10 Night Norwegian Discovery Svalbard and the Northern Fjords Cruise from Longyearbyen

Depart Oslo on a private charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of Svalbard and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Later, embark the National Geographic Endurance, your floating base camp for the next six days.

Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, we let nature guide our course. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience in the archipelago allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With our fully stabilized, ice-class ship, we probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. We join our spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. You can venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations. With our photographers, experts, and seasoned naturalists, we make the most of our days here. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders we encounter, and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by our remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different, and every day is an adventure.

Zodiac-cruise around mist-shrouded Bear Island, a remote birdwatchers' paradise housing one lonely meteorological station and countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, and gulls. It's the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and sits at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas.

Off Norway's northern coast lies the mountainous island of Soroya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and long sandy beaches. It also is renowned for its large populations of skrei, or cod, which migrate to these waters during winter and spring. We plan to make an in-depth visit to this beautiful island, with opportunities to explore its surrounding fjords by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.

Senja, the second-largest island in mainland Norway, is characterized by dramatic mountains, colorful fishing villages, and a coastline split by beautiful fjords. In the southern part of the island is Anderdalen National Park-more than 70 square miles of pristine wilderness that is home to reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more. Spend a day exploring the island and fjords, and, if desired, join the naturalist guides on a spectacular hike.

Disembark in Tromso, known as the "gateway to the Arctic" for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board a charter flight to Oslo and check into the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.