Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light, and Epic Ice

from $13,133.00 USD per person based on double occupancy

May 2026 Departure * 

Accepting Waitlist for May 2026, this is a limited itinerary. Departure date(s) will be announced shortly, and the ship will sell out quickly, do not miss out! 

See Svalbard the way few ever have—in spring. The archipelago will be covered in snow, surrounded by sea ice, and bathed in astonishing light. Stunningly beautiful vistas of snow and ice will be bathed in near-perfect light as the spring sun rises higher in the Arctic sky each day. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, seals, and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea, conditions permitting. 

*Exact dates pending 

The thing that keeps me coming back to the polar regions over and over again is the unique quality of light that only happens there," says National Geographic Photography Expert Camille Seaman. In this visually stunning video, she discusses the thrill of visiting Svalbard in April, on that liminal edge of spring and summer. 
National Geographic Photography Expert Camille Seaman 

Join me aboard the National Geographic Resolution, one of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook. A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Resolution’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions—and, since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride as well.

Why Ralph Recommends this trip… 

  • Nonstop DFW to Helsinki allows easy connections and a great stop over. 
  • Be among the few travelers to sail the region at this time of year, exploring aboard the
    supremely comfortable National Geographic Resolution, whose polar-class capabilities allow her to navigate these icy waters 
  • Experience pristine snow and ice conditions during the early season in Svalbard 
  • Search for adult male polar bears in their natural habitat, the sea ice 
  • Walk on the frozen sea in the Arctic, an adventure only possible in early spring 
  • Capture the astonishing springtime light with our expert photographers on hand to provide
    instruction 

Ready to book? Click here to book your spot today! 

Day-by-Day Itinerary 

DAY 1 Arrive Oslo 

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Our introduction to Norway begins with an afternoon tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner Arrival City: Oslo, Norway Meals: (L/D)

DAY 2 Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark Ship 

Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival, explore this northern outpost and research center, including the expansive views of the icy fjord and surrounding mountain ranges. Embark the National Geographic Resolution, our base of exploration for the coming six days. (B/L/D) 

DAYS 3-8 Svalbard 

By design, our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. 

The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and our
experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and we will have the rare opportunity to witness it; we will chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding us to assist in capturing the best photographs. (B/L/D)

DAYS 9-10 Longyearbyen / Disembark Ship / Oslo 

Disembark in Longyearbyen and soak in the atmosphere of this exploration outpost once again before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. The next day, walk across the street to the airport for flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on Day 9; breakfast is provided on Day 10 

Ready to book? Click here to book your spot today! 

Pricing - Rates are not yet finalized for 2026 and subject to change. 

Click here to view cabins and the vessel’s deck plan. 

Group savings of 10% applied once 5 cabins are booked

CabinsDouble Occupancy*Single Occupancy* 
Category 1$13,133 per person 
Category 2$13,609 per person 
Category 3$16,738 per person$20,199
Category 4$18,649 per person$20,913
Category 5$20,630 per person 

Deposit: Advance payment 15% 

Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure (final date pending) 

  • Pricing does not reflect 10% groups savings 
  • Prices are per person / based on double occupancy • $500 discount extended to all guests under the age of 18 

Ready to join me? Simply click here to pay your deposit & choose your stateroom. 

What's included in this trip: 

  • Accommodations aboard ship and in hotels per itinerary 
  • All meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages aboard ship (except certain premium brands)
  • All shore excursions and sightseeing entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks 
  • Transfers to and from group flights 
  • Taxes, service charges and port charges 
  • Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader and Naturalist staff; local guides

What's not included in this trip: 

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included) 
  • Pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers, 
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included) 
  • Crew gratuities 

Important information 

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, explored all options before during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas. 

We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Click here to view full details. 

Deluxe Travel Protection designed by Travel Experts 

Travelers AgeCost
0-17 yr 3.2%
18-34 yr4.1%
35-59 yr6.1%
60-69 yr8.5%
70-79 yr10.9%
80+ yr14%

Advance and Final Payments 

effective May 1, 2023

To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. 

Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more. 

Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure. 

Cancellation policy: 

Number of Days Prior to Expedition StartPer Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days (until 18 October 2024)No penalty: Advanced Payment will be credited toward your next expedition*
119-90 days (19 October – 18 November 2024) 50% of trip cost**
89-0 days100% of trip cost 

*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services. 

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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