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3 July 2027 – 8 days from £14,443 per person with early booking discount – See price panel for availability

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Embark on an unforgettable marine expedition to the Arctic, accompanied by oceanographer Professor Helen Czerski and New Scientist’s Timothy Revell. Sail aboard the Sylvia Earle, 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.

July is an excellent time to witness the Arctic’s vibrant wildlife in action, as the sea ice has melted sufficiently to allow circumnavigation of Svalbard, gain access to the most remote areas. 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 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 sailing of like-minded explorers for a truly immersive and intellectually rich adventure, accompanied throughout by oceanographer, physicist and author Professor Helen Czerski and New Scientist’s executive editor Timothy Revell. You will spend time both at sea, and on land, surrounded by a host of different species, and have the opportunity to experience tailored and engaging talks from Helen and Timothy, plus workshops and the latest in citizen science. Zodiac cruises and walking safaris will bring you closer to the natural world. In addition to this, hear from the on-board 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 Sylvia Earle, 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 and Discover The World.

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Itinerary

This cruise itinerary has been carefully planned, but cruising requires a degree of flexibility. Weather, sea conditions, tides and other unforeseen circumstances may affect the planned route, shore landings and excursions. The vessel’s captain and experienced onboard team will assess conditions throughout the voyage, prioritising guest safety and making adjustments where necessary. While every effort will be made to operate the cruise as described, the itinerary and activities may be amended to ensure the best possible experience.

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

After touching down at Oslo Airport, your hotel is just five minutes walk away where the AE Expeditions team will be on hand to welcome you and discuss pre-embarkation procedures. They will make sure the next day’s flight to Svalbard and embarkation go as smoothly as possible.

If you have time, you can explore the thriving capital city of Oslo, which boasts innovative architecture, captivating landmarks and an inspired food scene. This very green city 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.

Day 2: Fly to Svalbard, explore Longyearbyen and embark on the Sylvia Earle

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. The airport is overlooked by the Global Seed Bank and has 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 1316 kilometres from the North Pole. Due to the large amount of scientific research undertaken there, the town has residents from 53 different countries. 

Before embarking on your voyage, you will visit Camp Barentz, a traditional “lavvo” structure, where you will hear about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, meet huskies and enjoy lunch. While journeying to Camp Barentz, you will get a sense of the steep mountains and glaciers that have inspired many, including Philip Pullman in his depiction of Svalbard’s armoured bears in the His Dark Materials trilogy.

A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town, before embarking on the vessel in the late afternoon. The museum presents 400 years of Svalbard’s history and reveals the close relationship between the land, sea and nation here. 

While exploring the island, your luggage will be transferred to the ship and your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.

In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the Sylvia Earle 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, 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, Professor Helen, Timothy and the expedition team at an informal captain’s welcome dinner. 

Days 3 to 7: Exploring the Svalbard archipelago

You will spend the next five days exploring the Arctic wilderness at its best. Each 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. While by no means mandatory, such cold-water body immersion is known to release a cocktail of invigorating chemicals. 

Once nature and the expedition leader have decided the day’s itinerary, the on-board talks from Professor Helen, Timothy and the expedition crew will be slotted in.

The on-board 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 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 colonies of little auks. Most memorable are encounters with majestic polar bears on pack ice. Your expedition team members are just as keen as you to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures. 

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 8: Disembark and return to Oslo

After disembarking back at Longyearbyen, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Oslo, from which you can return home or continue your adventure.

If you wish to see more of Oslo, our partner Discover The World can arrange additional nights.

Route map

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Booking administration

The cruise is operated by AE Expeditions while all bookings and travel arrangements are managed by Discover The World on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Please note that all pre-departure communications, documentation and customer service relating to your booking will be provided by Discover The World.

Highlights

• Discover the thrill of seeing species such as walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, guillemots and puffins
• Svalbard is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears in their natural habitat
• Marvel at immense glaciers calving into the sea, towering fjords, and rugged mountains shaped by ancient ice
• Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords on the Sylvia Earle, an intimate, purpose-built polar expedition ship
• Fascinating talks and workshops from oceanographer, physicist and author Professor Helen Czerski and New Scientist’s executive editor Timothy Revell
• Enjoy engaging lectures from polar scientists, historians, and naturalists who bring the Arctic environment to life
• Complimentary twice-daily zodiac and shore excursion programme exploring fjords and glaciers
• Flexible itinerary allows the captain and expedition leader to adapt plans based on prevailing conditions
• Travel during Svalbard’s summer when the sun never sets, offering extended golden-hour lighting for photography and unforgettable scenery 24/7

Pricing details

Meet the experts

Professor Helen Czerski

Helen is a physicist and oceanographer whose research explores the physics of the ocean, from breaking waves to microscopic bubbles. She studied Natural Sciences (Physics) at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, graduating with a first‑class degree, before completing a PhD in experimental explosives physics at Cambridge, where she specialised in high‑speed experimental techniques.

Following her doctorate, Helen turned her attention to the natural world, undertaking research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and a postdoctoral position at the Graduate School of Oceanography in Rhode Island. She later established her own internationally recognised research programme on the physics of oceanic bubbles, first at the University of Southampton and now at University College London, where she is Professor of Environmental Physics.

Alongside her academic career, Helen is a prolific science communicator, presenting BBC documentaries, writing widely about ocean science, and speaking at events worldwide.

Timothy Revell

Timothy is New Scientist’s Executive editor. He has reported on mind-reading devices, artificial intelligence and prime numbers, among other things, and has broken many news stories, including a huge data leak at the Cambridge Psychometrics Centre. He has interviewed amazing people, such as David Attenborough, Kate Crawford and Demis Hassabis.

He regularly talks about science and technology on podcasts and radio, such as on New Scientist’s The world, the universe and us, The Naked Scientists and WNYC’s Science Friday. He is also an accomplished public speaker, events host and author, having written How Mathematics Is Used Today and co-written The Secret Lives of Numbers.

Timothy has a master’s in mathematics from the University of Bath and a PhD in computer science from the University of Strathclyde. University.

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Onboard expedition team

Alongside your dedicated New Scientist Discovery Tours experts, you will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the ship’s onboard expedition team. 

Onboard expedition team talks

Throughout the voyage, members of the expedition crew will present a fascinating programme of talks and briefings, providing deeper insights into the regions’ geology, glaciology, marine wildlife, history, environment and other topics. These engaging presentations will enrich your understanding of the landscapes and wildlife encountered during the expedition, adding valuable context to your polar adventure.

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What’s included

• 6 nights aboard the polar expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle
• One night at a four-star hotel in Oslo
• Full board throughout your marine expedition including snacks, tea and coffee, plus beer, house wine and soft drinks at dinner
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions
• Private talks and informal seminars from Helen Czerski and Timothy Revell
• Talks and activity support from the on-board expedition team
• All Zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• Initial consultation with the ship’s doctor
• 3-in-1 AE Expeditions polar jacket
• Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
• Photo log of the expedition by the on-board photographer
• Daily cabin service
• Half-day exploring Longyearbyen
• Transfers between airports, hotels and your ship
• Internal flights between Oslo and Svalbard
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
• 24-hour support

What’s not included

• Travel insurance
• International flights to/from Oslo
• You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin
• Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcohol and soft drinks outside of dinner, laundry, medical expenses and phone charges
• Additional appointments with the ship’s doctor, including any prescribed medication
• Visa/ETA (if applicable)
• Gratuities for on-board crew

Accommodations

The Sylvia Earle

The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 132 passengers, the aim is to get you off-ship, experiencing the natural environment as much as possible, and the smaller groups also mean you can tread lightly, making a positive impact on the environment.

The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists – Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton MBE, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo, with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. The scientists are inspiring leaders in their fields, and as part of the deck theming, guests will be educated on the impressive and important conservation work they continue to do.

The ship is certified 100 per cent climate-neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places you will travel to.

The ships impact reduction features include hybrid engines, efficient hull design, low sulphur fuels, energy recovery systems, optimised waste management and the CounterCurrent route optimisation system to reduce fuel usage.

Cabins

The Sylvia Earle offers a wide range of modern, comfortable cabins designed to suit every style of explorer, from spacious suites with private balconies to well-appointed staterooms ideal for adventure-focused travellers. All cabins feature contemporary Scandinavian design, en-suite bathrooms, ample storage and large windows or portholes that keep you connected to the breathtaking polar landscapes. Whether you choose a luxurious suite or a cosy stateroom, each space provides a relaxing retreat after a day of immersive exploration.

Stateroom Triple: The standard cabin which is at least 20 metres squared in size with a porthole viewing window, private ensuite, large closet, safe, 42″ television and desk area. With a double and single bed. The double can also be changed to twin beds.

Superior Stateroom: An upgraded stateroom offering more space, enhanced furnishings and superior viewing windows, balancing comfort with value.

Balcony Stateroom (Category C/B/A): Cabins with private balconies and varying levels of size and positioning, providing direct outdoor access and panoramic views for guests who enjoy more personal space and natural light.

Junior Suite: A spacious suite with a separate lounge area, larger balcony and premium amenities, designed for guests wanting extra comfort and room to relax.

Captain’s Suite: The ship’s most luxurious accommodation, offering a generous layout, top-tier furnishings, expansive balcony and exclusive amenities for the highest level of comfort and privacy.

Onboard facilities

The ship has a wide range of dedicated observation points including an indoor 180-degree lounge and a 360-degree open deck. Meals are served in the large restaurant with family-style dining. Other facilities include two bars/lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library, mud room, gym, sauna and spa.