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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Helsinki
Arrive in Finland's capital city of Helsinki at any time today and take the short walk to the airport hotel. A welcome letter will be waiting for you detailing arrangements for your flight tomorrow morning. Should you arrive earlier in the day, a short taxi ride takes you into the city centre where you can visit Helsinki's distinctive cathedral and intriguing galleries and restaurants.
Option: Arrive in Helsinki a day earlier to take in highlights of the surrounding area such as the Suomenlinna Fortress or the medieval city of Turku.
Overnight: Airport hotel
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Day 2 Charter flight to Longyearbyen & cruise embarkation
This morning you will board a charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen with the other guests on your expedition cruise. Transfer to the embarkation point to board your supremely comfortable polar cruise ship. Take some time to settle in to your luxurious cabin before perhaps heading out on deck to take in the views as the ship sets sail, and then enjoy a delicious first meal onboard.
Overnight: Ultramarine Arctic
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Day 3 First full day cruising western Spitsbergen
During the days ahead you will sail north along the breathtaking coastline of western Spitsbergen. No Arctic cruise follows a fixed daily itinerary due to the prevailing weather conditions and sea ice, but the highly skilled expedition crew will ensure opportunities to immerse yourself in breathtaking Arctic landscapes and spot the region's remarkable wildlife are always maximised. From the sight of formidable Atlantic walrus with their long tusks to the elusive polar bear hunting on the edge of the ice, the marine and land dwellers of Spitsbergen are always captivating to observe in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Ultramarine Arctic
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Day 4 Second full day on your Spitsbergen cruise
A typical day onboard might involve a morning safari by Zodiac to spot marine life along shore or marvel at the stunning glacial landscapes in closer proximity. Those who wish to explore the coastline from a different perspective and experience Arctic serenity without the sound of a motor may wish to add a kayaking package to their expedition cruise. Warm up back on board with some time in the sauna followed by a delicious lunch. An afternoon excursion - perhaps disembarking to hike in the Arctic tundra - may follow, and in between times guests can absorb the dramatic Arctic scenery out on deck or in the warmth of the Panorama Lounge and Bar.
Overnight: Ultramarine Arctic
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Day 5 Further Arctic adventures in Spitsbergen
As you continue your explorations of Spitsbergen you will encounter dazzling Arctic landscapes of dramatic fjords, granite peaks and vast glaciers. One of the highlights is encountering the Lilliehöökbreen Glacier - one of the largest and most active glaciers in the Svalbard archipelago. There is nothing quite like the sight - or sound - of the calving of this mighty glacier as the enormous mass rumbles beneath the surface and large chunks of ice crash into the water. This area may also provide the opportunity to travel by Zodiac to an abandoned mining settlement and take a nature walk in the habitat of Arctic reindeer.
Overnight: Ultramarine Arctic
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Day 6 Final day cruising the Arctic
This morning you may wake to the astonishing sight of the Monacobreen Glacier, an enormous tidal glacier that gleams blue in the changing light. Keep a lookout at all times for glimpses of marine life along the shoreline and disembark at one of the nearby landing sites if conditions allow. Continue on to Smeerenberg, an abandoned whaling station dating back some 400 years, and cruise the magnificent waters of Magdalenefjorden until you reach Alkhornet, home to grazing reindeer and myriad seabirds.
Overnight: Ultramarine Arctic
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Day 7 Disembark & return to Helsinki
After a final breakfast on board you will disembark in Longyearbyen and take a charter flight back to Helsinki.
Option: if seeing and photographing polar bears is of utmost importance, opt for a dedicated polar bear-spotting Spitsbergen cruise. Our Polar specialists will advise on the very best option for you.
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Depart
