The pack ice in northern Spitsbergen—the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard—is a realm of curious polar bears and otherworldly landscapes, best explored through an adventurous cruise.
The pack ice in northern Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, is home to curious polar bears and surreal landscapes best explored through an intrepid cruise. The journey can take you deep into this remote, northernmost part of Svalbard, where the beauty and serenity of the ice floes are coupled with the excitement of polar bear sightings.
The expedition leader’s early morning announcement about a bear sighting at the starboard bow startles you out of sleep, but you quickly realize that this is the reason you joined the Ponant and National Geographic Expeditions. Experiencing the Arctic and its wildlife up close is a rare opportunity. You quickly get dressed in your expedition gear and head to the navigation bridge to witness the sighting.
As you reach the pack ice off the northern tip of Spitsbergen, you marvel at the mosaic of ice floes extending as far as the eye can see. The floes, some resembling puffs of shaving foam and others looking like frozen lily pads, undulate peacefully on the surface of the Arctic Ocean. This tranquil scene is a sharp contrast to the chaos of London and brings a sense of stillness and awe.
Arriving at the navigation bridge, you join the captain, naturalists, and expedition leader Gérard Bodineau as they observe the bear on the ice. The group remains silent to avoid disturbing the bear in its hunting territory. You tiptoe to the deck and take in your first close-up view of this majestic animal, which leaps from floe to floe with ease, showcasing its agility and strength.
The sighting feels like winning the Arctic lottery, as you witness the polar bear up close in its natural habitat. The cerulean-blue skies and clear weather provide an unobstructed view of the bear’s striking features, including its curved claws, beady eyes, and thick white fur (which is actually translucent, reflecting the light).
Your journey aboard Ponant’s luxurious Le Boreal began in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital and the northernmost settlement in the world. As you sailed northward, you were treated to magnificent views of Recherche Fjord, Lilliehöökfjorden, and Raudfjorden, with their stunning landscapes of glaciers, vegetation, and mirror-like waters.
As the bear turns away and begins to saunter off, Gérard announces that it’s time to leave the bear undisturbed. The group departs, respecting the naturalist’s emphasis on wildlife conservation. After grabbing a quick breakfast, you return to the bridge, where Captain Mickaël Debien navigates delicately through the ice floes, marveling at the stunning Arctic scenery.
At the most northern point of your voyage, you are a mere 500 miles from the North Pole. The ice floes play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight back into space.
Later, you have the rare opportunity to step onto an ice floe, standing on a floating sheet of ice not far from where the bear was spotted earlier. After a lecture from Olivier Delclos, an expedition guide, you board a Zodiac and set off to the ice floe. Walking on the ice feels surreal, but it holds you securely.
Back on the ship, you dine at La Licorne, one of the two restaurants on board. The captain begins the journey back south as you enjoy the serene landscape and reflections on the water.
The evening brings another bear sighting, this time of a bear feasting on a bloodstained ice floe. The scene is both brutal and mesmerizing, and you watch in silence as the bear is joined by another, possibly hunting together.
The memorable experience comes to a close as Gérard’s voice announces it’s time to leave the bears to their dinner and for you to return to yours. The journey through the Arctic has been a remarkable adventure, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with the region’s wildlife and natural beauty.
How to Experience the Journey
For those interested in exploring the fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen, Ponant offers an eight-day expedition on board L’Austral, departing from Paris on May 17, 2023. This extraordinary voyage allows you to traverse the Arctic and witness its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Trip Details: The trip begins in Paris and offers a comprehensive experience in the Arctic. You will be on board L’Austral, a luxurious vessel equipped with all the amenities to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Pricing and Inclusions: The expedition starts from £7,770 per person for a shared Prestige stateroom cabin (deck six). This price includes accommodation, all meals, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a mini-bar, and 24/7 room service.
- Additional Perks: The package also includes a pre-cruise experience, which consists of an overnight stay at the Pullman Paris Roissy-CDG Airport hotel and international flights from Paris to Longyearbyen and back.
- Future Opportunities: While Ponant’s 2023 sailings in collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions have not yet been confirmed, you may want to stay updated for additional travel options that may become available.
This journey is a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic’s majestic beauty and wildlife, making it a trip of a lifetime for any adventure enthusiast.