About this expedition
Past hunting and whaling expeditions left traces along these Arctic coasts. Today a voyage reads the landscape through sea ice, fjords and changing light.
Longyearbyen return aboard m/v Plancius, voyage PLA05-27. Explore Spitsbergen by ship and Zodiac; a full circumnavigation is subject to ice and weather.
Browse the field photographs ↗Journey highlights
- m/v Plancius · 6–15 July 2027
- Cabin categories and detailed inclusions in the brochure
The experience
Expedition cabins with private bathrooms. Choose the cabin category with the team; this is a polar expedition vessel rather than a star-rated resort.
- Price basis: Per person, sharing berth in Quadruple Porthole cabin
Your days in the wild
Day 1 · Longyearbyen embarkation
Board in Longyearbyen and sail through Isfjorden in the early evening.
Days 2–9 · An expedition shaped by the ice
Explore Svalbard with Zodiac excursions, possible landings and time on deck. The following areas are possible highlights, not a fixed daily schedule: Krossfjorden and Ny-Ålesund; Liefdefjorden and Monaco Glacier or Wijdefjorden; the Seven Islands and pack ice; Hinlopen Strait, bird cliffs and possible walrus shores; Storfjorden and its glacier landscapes; Hornsund; and Bellsund. Ice, weather, permissions and the expedition leader determine the route and activities. A circumnavigation is not guaranteed; a northern, southeastern or west-coast programme may replace it.
Day 10 · Return to Longyearbyen
Disembark in Longyearbyen for onward arrangements.
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Nine nights aboard an expedition vessel in the booked cabin category.
- All shipboard meals, snacks, coffee and tea.
- Scheduled Zodiac and shore excursions, lectures and expedition staff.
- Loan of boots and snowshoes; a water bottle and published onboard Wi-Fi allowance of 1.5 GB per day.
- Published port, service, government and AECO fees and pre-departure materials.
- Eligible Longyearbyen airport/hotel/ship transfers and baggage handling tied to specified flight arrangements; confirm eligibility.
Not included
- Airfares, pre- and post-voyage land arrangements, transfers outside Spitsbergen and shore meals.
- Passport, visa, arrival/departure taxes and insurance.
- Baggage costs, laundry, bar purchases, personal communications and tips.
What to expect from this tour
Spitsbergen
Look for seabirds, seals and, where conditions allow, walrus or polar bear. Sea ice and weather determine where the ship and Zodiac can go.
In your viewfinder. Give a small subject room against the ice. Keep batteries warm and shield your equipment from spray.
Wildlife moves freely. Your guide follows local access rules and the conditions on the day.
Wildlife to look for
A field checklist for this route. Some subjects are elusive or seasonal; sightings depend on habitat, access and the day.
- Polar bear
- Arctic fox
- Svalbard reindeer
- Atlantic walrus
- Ringed seal
- Bearded seal
- Beluga
- Minke whale
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
- Little auk
- Brünnich’s guillemot
- Black guillemot
- Black-legged kittiwake
- Northern fulmar
- Arctic tern
- Common eider
- Glaucous gull
- Snow bunting
- Svalbard rock ptarmigan
Key Essentials
Connectivity
If you want mobile data, compare roaming with a local SIM or compatible eSIM before arrival. Check activation requirements and coverage for the route. Download your itinerary for offline use.
What to pack or hire
Pack waterproof outer layers, gloves you can operate a camera in and a dry bag for boat transfers. Ask which expedition clothing the ship supplies before buying your own.
What to budget separately
Use this departure’s inclusions and exclusions to check transfers, flights, insurance, tips, camera fees and optional activities. Ask us for a written price before adding an extra.
Booking terms
Payment terms
- Per person, sharing berth in Quadruple Porthole cabin: USD 6,562.50. Booking amount: USD 1,640.63. Remaining balance: USD 4,921.87.
- Twin Porthole sharing berth: USD 9,607.50. Booking amount: USD 2,401.88. Remaining balance: USD 7,205.62.
- Reserve your seat with 25% of the quoted trip price. Rupee deposits are rounded to the nearest ₹1,000; dollar deposits are calculated in USD to the nearest cent.
- The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made 60 days or less before departure, the full price is due when you book.
Cancellation policy
- Email info@shuttermonks.com to cancel. The date we receive your written notice determines the cancellation period.
- More than 60 days before departure: we retain half of the booking deposit. The rest of the deposit and any additional balance paid are refundable.
- 60 days or less before departure: the full tour price is non-refundable.
Important journey notes
- 6–15 July 2027; 10 days and 9 nights, Longyearbyen return.
- Cabin prices and availability vary; request the current category-specific quotation.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The sequence of activities may change with permits, weather and local conditions; final arrangements are confirmed before booking.