Arctic Cruise - Polar Bear Express

Today we explore Oslo city, we visit Vigeland Sculpture Park- the largest sculpture park in the world by a single artist, boasting over 200 pieces by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, Holmenkollen Ski Museum and its observation deck - World's oldest ski museum, it represents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artefacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo, Kon Tiki Museum - It houses vessels and maps from the Kon-Tiki expedition. Later we take a photo stop at Opera House - home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway.

Wake to an exciting morning, pack your bags and get ready to leave for Longyearbyen by flight.
From here we start our unforgettable journey to Arctic Circle, this remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world, but also boasts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank, and supermarket. Upon arrival, you'll step into a different world. The crisp Arctic breeze greets you the moment you set foot on the tarmac, and the iconic signpost outside the terminal serves as a stark reminder of just how far north you've ventured – with a friendly caution to keep an eye out for bears! Later, you'll board the eagerly awaiting Ocean Albatros Cruise. Following a mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, we'll venture onto the outer decks. There, you can savor a glass of champagne while witnessing our expedition vessel bid farewell to civilization and chart a course for adventure!

Today we disembark on one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West Svalbard. Designated as a national park in 1973, this area is renowned for its rich history, chronicling some of the earliest human arrivals on Svalbard. The legendary Dutch explorer William Barents, in 1596, noted abundant whales and seals, attracting English and Dutch whalers within a decade. Sites like Smeerenburg reveal remnants of 16th-century whaling operations. Today, the region, once marked by industrialized slaughter, is a nature lover's paradise, with Arctic flora, diverse bird species, and the occasional presence of walrus and polar bears, as the area returns to its wild state.

Today, feel the icy breeze on your cheeks, inhaling the crisp scent of snow and sea. Witness the sunlight dance on floating ice in the unique realm of the Arctic. The ever-changing ice pack north of Svalbard, extending to the North Pole and beyond, is a dynamic habitat. Despite its seemingly barren appearance, this icy wilderness conceals mysteries and wildlife. As Ocean Albatros navigates through narrow ice channels, seals bask, and cod-like fish swim in clear waters. Followed by Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls, the vessel unveils the secrets of this remote environment, from belugas to the majestic polar bear, showcasing the remarkable beauty at the top of the world – the expedition's ultimate goal.

Today we continue sailing towards the North Pole, and onwards across the Arctic Ocean towards the northern shores of Chukotka and Alaska.

Retreating from the northern icy wastes, we return to the relatively hospitable shores of northwest Spitzbergen, once frequented by whalers and sealers. These islands, a historic staging post for exploratory expeditions, continue their legacy as a hub for scientific research. Pioneers like Amundsen, Nansen, and Nordenskiöld left their mark here, seeking to push the boundaries of humanity. Ny-Ålesund, the world's northernmost community, transformed from a coal mining town to a global research settlement, symbolizes the shift from exploitation to conservation. Rusting remnants on Danskøya and the airship mast in Ny-Ålesund tell tales of early polar attempts, inviting you to follow in the footsteps of explorers and witness how researchers strive to protect this high Arctic paradise. Today we explore the fascinating little research town of Ny-Ålesund as Ocean Albatros pulls into Kongsfjorden, and see modern Arctic scientists in action in the northernmost settlement on Earth.

Today the Ocean Albatros Cruise will return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the sea ice! Upon arrival we explore Longyearbyen, we visit the peerless Svalbard Museum and see relics of the whaling era, perfectly preserved in the frigid permafrost, alongside exhibits on the natural history of this remarkable archipelago. Further we have free time for shopping. Later we proceed to Svalbard Airport and fly to Oslo.