Svalbard Odyssey
Eight Svalbard exploration days, an X-Bow expedition ship and an Oslo flight package.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Why we picked it
This is a strong option when travellers want substantial time in Svalbard together with a modern small ship and private-balcony choices. Eight exploration days give the team room to respond to conditions. The Oslo hotel and charter flights are included, making the full travel package easier to compare with cruise-only fares.
Travellers seeking small-ship exploration, a modern cabin and straightforward planning through Oslo.
A maximum of 130 guests on these expeditions, plus eight planned Svalbard days.
A circuit is not guaranteed. Charter flight timings can affect onward connections, and kayaking is a separate limited-place activity.
Considering this voyage? Ask our team how its cabins, activities and overall trip compare with other Arctic options.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Arctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand sea conditions, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Get practical flight, packing and preparation guidance, plus a pre-departure call with a regional guide. We can book your hotels and transfers with no extra booking fee.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The voyage at a glance
Day 1 is an included Oslo airport-hotel night. On day 2, fly by charter to Longyearbyen, with a town tour if time permits, then embark. Days 3-10 are dedicated to Svalbard. Day 11 includes disembarkation and the return charter to Oslo. The ship varies by departure.
Your expedition, day by day
Arrive in Oslo
Make your way to the included airport hotel. Meet the ground team at the hospitality desk and use the rest of the day to prepare. Meals today are additional.
Fly to Longyearbyen and embark
After breakfast, take the charter flight to Svalbard. A guided town visit is planned if the flight schedule permits, followed by transfer to the ship and embarkation.
Eight days in Svalbard
The expedition team chooses the route according to weather, sea ice and wildlife. Potential experiences range from glacier-front cruising to tundra walks and seabird cliffs; no fixed sequence is promised.
Spend time watching for wildlife, exploring by Zodiac and joining guided walks. Optional kayakers head out when safe conditions allow; quiet time on deck remains part of the experience.
Disembark and fly to Oslo
Leave the ship in Longyearbyen and transfer for the return charter. Confirm its timing before arranging onward flights; an additional Oslo night may be sensible.
This is the operator’s planned programme, not a promise of individual landings. Weather, sea ice, permissions and community arrangements shape each day. Images illustrate the region and experience; wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Dates & departures
Selected published departures are shown below. Ask us to confirm the current schedule, ship and cabin availability for your preferred dates.
2027 sailings
| Starts | Ends | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 24 June | 4 July | Sylvia Earle |
| 9 July | 19 July | Sylvia Earle |
| 8 August | 18 August | Douglas Mawson |
2028 sailings
| Starts | Ends | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 23 June | 3 July | Sylvia Earle |
| 12 July | 22 July | Douglas Mawson |
| 27 July | 6 August | Douglas Mawson |
Plan your voyage
Ask about this voyage, check availability or request a quote. We’ll confirm the complete trip cost, inclusions and any applicable operator offers for your chosen departure.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Life aboard Sylvia Earle or Douglas Mawson
Both ships have the distinctive X-Bow hull, expedition preparation areas and a maximum of 130 guests on polar expeditions. Sylvia Earle entered service in 2022; Douglas Mawson in 2025. Observation areas, a library, dining room, gym and wellness facilities provide comfortable spaces between outings. Douglas Mawson adds dedicated single stateroom choices.
Introducing Sylvia Earle
Aurora’s short ship film.
Introducing Douglas Mawson
Aurora’s short ship film.
Choose your cabin
Cabin names, layouts and availability depend on the departure ship. These examples are labelled by vessel. Balcony categories include their own outdoor space; Aurora staterooms have windows. Ask us to compare the full range, including triple-share and solo options.
Sylvia Earle · Balcony Stateroom Superior
Private balcony · twin or double arrangement
Additional space and a balcony for quiet viewing between excursions.
Sylvia Earle · Junior Suite
Separate seating area · private balcony
A spacious suite option with room to relax and organise photographs.
More photos
Douglas Mawson · Balcony Stateroom C
Private balcony
An entry balcony category on Douglas Mawson, available on the named sailings subject to inventory.
Douglas Mawson · Junior Suite
Private balcony · separate seating area
A larger suite choice aboard the newer ship.
More photos
Douglas Mawson · Aurora Stateroom Single
Dedicated single cabin · window
Designed for one traveller wanting a private room; compare this with a shared cabin or sole use of a twin.
Activities & time ashore
Guided walks, Zodiac cruises, wildlife and bird watching, photography and lectures are included. Sea kayaking is an optional extra, subject to departure availability; ask us to confirm its current cost. The polar plunge is offered only when conditions permit.
The itinerary gives days 3-10 to Svalbard, with site selection made by the expedition team.
Walks and Zodiac outings focus on the best available conditions and safe wildlife viewing.
Douglas Mawson’s single staterooms provide a useful alternative to paying for private use of a twin cabin.
What the voyage includes
Included in your fare
- Oslo hotel & flightsOne hotel night with breakfast; return Oslo-Longyearbyen charter flights and listed transfers.
- Nine nights aboardCabin accommodation, meals, snacks, tea, coffee and the stated drinks package.
- Expedition programmeShore excursions, Zodiac cruises, guiding and lectures; Longyearbyen tour if time permits.
- Equipment & connectivityParka to keep, loan Muck Boots and Wi-Fi, subject to remote-area connectivity.
- Programme feesStated port charges, permits and landing fees.
Budget separately
- Travel to OsloFlights to/from Oslo and arrangements outside the included programme.
- Optional activitiesKayaking and any additional paid excursions.
- Insurance & personal costsTravel/evacuation insurance, personal purchases and laundry.
- Onboard gratuitiesNormally added to the onboard account and adjustable; included for qualifying suite guests under Aurora’s suite benefits.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your wishes, dates and questions. We’ll help you choose with confidence.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage information
Checked 4 September 2026 against Svalbard Odyssey programme and fares, Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson. Operator photographs and films are used as credited. Cabin photographs are representative, and individual layouts can vary. We reconfirm the programme, fare, cabin and booking terms with your live quote.