Trip Summary
Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many who fought to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the chosen few ones to attempt the odyssey, 700 km (435 miles) from any land. From Spitsbergen, you will head towards the north to sail the waters at the edges of the Earth, towards landscapes that change constantly according to the ice and the plays of light. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering exceptional wildlife that you will perhaps be lucky enough to see as your journey progresses: polar bears, seals or even whales! Your exploration of this silent world, frozen by the cold, will continue as you attempt to reach the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole. Swept by the winds and the currents, the ice floe is constantly drifting and the Captain of your ship will maneuver carefully and with great humility in an attempt to reach the northernmost point of our planet.
Check out our recent North Pole Webinar for more information on our faculty expert and the trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bPtDAr9keI
Event Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
- Embark in Longyearbyen, the northernmost territorial capital on Earth
- Enjoy dramatic landscapes of glaciers, rugged mountains, and Arctic wilderness
Day 2: At Sea Along Spitsbergen
- Cruise the spectacular coastline of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island
- Take in views of jagged peaks, deep fjords, and abundant Arctic birdlife
Days 3–7: Navigating Through the Sea Ice
- Sail through the Arctic ice floe, surrounded by constantly shifting landscapes
- Spot unique wildlife that depends on sea ice, and experience true polar serenity
- Witness vast, pristine expanses from the deck as the ship navigates through channels and thin ice
Day 8: Geographic North Pole
- Arrive at the legendary Geographic North Pole (90° North)
- Stand at the top of the world—an extraordinary and rare travel milestone
- Celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime achievement aboard your polar-class vessel
Days 9–13: Navigating Through the Sea Ice
- Begin the southbound journey, once again navigating through the drifting sea ice
- Encounter more breathtaking ice formations and potential Arctic wildlife sightings
- Reflect on the remote beauty and power of the polar environment
Days 14–15: At Sea Along Spitsbergen
- Cruise back along Spitsbergen’s coastline, rich in glaciers and rugged terrain
- Capture final views of the Arctic wilderness and seabird colonies from the ship
Day 16: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
- Disembark in Longyearbyen
Meet Your Faculty Expert
Don Perovich
Don Perovich is a Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College. He is a geophysicist studying Arctic sea ice; the frozen ocean at the top of the world. His work focuses on the interaction of sunlight with sea ice; determining how sunlight is reflected to the atmosphere, absorbed in the ice, and transmitted to the ocean. He has explored how this partitioning affects summer sea ice melt, ecosystem productivity, and the role of sea ice in the climate system. Don has participated in numerous Arctic field studies, including a trans-Arctic icebreaker expedition to the North Pole and serving as Chief Scientist on a year-long drift experiment. He has developed and deployed autonomous sensor systems that are part of the Arctic Observing Network. He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.