Ralph Iantosca

Iantosca Travel

Hosted Group: Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light, and Epic Ice


Svalbard in Spring:

Polar Bears, Arctic Light, and Epic Ice 

May 2026 Departure*

Accepting Waitlist for May 2026, this is a limited itinerary.

Departure date(s) will be announced shortly, and the ship will sell out quickly, do not miss out!  

 

See Svalbard the way few ever have—in spring. The archipelago will be covered in snow, surrounded by sea ice, and bathed in astonishing light. Stunningly beautiful vistas of snow and ice will be bathed in near-perfect light as the spring sun rises higher in the Arctic sky each day. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, seals, and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea, conditions permitting. 

*Exact dates pending  

 
"The thing that keeps me coming back to the polar regions over and over again is the unique quality of light that only happens there," says National Geographic Photography Expert Camille Seaman. In this visually stunning video, she discusses the thrill of visiting Svalbard in April, on that liminal edge of spring and summer. National Geographic Photography Expert Camille Seaman 
 
Join me aboard the National Geographic Resolution, one of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.  A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Resolution’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions—and, since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride as well. 
 

Why Ralph Recommends this trip… 

  • Snorkel at sunrise where you will see the sun stream through the water and spot a pufferfish! 

  • Board local pangas to encounter California gray whales and their newborn calves up close in lagoons, and witness breaching humpbacks from the bow of our ship, or on Zodiac excursions. 

  • Hike desert islands and sculpted sand dunes, and look for a variety of wildlife. 

  • Snorkel with sea lions in Los Islotes (conditions permitting) and amid the pristine coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park. 

  • In La Paz, enjoy a special outdoor dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance, as well as an opportunity to view and purchase work by local artisans. 

  • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species. 


Day-by-Day Itinerary  

 

DAY 1 Arrive Oslo  / Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2 Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark Ship (B/ L/ D) 

DAYS 3-8 Svalbard (B/ L/ D) 

DAYS 9-10 Longyearbyen / Disembark Ship / Oslo  (9: B/L/D, 10:B)

 

 

Pricing - Rates are not yet finalized for 2026 and subject to change. 

Click here to view cabins and the vessel’s deck plan.  

Group savings of 10% applied once 5 cabins are booked.  

Cabins Double Occupancy* Single Occupancy*
Category 1
$13,133 per person  
 
Category 2
$13,609 per person 
 
Category 3
$16,738 per person 
$20,199 
Category 4
$18,649 per person 
$20,913 
Category 5
$20,630 per person 
 

Deposit: Advance payment 15%  

Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure (final date pending) 

 

  • Pricing does not reflect 10% groups savings  

  • Prices are per person / based on double occupancy 

  • $500 discount extended to all guests under the age of 18

 

What's included in this trip:

  • Accommodations aboard ship and in hotels per itinerary 

  • All meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages aboard ship (except certain premium brands) 

  • All shore excursions and sightseeing entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks 

  • Transfers to and from group flights 

  • Taxes, service charges and port charges 

  • Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader and Naturalist staff; local guides 


What's not included:

  1. Airfare (except flights when indicated as included) 

  2. Pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers,  

  3. Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 

  4. Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included) 

  5. Crew gratuities 


Important information  

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, explored all options before during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas.  

We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Click here to view full details 

Deluxe Travel Protection designed by Travel Experts.

 

Travelers Age 
Cost 
0-17 yr  
3.2% 
18-34 yr 
4.1% 
35-59 yr 
6.1% 
60-69 yr 
8.5% 
70-79 yr 
10.9% 
80+ yr  
14% 

Advance and Final Payments  

effective May 1, 2023  

To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.  

Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.  

Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.  

 

Lindblad Cancellation policy: 

 
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start 
Per Person Cancellation Fee 
120 or more days  (date pending)
No penalty: Advanced Payment will be credited toward your next expedition* 
119-90 days  (dates pending)
50% of trip cost** 
89-0 days 
100% of trip cost 

*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.  

**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.  

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. 

 

 


Available Packages

Category 1 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$13,133.00
Deposit: $1,969.95 per person

Fore Deck: Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
 
Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.
 
 
 
 

Category 2 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$13,609.00
Deposit: $2,041.35 per person

Fore Deck: Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 3 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$16,738.00
Deposit: $2,510.70 per person

Main Deck: Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; convertible sleeper sofa; writing desk with a chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; and a closet.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 4 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$18,649.00
Deposit: $2,797.35 per person

Lounge Deck: Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 5 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

Starting At: $20,630.00
Deposit: $3,094.50 per person

Bridge Deck: Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 3 - Single Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$20,199.00
Deposit: $3,029.85 per person

Upper Deck: Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 4 - Single Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

Starting At: $20,913.00
Deposit: $3,136.95 per person

Upper Deck: Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.