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Realm of the Polar Bear
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Marine
Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirements: 10+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Realm of the Polar Bear - Itinerary
DAY 1
Longyearbyen/Svalbard
Transfer from Longyearbyen to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
Arrival Day:
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Embarkation of the Expedition:
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Arrival Transfer:
Transfer by bus between the airport and the hotel meeting point, and then from the meeting point to the port.
Realm of the Polar Bear - Itinerary
DAY 1
Longyearbyen/Svalbard
Transfer from Longyearbyen to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
Arrival Day:
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Embarkation of the Expedition:
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Arrival Transfer:
Transfer by bus between the airport and the hotel meeting point, and then from the meeting point to the port.
What’s Included
- 7 nts aboard the Expedition
- Arrival transfer
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka.
- Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 7 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, walking.
- One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Realm of the Polar Bear Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun 19 2026 | Fri, Jun 26 2026 | Open (70) | $4,124.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Jul 06 2026 | Mon, Jul 13 2026 | Open (74) | $4,124.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Jul 13 2026 | Mon, Jul 20 2026 | Open (89) | $3,849.3 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Jul 20 2026 | Mon, Jul 27 2026 | Open (91) | $3,849.3 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Jul 27 2026 | Mon, Aug 03 2026 | Open (75) | $4,124.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Thu, Jun 17 2027 | Thu, Jun 24 2027 | Open (127) | $5,499 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jul 04 2027 | Sun, Jul 11 2027 | Open (128) | $5,499 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Wed, Jul 21 2027 | Wed, Jul 28 2027 | Open (128) | $5,499 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Wed, Jul 28 2027 | Wed, Aug 04 2027 | Open (128) | $5,499 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Realm of the Polar Bear
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
7 nts aboard the Expedition. Arrival transfer. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Spend time on deck searching for polar bears and whales, Cruise through breathtaking fjords and admire massive glaciers, Experience the midnight sun, Learn about Arctic history and ecology from our expert guides, Brave the Arctic waters and take the polar plunge, Enjoy the silence of the Arctic tundra
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
Please note: While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above , there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day of your tour, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
The Expedition is an adventure Expedition ship and does not offer an elevator
Please note:
BOOTS FOR ZODIAC LANDINGS:
- Complementary used waterproof boots will be supplied in the following sizes:
- USA size 4 - 16
- EURO size 35 - 49
Please be advised that there are limited numbers of the smallest and largest sizes.
If you wish to bring your own boots, you should follow the guidelines below:
Rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees (12-16” high or 30-41cm) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into water, which can be up to 1 ft or 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. Try out your boots before your voyage.
The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter. A limited supply of electrical adapters are available to borrow free of charge at the Purser's Desk.
KAYAKING EXCURSIONS
For the more adventurous, our kayaking trips provide the opportunity to encounter the intimacy and power of the polar regions in ways very few people can lay claim to having experienced. For more details about this extra optional activity, including prep notes and full terms and conditions, please visit our Polar Excursions page.
Please note: Space is limited on camping kayaking excursions; booking in advance is strongly recommended. To add these to your Expedition cruise, simply call us and reference your booking number
There are a limited amount of spaces available for Arctic Kayaking and this activity is only available to book on the following departures: Realm of the Polar Bear (July 6, 2026, July 13, 2026, and July 20, 2026) & Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth (June 26, 2026).
