Arctic Expeditions - 70% off

Arctic Odyssey - From Norway to Svalbard

Arctic Odyssey - From Norway to Svalbard

FROM: $9,195  $2,759 p.p.*
DEPARTURE: 30 MAY 2025
DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
VESSEL: OCEAN ALBATROS

Embark on an exceptional journey from Norway's Arctic capital of Tromsø, and leave Europe behind as you sail to Svalbard, the realm of the polar bear!

Join us onboard our purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessel Ocean Albatros to experience the majesty and wonder of the Arctic up close and personal. Our vessel enables us to get closer to nature, with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, a team of experienced expert expedition guides, and the High Arctic islands of Svalbard as our spectacular destination. 

*price per person in a shared type C double cabin with a balcony. This deal will expire on 30 November.

Arctic Odyssey - Norway to Svalbard-Travelzoo

 

Expedition in Brief

  30th of May, 2025
  8 Days / 7 Nights
State-of-the-art expedition vessel.
Masterclasses on wildlife, glaciology and geology.
  Plenty of bird, whale, and seal-watching opportunities.
  Once-in-a-lifetime on and off board activities.
  70% off retail price.

 

Zodiac cruise in Svalbard

This exciting voyage begins in the Capital of the Arctic, the Norwegian city of Tromsø. Marvel at the city's stunning natural setting nestled deep in the calm fjords of Tromsø County, explore the city's bustling high street, lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes and historical gems, and explore the city's many monuments and landmarks such as the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum. 

From Tromsø, we will sail to Norway's northernmost point, where we will spend time searching for wildife at the islands of Gjesværstappan, and stand at the end of the European mainland at legendary Nordkapp. Leaving civilisation behind, we will venture even further north to Bjørnøya (Bear Island), a lonely isle between Svalbard and mainland Norway, home to some of the most spectacular bird colonies on Earth. 

Our next stop will be the majestic islands of Svalbard, the kingdom of the polar bear. Experience jaw-dropping natural beauty, keep watch for charismatic Arctic wildlife, and discover the fascinating history of this incredible archipelago. Exploring on land, we will aim to experience the Arctic up close and personal, while our fleet of Zodiacs also allow us to explore on the water. 

During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer and polar foxes are busy amassing energy for the icy polar winter. Arctic guillemots, black guillemots and razorbills can be observed fishing in our ship's wake. On the sandy shores, huge walruses enjoy the short Arctic summer, and many whales and seals forage along the edge of the pack ice and the coasts. 

Jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed! 


Travel Itinerary

 

Day 1: Tromsø, Norway - Embarkation

Arrive in Tromsø, the majestic 'Capital of the Arctic'. Situated deep in the maze of fjords for which Norway is famous, Tromsø sits on an island surrounded by steep mountains and plunging seas.

Norway_Tromso_AerialView_Summer_43_SS-min


Known worldwide as Norway's Arctic capital, Tromsø is the largest city in the European Arctic with around 80,000 residents, and is the hub for transport, industry and tourism throughout the region. Visitors from all ober the world come to experience this vibrant city, as well as explore the stunning nature which surrounds it, or to simply bask in the midnight summer sun. 

 

Ocean Albatros awaits in the calm waters of the city harbour, ready to take our guests on a spectacular journey, leaving Europe behind and heading into the wild north beyond. After the mandatory safety drill, relax on the outer decks sipping a carefully crafted cocktail as Ocean Albatros sets sail through the fjords of northern Norway. 

Day 2: Gjesværstappan, Skarsvåg and the North Cape

In the early morning of the first full day of our expedition, we will arrive at Gjesværstappan, a maze of rugged islands and skerries off the coast of the small village of Gjesvær. These islands were designated a nature reserve in 1983, and exploring on the nearby waters cleary shows why! These islands hold an incredible amount of life, with vast colonies of kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, puffins and gannets all nesting in the area - one of Norway's greatest natural wonders!

Norway_NorthCape_Summer_078_SS-min


Ocean Albatros will reposition over lunchtime to the tiny village of Skarsvåg. Skarsvåg holds the distinction of being the most northerly fishing village in the world, and many residents work harvesting the rich chilly waters at the top of Scandinavia. From Skarsvåg, we will join an excursion to Nordkapp, the monument which marks the northernmost tip of mainland Norway and the European continent. This famed landmark beckons us to the next part of our journey, as we leave civilisation behind in the evening, and strike out towards the wild Arctic islands of Svalbard.

Day 3: Bjørnøya/Bear Island

Situated in the middle of the Barents Sea between northern Norway and southern Svalbard lies Bjønøya, known in English as Bear Island. This rugged island marks the start of the High Arctic, as the peaks of the island loom on the horizon. 

 

Small, isolated and rarely visited, Bear Island was once heavily exploited by whalers and sealers, who flocked to the island from across Europe to harvest oil-bearing marine mammals. Thankfully, the island and surrounding waters are now protected as a nature reserve, and the island is returning to natural abundance. Despite the name, polar bears are almost unknown here, but whales and seals are common in these rich waters, and the steep cliffs of the island are home to literally millions of seabirds. Guillemots, razorbills, puffins and gannets all crowd for space on tiny rock ledges, while hungry gulls and skuas cruise overhead in a never-ending search for prey.

Alkefjellet RG9_0232

If conditions permit, we will aim to offer a Zodiac cruise with our expert expedition team to experience the incredible wildife of this remote island - a true bucket-list experience!

Day 4: Southwest Svalbard

The southwest coast of Svalbard is washed by warmer water coming up through the Atlantic, so winter ice generally retreats first from this reagion. This allows us to enter the southern fjords of the area, even at the start of the summer - easily some of the most spectacular regions of this stunning archipelago.

 

Throughout this maze of fjords and islands, birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile slopes below, while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in the area. Tiny calico snow buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated slopes, and there - greyish white 'boulders' move and resolve themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal).

Alkehornet_1-min


The mountaintops are most often covered by dense clouds and the East-Spitsbergen current often leads pack ice into the mouths of the fjords. With a huge variety of landing sites to explore, this region is without doubt one of the most exciting and diverse regions of Svallbard! Options to explore in the area include the huge bird cliffs of Alkhjornet and Vårsolbukta, and the historical sites of Calypsobyen and Bambsebu, where prospectors, trappers and a range of other adventurers attempted to make their fortunes. 

Day 5-7: Northwest Svalbard

One of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West Svalbard was declared a national park in 1973. The area is famed for its history, which documents some of the earliest human arrivals on Svalbard. While Norse explorers may have sighted these icy shores during the Viking Age, the first definite arrival was the expedition of William Barents, the legendary Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named. While now protected from human distruption, when Barents arrived in 1596, he noted the vast numbers of whales and seals which were soon prey to English and Dutch whalers, who arrived within a decade of Barents to pillage the area's wildlife.

Smeerenberg DJI_0686 (1)-min


The area occupies the triple point between land, sea and ice, and as such was the perfect location from which to harvest the gentle giants of the oceans. Sites used to dismember whale carcasses and render them for their precious oil include the Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, where the remains of 16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen. Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya record the darker side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home.

 

Today, all that remains from this period of history are bones and the scant remnants of human habitation. Slowly reclaimed by creeping Arctic nature, the region is now a nature lovers paradise. Tiny Arctic poppies and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief summer, while geese, eider ducks and other seabirds return to the island to raise their young. Walrus can be found hauled out on beaches, and we must always be on careful lookout for wandering polar bears in this now again wild region.

 

A haven of wildlife, fascinating history and jaw-dropping scenery, northwest Svalbard is surely one of the most spectacular areas of the Arctic, if not the world! 

Day 8: Longyearbyen, Svalbard - Disembarkation

On the final morning of our expedition, we arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket.

20230710_SandraPetrowitz_IMG_3646-1


The town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness, with comfy cafes, excellent restaurants and boutique shops all within walking distance. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! 

 

After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen and a fond farewell to the crew and fellow guests of Ocean Albatros, guest will be transported to Svalbard Airport to flyy back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime. 


Our Vessel

 Ocean Albatros

With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros has definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world.

It offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  

Ocean Albatros also offers a unique panorama sauna, and dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.

OAL Svalbard 23 I Christian Kruse (19) (3)

Amenities on board

Cabin types

 

Category G Stateroom

Single stateroom with porthole - 14 m2
FROM $10,595 $3,179 p.p.CATEGORY-G

Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located Stateroom close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Category F Stateroom

Triple Shared Stateroom with Porthole - 18-22 m2
FROM $7,195 $2,159 p.p.
CATEGORY-F

Our triple staterooms are ideal for solo travelers who want to share a cabin with other solo travelers of the same gender. Each room has three single beds, a porthole, and a private bathroom. Located on Deck 3, they are close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms accommodate three travelers.

A
ll stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your F cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.

Category E Stateroom

Double stateroom with French Balcony - app. 14 m2
FROM $8,895 $2,669 p.p.
CATEGORY-E

The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, one queen-sized bed (150x200 cm), floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathroom. All French Balcony Staterooms are located on Deck 7.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Category D Stateroom

Twin/Double stateroom with porthole - 13-22 m2
FROM $8,395 $2,519 p.p.
CATEGORY-D

The Staterooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard Staterooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. They are located on deck 3 and 4. Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your D cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.

Category C Stateroom

Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 18-22 m2
FROM $9,195 $2,759 p.p.CATEGORY-C
This type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Category C Sup Stateroom

Superior Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 22-25 m2
FROM $9,595 $2,879 p.p
CATEGORY-C-SP_1

The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom.

The Superior Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Superior Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.

If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with another person, just book your C Sup cabin, and we will match you with another same-gender travelers.

Category C XL Stateroom

Grand Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 25-30 m2
FROM $10,095 $3,029 p.p.CATEGORY-C-XL
The Grand Balcony Staterooms are located on deck 4. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Category B Suite

Twin/Double suite with balcony - 30-32 m2
FROM $11,995 $3,599 p.p.
CATEGORY-B
Ocean Albatros has 2 Balcony Suites on board located on deck 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.

Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.

Category A Suite

Twin/Double junior suite with balcony - 36-39 m2
FROM $15,395 $4,619 p.p.
CATEGORY-A
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.

The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.

Premium Suite

Premium Double/Twin suite with balcony - 42 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite)
FROM $17,295 $5,189 p.p.

CATEGORY-FREYDIS-SUITE
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom.

It is located on deck 4. If desired, a third guest can occupy the suite using the sofabed. This additional guest will also receive 50% off our already discounted rate.

Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.

Family Suite

Twin/Double family suite with French balcony - 50 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
FROM $17,295 $5,189 p.p.
CATEGORY-BRYNHILDE-SUITE
This suite is the largest of all the staterooms and is only available on board the Ocean Albatros. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.

Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.

  Inclusions 

  • 8-day/7-night cruise with accommodation of your choosing
  • Local transport in Longyearbyen on day 8
  • English-speaking expedition staff
  • Guided walks with the expedition team
  • Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
  • Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
  • Full board on the ship
  • Dinner drink package
  • Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship 
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more

Exclusions

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Domestic and International Flights
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Other Expedition Activities

* Additional fee applies, activities are subject to weather conditions, itinerary, availability.

Book Your Expedition to the Arctic!

FAQs

  Before Booking

What are the payment and cancellation conditions?

Payments for the cruise are to be made in USD by credit card according to the following schedule:

  • First 25 % - A deposit will be required at time of booking.
  • Final 75 % - 90 days prior to the cruise
  • If booking is made less than 90 days before to departure, full payment is due within 72 hours.

In case of cancellation of the cruise cancellation fees are:  

  • Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of a minimum of USD 1000 per person.  
  • From 179 days to 91 days prior to departure cancellation costs are 25% of the total cruise tariff.  

From 90 days until departure cancellation costs are 100% of the total cruise tariff. 

What is included in the price?

Our general inclusions cover the following: full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), complimentary non-alcoholic beverages available at dinner, 24-hour access to free tea and coffee, Zodiac landings and excursions with an English-speaking expedition team, taxes, tariffs, and landing fees, and a link to a digital visual journal.

Additionally, rubber boots are available for borrowing at no extra charge. Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners).

For additional details, please see the full inclusions under the itinerary.

What are the extra costs not included in the price that I should be aware of?
  • Medical Insurance with coverage up to 200 000 USD
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
  • Flights
Are children allowed?

Minors under the age of 18 must be travelling with a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21 in the same stateroom as well as on shore excursions for the duration of the voyage. If the minor is not travelling with a parent, a Child Travel Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by AE prior to the release of travel documents.

 

As we travel in remote areas and for safety reasons, Albatros Expeditions (AE) cannot accommodate children under 8 years of age (weight of 29 kg and 1.2 m. tall). Although AE accepts children over 8 years of age there is no childcare or special programming onboard. In addition, safety harnesses and seating equipment are not provided for children onboard any AE excursion or shuttle service. Guests may use their own approved safety harnesses and seating equipment provided the vehicles have compatible equipment to safely secure the child. This equipment is not guaranteed, and AE reserves the right to refuse any child above the age of 8 years of age and below 14 years of age on any shore excursion or shuttle for safety concerns.

 

Passengers must be 21 years or older to consume or purchase alcohol onboard. AE reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone who in its sole judgment is deemed impaired and a risk to the health and safety of passengers and ship’s crew.

Can I join if I have a walking disability?

Albatros Expeditions welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling onboard ships that are configured for expedition cruise travel. It is vital to notify the agent (in writing) at the time of booking! While we would be more than happy to have all guests on board no matter their limitations, it is important for us that you know all the information before you decide to book an expedition with us.


At the start of our journey, we do a safety drill where the elevators are turned off. This means all guests need to use the stairs from their cabin to the top deck (deck 7). The same applies during rough weather.


While, our staff can help during boarding, with room service and other needs but cannot provide 24/7 assistance or lifting. Guests needing assistance and those who are physically disabled must be accompanied by someone who assumes full responsibility for any assistance necessary during the cruise and in the event of an emergency. 


Moreover, guests requiring a wheelchair must provide their own collapsible wheelchair. Please be aware that some ports of call, shore excursions, docks, gangways and other requirements may prevent a wheelchair-bound guest from leaving the vessel; any decisions regarding this will be made by the Expedition Leader or ship’s captain. 


Albatros Expeditions presently operates two expedition vessels, the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros. And each has two cabins available to guests requiring wheelchair access.

  After Booking

Can you help me book my flights and transfer from the airport to the vessel?

For this voyage, we are offering an outbound flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo at the additional cost of USD 350 per person. If you need help with other flights & additional land arrangements, please get in touch for an appropriate referral to one of our preferred travel partners in your location.

What time is embarkation and disembarkation?

Arctic:

  • Embarkation: 3-5 p.m. on the first day
  • Disembarkation: 8-10 a.m. on the final day
  • For Arctic expeditions, most passengers arrive on the day of embarkation. In select cases, we may provide charter flights to/from your embarkation and disembarkation ports. If you travel on a commercial flight, be aware that the vessel won't delay departure for late arrivals.
  • For departing flights from your disembarkation port, we strongly advise against scheduling anything prior to noon (12 p.m.)

Furthermore, as travel in polar regions can be highly unpredictable, we strongly recommend obtaining trip interruption insurance. Please note, these times are for reference and may be subject to slight changes. You will receive an Embarkation Letter with the most up-to-date information approximately one month before your departure.

How much luggage can I bring with me?

You can bring the usual luggage allowance of 20 kg in addition to your hand luggage. Should you have more than one suitcase, our reception team will be happy to store it for you during the voyage. This will allow you to enjoy more free space in your stateroom. 

 

Upon check-in, you will be required to present your Cruise Ticket and passport. Luggage tags will be handed out prior to check-in by an Albatros Expeditions representative at the pier. It is important that ALL pieces of luggage have luggage tags attached to them. Please attach these to your check-in luggage prior to check-in at the pier. 

What clothes should I wear?

An expedition cruise to the polar regions requires a relatively large variety of clothing. On shore, we can expect temperatures of -2°C to 8°C. On the ocean, when observing wildlife from the decks, temperatures will rarely be above 2 degrees. Add to this a strong and often humid wind, and the necessity of warm wind—and waterproof clothes, gloves, and hats—becomes obvious.

So, what is the secret of keeping warm? Layers! They insulate trapped air, and you can adjust them depending on whether you are feeling hot or cold. Proper and suitable clothing is a necessity for the voyage. Select lightweight technical fabrics engineered to lead moisture away, keeping you dry and warm. For example, this could be a wool base layer from the inside out, a sweater or fleece as the mid layer and a wind-and waterproof jacket as the outer layer. For the legs, it could be a wool base layer, tightly woven leisure pants as the middle layer and wind- and waterproof pants as the outer layer.

A pair of strong slip-resistant hiking shoes/boots are ideal to wear on board and excellent for strolling in the villages or hiking nearby. On board the ship, the dress code is casual, so bring practical clothes to wear on board and for landings/excursions. However, some guests choose to dress up for dinner.

Our team will provide a briefing on the best way to layer your clothing once you are on board.

Please note parkas are available on board for free in case of Antarctic expeditions only. Sturdy rubber boots are available to borrow on board for free, in Arctic and Antarctica expeditions.

What should I pack?

Please have a look at our packing list here.

When will I receive my ticket and all the pre-departure information?

Approximately one month before the departure, we send all the final documents including:

  • Cruise tickets
  • Flight Tickets
  • Embarkation letter
  • Pre-departure guide
  • Albatros Cruise Ticket and General Terms & Conditions
  • Pre-Boarding Health Declaration (to be completed on the day of arrival and given at check-in on the ship)
Do I need insurance?

To ensure a safe and secure journey, your insurance policy must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Medical evacuation coverage of at least USD 200,000 per person.
  • Proof of insurance, as our expedition staff may need to verify this on board.
  • Coverage for all pre-existing health conditions, medical treatments, and evacuations in every area visited during the voyage.

Please note that Albatros Expeditions is not liable for any medical or health issues that may arise during the trip. In the event of an emergency, our team will coordinate with the nearest possible medical facility. Decisions will be made collectively by the ship’s captain, our medical staff, and the expedition leader. Agreeing to these terms is a prerequisite for embarking on your journey.

As a suggestion, many of our customers have previously used the following international insurance companies:

  • AXA
  • Allianz
  • World Nomad

Please note that these insurers may only offer coverage to travellers from certain geographical regions, so we advise to contact them directly for more information.

How can I pay onboard?

The currency used on board is USD. On board, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Please note that for cash payments, only USD is accepted and there is no currency exchange office on board the vessel.

During check-in on board, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should carry with you at all times, as it also serves as your identification card. All purchases made on board, including those from the bar, telephone, and laundry, will be charged to your shipboard account. After check-in, our reception will pre-authorize your credit card. In some cases, 100 USD might be reserved, which guarantees that the credit card is open and there are funds available to pay for any charges. The initial pre-authorization will be removed after a few days and the amount will not be charged. At the end of the voyage, you will be asked to visit reception and settle your shipboard account.


Before and after the cruise in Ushuaia, most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. There are also several ATMs around Ushuaia if you wish to withdraw local currency. Please note that taxis do not accept credit cards, but payment in USD is normally possible if agreed upon in advance.

Most credit cards are secured with automatic geographic control. As a starting point, your card is only active for purchases in your country of residence and online until you use it in another country. When you are on a voyage, it can sometimes occur that a transaction is declined by the bank due to this geographic control. To avoid this, we recommend activating your card in advance not just for the locations you’ll be visiting during your trip, but also for Miami, USA, where the payment system of Ocean Victory/Albatros is registered. You can do this by contacting your credit card provider regarding the use of your credit cards abroad and informing them of your voyage, activating the locations you’re visiting as well as the US, and the duration of this overseas activation until your return home.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Mobile phone reception will be lost shortly after leaving ports. Internet signal is downloaded to the vessel via satellite connection and distributed on board through a Wi-Fi system. Connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi net with your phone or computer is available for a charge from the reception.

 

The quality and speed of the internet is dependent on the number of users and the satellite receiving conditions, especially the further south, we cruise. In Antarctica we can often experience total block-out of the signal. Remember to switch off ‘Data Roaming’ function on your mobile device. For further details, please contact your mobile phone operator.

Do you offer vegetarian food onboard?

Full board is included on all cruises, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks, and free tea and coffee available 24/7, along with a welcome and farewell cocktail. Dinners always offer a meat option, fish option, and vegetarian option. Our onboard bar provides a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and water. All meals are prepared by our chef. If you have any special dietary requirements (allergies, intolerances, health conditions, or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible, ideally at least 2 weeks before departure. To ensure efficient service, please reconfirm your requirements with the crew when you board the ship.

How many expeditions per day can we expect using Zodiac cruises?

We always try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise. However, this is dependent on the weather conditions. Our captain and expedition leader will communicate this to guests through regularly scheduled briefings onboard. Albatros Expeditions reserves the right to modify landings and locations visited during a voyage based on the prevailing weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all our guests and staff.

 

A typical expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions):

  • 06:45: Wake-up call
  • 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
  • 08:30-11:30: Morning activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 12:30-13:30: Lunch during vessel repositioning
  • 14:30-17:30: Afternoon activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 18:30-19:30: Evening recap and briefing with the Expedition Team
  • 19:30: Dinner
  • 21:00: Evening entertainment or presentations with the Expedition Team
What optional excursions are offered in this expedition?

We offer the following activity and excursion:

Skarsvåg: The North Cape (120 USD/p.p.)

Stand on the northernmost point of Europe - the edge of a continent, and gateway to the high Arctic! 

Explore the majesty of the Arctic on this unforgettable bus excursion to the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point. Begin your journey from the charming fishing village of Skarsvåg, the northernmost fishing village in the world. From here, board a comfortable bus and travel through breathtaking Arctic landscapes. As you traverse the rugged terrain, marvel at the dramatic coastal cliffs and vast, open tundra that define this remote region. This tour is ideal for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Arctic without the physical demands of hiking. Find more information here.

Kayaking (345 USD/p.p.)
We also offer kayaking on this departure. The cost is 345 USD per person, and it can only be booked and paid for onboard in USD. 


How to Book: If you have any questions or would like to add an excursion to your trip, feel free to reach out, and we’ll include the cost in your package.  

  After Expedition

When will I receive photos?

You will receive a digital visual journal link approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of your voyage. This will include the voyage log, gallery, species list, and more!

 

What should I do if I have forgotten something onboard after my journey?

In case of a forgotten item on board, please get in touch with us at info@albatros-expeditions.com

You can find more useful information in our terms and conditions and FAQ.