslo approx. 2 hrs 15 mins, Oslo/Longyearbyen approx. 3hrs.
- Language: Norwegian
- Time zone: GMT+1
- Country: Norway
- Plug type: Standard European 2-pin round
Please contact us if you would like timings and/or further information on the connecting flights. All flight details will be listed in your booking confirmation.
Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Norway however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Health Information
Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we should point out that shore excursions are always over uneven, sometimes snow-covered ground and involve stepping into and sitting on the side of an inflatable Zodiac dinghy.
For these reasons this holiday is not suitable for clients of impaired mobility. Please note the Expedition Leader reserves the right to deny participation in shore excursions to anyone deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others.
As you will be travelling in remote areas without easy access to medical facilities, we recommend that you do not join this cruise if you have any life-threatening conditions or need regular medical treatment/supervision.
Mobility Information
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility, we encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Transfer Times
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Oslo Airport to Scandic Scandic Sjølyst Hotel, Oslo – approx. 40 mins
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