Arctic marine biology expedition cruise: Svalbard, Norway
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June 2026 – 12 days
Register at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact when confirmed details including full pricing details are available.
Embark on an unforgettable marine expedition to the Arctic, accompanied by marine biologist Russell Arnott. Sail aboard the Greg Mortimer, 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.
June is a prime time to witness the Arctic’s vibrant wildlife in action. 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 Scientist small-group allocation of like-minded explorers for a truly immersive and intellectually rich adventure, accompanied throughout by marine biologist and oceanographer Russell Arnott. You will spend time both at sea and on land surrounded by a host of different species and have the opportunity to participate in onboard workshops with Russell, dedicated Zodiac cruises that bring you closer to the natural world, private expert talks from Russell and engaging onboard sessions exploring the latest in citizen science. 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 Greg Mortimer, 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.
LIFE ON BOARD YOUR ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE
Your expedition is a carefully curated mixture of daytime activity, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and evening talks. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.
The onboard expedition team (at least one for every eight passengers) will help you experience a range of activities centred on daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris (investigating coves, glaciers and wildlife), guided hikes (exploring pristine beaches and stunning wilderness) and photography (helping you to improve your skills with a camera). They will aim to deliver two shore excursions each day. In the evening and whilst transferring between sites, the team will give informative lectures on board covering wildlife, marine biology, exploration, history, photography and research.
You will have the opportunity to participate in AE Expeditions’ distinctive Citizen Science Program. It is designed to be a hands-on, immersive and transformative experience that helps you to protect the beauty of our planet. Various sampling and data collection projects will be conducted on your voyage and a Citizen Science Coordinator will be on hand to introduce and assist you.
Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want it; no activity or talk is mandatory.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TO OSLO
After touching down at Oslo Airport, the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. The hotel is also just minutes from the train station, which can whisk you to the vibrant city centre in 20 minutes.
If you have time, we recommend a trip into the thriving Norwegian capital of Oslo, with its innovative architecture, captivating landmarks and an inspired food scene. This very green metropolis 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.
In the evening, you will be briefed on the expedition ahead and you will also enjoy an introductory talk from the New Scientist accompanying expert Russell Arnott.
DAY 2: FLY TO SVALBARD AND EXPLORE LONGYEARBYEN
After a leisurely breakfast, you will take a flight to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the four-star Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for a night, where you can enjoy 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 1,316 kilometres from the North Pole. Due to the large amount of scientific research undertaken, the town's residents hail from 53 different countries.
In the evening, you will join a pre-embarkation briefing from AE Expeditions, on whose boat you will be sailing in the morning.
DAY 3: CAMP BARENTZ, THE SVALBARD MUSEUM THEN EMBARK ON THE GREG MORTIMER
Before embarking on your voyage, you will visit Camp Barentz, a traditional "lavvo" structure, where you will hear about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, meet the huskies and enjoy lunch. Whilst journeying out to Camp Barentz, you will get a sense of the steep mountains and glaciers that have inspired many creative works, including Philip Pullman’s depiction of Svalbard’s armoured bears in the His Dark Materials trilogy.
A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before boarding the vessel in the late afternoon. The museum presents 400 years of Svalbard’s history and reveals the close relationship linking the land, sea and nation.
Whilst exploring the island, your luggage will be transferred to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
You will transfer to the Greg Mortimer 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 inlet, 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 and the friendly expedition team at the captain’s welcome dinner.
DAYS 4 TO 12: EXPLORING THE SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO
You will spend your next nine days exploring the Arctic wilderness at its best.
Every 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. It's not mandatory, but such cold-water body immersion is shown to release a cocktail of invigorating chemicals.
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 the 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 the majestic polar bears on pack ice. Your expedition team is just as keen as you to find them— they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.
You can also choose to purchase one of the optional extras, such as kayaking and scuba diving.
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 13: DISEMBARK AND RETURN TO OSLO
After disembarking back at Longyearbyen, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Oslo, from where you can return home or continue your adventure.
If you wish to see more of Oslo, our partner can arrange additional nights.
