66° Expeditions has released its 2026 Arctic voyage schedule featuring itineraries designed to offer travelers the opportunity to witness both the Northern Lights and polar bears within a single journey.
“Combining these two iconic Arctic phenomena in a thoughtfully designed itinerary addresses a specific desire we’ve identified in our clientele,” said Dr. Li Wei, chief product officer of 66° Expeditions.
“It moves beyond standard sightseeing to deliver a profound, multi-faceted narrative of the Arctic environment within its most dynamic seasonal shift.”
The announcement targets the growing segment of affluent Chinese travelers seeking expedition experiences.
The flagship offering, the Arctic Dual Wonders voyage, is a 14-day itinerary scheduled for late August and early September 2026.
Departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the expedition will navigate the fjords and pack ice of the High Arctic aboard the Seaventure.
The timing is planned for the transition between the peak wildlife activity of the midnight sun period and the onset of the aurora season.
It aims to maximize chances of encountering polar bears on the sea ice and to provide opportunities to view the Northern Lights as darkness returns to the Arctic sky.
A team of expert naturalists, marine biologists and an aurora specialist will also be onboard for each departure.
The itinerary is purposefully flexible to allow the captain to adjust the route based on real-time ice conditions and wildlife reports.