Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search Of The Polar Bear

HIGHLIGHTS

A&K Advantages

• Cruise the Arctic's wildest regions for 13 nights aboard exclusively chartered Le Lyrial, enjoying a capacity limited to just 199 guests
• Enjoy active exploration of the Arctic’s varied landscapes, from Zodiac excursions through ice floes to epic volcanic hikes, all under the wing of A&K’s acclaimed Expedition Team
• Experience a vast breadth of Arctic wildlife habitats, including the polar bear haven of Svalbard
• Cruise to the remote east coast of Greenland, where you may visit Scoresby Sound and the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit
• Discover North Iceland and the whale-watching port of Husavik, where you experience a private, behind-the-scenes tour at the renowned Husavik Whale Museum
• Join photography lectures, hands-on workshops and tips in the field led by A&K’s dedicated photo coach

ITINERARY

JUL 25
Arrive Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the conveniently located Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner.

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
Meals: Dinner

JUL 26
Longyearbyen | Gateway to Adventure
Board your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic Archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in luminous glaciers. This afternoon, board your luxury expedition cruiser.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

JUL 27
Svalbard Islands | Northern Outpost
Awake to your first morning aboard as your vessel cruises up the Svalbard coast. Today’s explorations may feature Ny-Alesund, home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world. Back aboard, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

JUL 28
Svalbard Islands | Glacial Archipelago
Today, your vessel sets course for Monacobreen. Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bears, harbor and bearded seals, walrus and a multitude of seabirds. You may also cruise through Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord), another excellent area for spotting polar bears.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

JUL 29
Svalbard Islands | Realm of the Polar Bear
Conditions permitting, you may set out on a Zodiac excursion along steep cliffs harboring vast colonies of auk diving birds. This afternoon, your Captain and Expedition Team may take advantage of sea conditions and arrange an invigorating and scenic hike ashore.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

JUL 30
Svalbard Islands | Majestic Scenery
Your expedition continues northward as you take in breathtaking mountains, glaciers and icebergs and keep watch for polar bears, Brünnich's guillemots and numerous species of kittiwakes.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

JUL 31
Svalbard Islands | Tip of the Archipelago
The day’s explorations may take you to the most northerly region of the Svalbard Islands.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 1
At Sea | Cruising the Greenland Sea
Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as your Expedition Team lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the Svalbard Islands.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 2
Jan Mayen | Glacier-Cloaked Volcano
The day’s planned shore excursion is Jan Mayen, a rugged island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano, the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely visited island to see its meteorological station and discover colonies of northern fulma, little auk, thick-billed guillemot and black guillemot.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 3
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland | Remote Village
Today, ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated villages in Greenland.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 4
Scoresby Sound | Endless Fjords
Your Captain charts a course across the Greenland Sea, skirting the Arctic ice edge toward Greenland’s rarely visited eastern coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You may embark on Zodiac excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its islands and icebergs while searching for Arctic fox and musk ox.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 5
At Sea | Cruising the Denmark Strait
Cruise the Denmark Strait as you relax or watch for seabirds and whale from the deck between insightful lectures from your Expedition Team.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 6
Husavik, Iceland | Whale-Watching Haven
Today, opt to visit picturesque Husavik and its fascinating whale museum. Supported by A&K Philanthropy, the museum is one of the world’s foremost whale research centers. Alternatively, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching tour, or perhaps set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather for a special farewell reception and dinner.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 7
Iceland’s Westfjords | Lava & Ice-Carved Lands
Explore the Westfjords of Iceland, a remote region of small settlements interspersed amid spectacular mountains and coves. Here, take in the stunning views as you enjoy a leisurely walk or embark on a more vigorous trek ashore.

Le Lyrial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AUG 8
Depart Reykjavik
This morning, disembark your expedition cruiser in Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your onward departure or discover more of Iceland on the post-tour extension.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Itinerary may be adjusted at the sole discretion of the Captain due to weather, wildlife, sea and ice conditions, medical emergencies and unforeseen circumstances beyond A&K’s control.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Included With This Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team
• Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stay at Ideally Located Hotel
• Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
• Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
• Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.2
• Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
• 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
• Complimentary Expedition Parka, Backpack and Water Bottle, and Use of Waterproof Pants, Boots and Trekking Poles
• Zodiac Excursions Led by Expert Naturalist Driver-Guides
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service on board
• All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
• Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support

Journey Details

• Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $600 value)
• This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.
• Minimum age is 7 years.
• Categories 5–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.
• First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Jul 25.
• Last group event: disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Aug 8.