3 July 2027 – 8 days from £8,796 per person with up to 20% early booking discount
Embark on an unforgettable marine expedition to the Arctic, accompanied by oceanographer Professor Helen Czerski and New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ's Timothy Revell. Sail aboard the Sylvia Earle, a luxurious yet intimate polar expedition vessel, and explore the northernmost region of Earth, the realm of the polar bear and the midnight sun. Gain extensive knowledge of marine and polar nature in this land of awe-inspiring beauty and untamed wilderness while deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago.
This extraordinary scientific expedition to Svalbard has been thoughtfully designed and includes a mix of activities, such as expert-led talks, engaging workshops and exhilarating Zodiac boat safaris to enrich your journey whilst offering insights into Arctic life and ecosystems.
July is an excellent time to witness the Arctic’s vibrant wildlife in action as the sea ice has melted sufficently to allow circumnavigation of Svalbard, gain access to the most remote areas. Marvel at a plethora of species on land and at sea, from Arctic foxes and polar bears to marine giants like humpback and fin whales returning from their tropical wintering grounds. As ice retreats, the tundra blooms and towering cliffs echo with millions of nesting seabirds – a truly unforgettable, natural spectacle. This immersive experience is not only about breathtaking encounters with Arctic wildlife, but also about understanding the delicate balance of life in one of the planet's most extreme and fascinating regions.
Join an exclusive New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ sailing of like-minded explorers for a truly immersive and intellectually rich adventure, accompanied throughout by oceanographer, physicist and author Professor Helen Czerski and New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ's executive editor Timothy Revell. You will spend time both at sea and on land surrounded by a host of different species and have the opportunity to experience tailored and engaging talks from Helen and Timothy, plus workshops and the latest in citizen science. Zodiac cruises and walking safaris will bring you closer to the natural world. In addition to this, hear from the onboard expedition team where you will learn about topics including glaciology, botany, marine biology and the history of polar exploration, deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago. Unlike standard expeditions, this journey offers deeper access to expert knowledge, more meaningful interactions, and a front-row seat to the wonders of science in action.
Travel aboard a state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle, where you will experience the majesty of Norway’s Svalbard with its ancient glaciers, glass-still fjords, imposing pack ice and distinct landscape where wildlife thrives at nearly 80° north.
Travel with people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, you will share this adventure with like-minded individuals who cherish the wonders of nature and science.
In partnership with AE Expeditions and Discover The World.
Life on board your Arctic expedition cruise
With a dedicated crew of experts, you will experience the wonders of these remote wildernesses in a curated adventure that ensures you see the best they have to offer. The day-to-day itinerary remains flexible, as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.
Enjoy an array of immersive activities designed to maximise your Arctic adventure. Experience daytime exploration aboard Zodiac boats, venturing into secluded coves, sliding past majestic glaciers and venturing into wildlife-rich waters. Embark on guided hikes across pristine beaches and through breathtaking wildernesses, discovering the untouched beauty of the Arctic landscape. For photography enthusiasts, expert guidance will help you capture stunning images and enhance your skills behind the lens. The team strives to deliver two captivating shore excursions each day, ensuring every moment of your journey is unforgettable.
One of the key advantages of sailing aboard a smaller vessel is the efficiency it offers – less time spent boarding and disembarking for daily excursions means more time immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with the accompany experts and expedition crew, who will also give several engaging talks, taking you deeper and covering polar science, marine science and the latest in scientific developments worldwide. In addition, the expedition crew will offer daily talks covering themes including polar exploration, botany, Arctic wildlife and glaciology.
Throughout the cruise, enjoy all-inclusive dining, featuring delicious meals, a selection of snacks and unlimited tea and coffee. Dinner is accompanied by beer, house wine and soft drinks, ensuring a delightful and worry-free culinary experience.
Forget about formal dress codes. With a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board, you will feel at home as you attend a comprehensive programme of talks and intimate fireside chats. Delve into the intricacies of polar systems, explore how they influence the global climate and hear captivating personal stories from those who have lived at Earth's extremes. Beyond polar themes, there is also the chance to enjoy enlightening discussions on better living, the latest breakthroughs in science and even an onboard book club.
Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want it, and no activity or talk is mandatory.
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
After touching down at Oslo Airport, your hotel is just five minutes walk away where the AE Expeditions team will be on hand to welcome you and discuss pre-embarkation procedures. They will make sure the next day's flight to Svalbard and embarkation go as smoothly as possible.
If you have time, you can explore the thriving capital city of Oslo, which boasts innovative architecture, captivating landmarks and an inspired food scene. This very green city is covered with parks and forests, but it is the fjord piercing into the city centre that sets it apart. Explore the Botanical Gardens, go island hopping or visit the new Munch Museum, dedicated to the life and works of artist Edvard Munch.
Day 2: Fly to Svalbard, explore Longyearbyen and embark on the Sylvia Earle
After breakfast, you will take a flight to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. The airport is overlooked by the Global Seed Bank and has views over the Isfjorden inlet, where whales are regularly spotted.
Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement (with a population of over 1000) and is only 1316 kilometres from the North Pole. Due to the large amount of scientific research undertaken there, the town has residents from 53 different countries.
Before embarking on your voyage, you will visit Camp Barentz, a traditional "lavvo" structure, where you will hear about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, meet huskies and enjoy lunch. While journeying to Camp Barentz, you will get a sense of the steep mountains and glaciers that have inspired many, including Philip Pullman in his depiction of Svalbard’s armoured bears in the His Dark Materials trilogy.
A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking on the vessel in the late afternoon. The museum presents 400 years of Svalbard’s history and reveals the close relationship between the land, sea and nation here.
While exploring the island, your luggage will be transferred to the ship and your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the Sylvia Earle to settle into your cabin, attend the safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew "throw the lines" and set sail through the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. Find a spot in one of the observation areas to watch seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots.
In the evening, you will get to know your fellow guests, Professor Helen, Tim and the expedition team at an informal captain’s welcome dinner.
Wild polar bear (Ursus maritimus) mother and cub on the pack ice
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Days 3 to 7: Exploring the Svalbard archipelago
You will spend the next five days exploring the Arctic wilderness at its best. Each day will include a mixture of activities, including Zodiac boat safaris (robust inflatable boats), walks and informal photography tuition. You will visit deep fjords, mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils. You can even participate in a polar plunge. While by no means mandatory, such cold-water body immersion is proven to release a cocktail of invigorating chemicals.
Once nature and the expedition leader have decided the day's itinerary, the onboard talks from Professor Helen, Timothy and the expedition crew will be slotted in.
The onboard expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea ice conditions and wildlife encounters.
You may see walruses hauled out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly coloured wildflowers. You will visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with majestic polar bears on pack ice. Your expedition team members are just as keen as you to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.
This expedition operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining this voyage. Plans will change daily but the expedition team are there to ensure you have the most immersive experience possible.
On the final evening aboard, the captain will host a farewell reception with a four-course dinner and cocktails.
Day 8: Disembark and return to Oslo
After disembarking back at Longyearbyen, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Oslo, from which you can return home or continue your adventure.
If you wish to see more of Oslo, our partner Discover The World can arrange additional nights.
Discover the thrill of seeing species such as walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, guillemots and puffins
Svalbard is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears in their natural habitat
Marvel at immense glaciers calving into the sea, towering fjords, and rugged mountains shaped by ancient ice
Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords on the Sylvia Earle, an intimate, purpose-built polar expedition ship
Fascinating talks and workshops from oceanographer, physicist and author Professor Helen Czerski and New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ's executive editor Timothy Revell
Enjoy engaging lectures from polar scientists, historians, and naturalists who bring the Arctic environment to life
Complimentary twice daily zodiac and shore excursion programme exploring fjords and glaciers
Flexible itinerary allows the captain and expedition leader to adapt plans based on prevailing conditions
Travel during Svalbard’s summer when the sun never sets, offering extended golden-hour lighting for photography and unforgettable scenery 24/7
Pricing details
Meet the expert
Professor Helen Czerski
Helen is a physicist and oceanographer whose research explores the physics of the ocean, from breaking waves to microscopic bubbles. She studied Natural Sciences (Physics) at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, graduating with a first‑class degree, before completing a PhD in experimental explosives physics at Cambridge, where she specialised in high‑speed experimental techniques.
Following her doctorate, Helen turned her attention to the natural world, undertaking research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and a postdoctoral position at the Graduate School of Oceanography in Rhode Island. She later established her own internationally recognised research programme on the physics of oceanic bubbles, first at the University of Southampton and now at University College London, where she is Professor of Environmental Physics.
Alongside her academic career, Helen is a prolific science communicator, presenting BBC documentaries, writing widely about ocean science, and speaking at events worldwide.
Timothy Revell
Timothy is New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ's Executive editor. He has reported on mind-reading devices, artificial intelligence and prime numbers, among other things and has broken many news stories, including a huge data leak at the Cambridge Psychometrics Centre. He has interviewed amazing people, such as David Attenborough, Kate Crawford and Demis Hassabis.
He regularly talks about science and technology on podcasts and radio, such as on New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ Weekly, the Naked Å®ÉúСÊÓƵs and WNYC's Science Friday. He is also an accomplished public speaker, events host and author, having written How Mathematics Is Used Today and co-written The Secret Lives of Numbers.
Timothy has a master's in mathematics from the University of Bath and a PhD in computer science from the University of Strathclyde.
Onboard expedition crew
During your time on board, you will be accompanied by a highly acclaimed expedition team. Many are recognised world leaders in their fields, and they will enthusiastically share their knowledge to ensure that each moment is interesting and educational.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
6 nights aboard the polar expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle
One night at a four-star hotel in Oslo
Full board throughout your marine expedition including snacks, tea and coffee, plus beer, house wine and soft drinks at dinner
Captain's Welcome and Farewell receptions
Private talks and informal seminars from Helen Czerski and Timothy Revell
Talks and activity support from the onboard expedition team
All Zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Initial consultation with the ship's doctor
3-in-1 AE Expeditions polar jacket
Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
Photo log of the expedition by the onboard photographer
Daily cabin service
Half-day exploring Longyearbyen
Transfers between airports, hotels and your ship
Internal flights between Oslo and Svalbard
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
24-hour support
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance
International flights to/from Oslo
You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin
Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcohol and soft drinks outside of dinner, laundry, medical expenses, and phone charges
Additional appointments with the ship's doctor, including any prescribed medication
Visa/ETA (if applicable)
Gratuities for onboard crew
HOW TO GET THERE
The cruise itinerary starts and ends in Oslo. Your first night will be spent at Oslo airport in a hotel before flying to Svalbard and boarding the ship the next day. Our partner Discover The World can advise on flights and also arrange extra nights in Oslo before or after your cruise.
PACE AND PHYSICALITY
The emphasis of our Arctic expedition is to get you off the ship as much as possible. Zodiac boat safaris, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving are all available, but how much you participate will be at your discretion. The ship is very comfortable and you can enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant wildlife from it at your leisure.
To join most excursions, you need to be able to climb down into a Zodiac boat.
The hike on land will be no more than a few kilometres and will be at a slow pace, so as to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, flora and fauna.
A suggested kit list will be sent to you before departure. A 3-in-1 polar jacket is supplied and is yours to keep.
Accommodation
TheSylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 132 passengers, the aim is to get you off-ship, experiencing the natural environment as much as possible and the smaller groups also mean you can tread lightly, making a positive impact on the environment.
The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists – Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton MBE, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo, with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. The scientists are inspiring leaders in their fields, and as part of the deck theming, guests will be educated on the impressive and important conservation work they continue to do.
The ship is certified 100 percent climate-neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places you will travel to.
Cabins
The Sylvia Earle offers a wide range of modern, comfortable cabins designed to suit every style of explorer, from spacious suites with private balconies to well-appointed staterooms ideal for adventure-focused travellers. All cabins feature contemporary Scandinavian design, en-suite bathrooms, ample storage, and large windows or portholes that keep you connected to the breathtaking polar landscapes. Whether you choose a luxurious suite or a cosy stateroom, each space provides a relaxing retreat after a day of immersive exploration.
Stateroom Triple: The standard cabin which is at least 20 metres squared in size with a porthole viewing window, private ensuite, large closet, safe, 42" television and desk area. With a double and single bed. The double can also be changed to twin beds.
Superior Stateroom: An upgraded stateroom offering more space, enhanced furnishings, and superior viewing windows, balancing comfort with value.
Balcony Stateroom (Category C/B/A): Cabins with private balconies and varying levels of size and positioning, providing direct outdoor access and panoramic views for guests who enjoy more personal space and natural light.
Junior Suite: A spacious suite with a separate lounge area, larger balcony, and premium amenities, designed for guests wanting extra comfort and room to relax.
Captain’s Suite: The ship’s most luxurious accommodation, offering a generous layout, top-tier furnishings, expansive balcony, and exclusive amenities for the highest level of comfort and privacy.
Onboard facilities
The ship has a wide range of dedicated observation points including an indoor 180-degree lounge and a 360-degree open deck. Meals are served in the large restaurant with family-style dining. Other facilities include two bars/lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library, mud room, gym, sauna and spa.
