Make no mistake, this archipelago is very much at the frontier with the Arctic, and with wild nature itself. The largest settlement and administrative hub, Longyearbyen, sees so many polar bears that many establishments keep rifles ready as a last resort protection.

Polar bears aren’t the only indigenous creatures in great abundance. As you cruise around this remarkable collection of Svalbard (cold coast) islands you could also meet with indigenous reindeer, see Arctic foxes and watch fat walrus lazing about on the water’s edge. Every day will bring you to another destination and another natural wonder. You’ll see the Monaco Glacier at Ljefdefjorden; go tundra-hiking at Worsleyneset; walk through a polar desert at Vibubutka; see nesting thick-billed murres at Alkefjellet; explore a tundra meadow at Sundneset.

All round, the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation is a natural wonder.

Shore visits are part of the experience but depend on weather conditions. Extra excursions vary with different itineraries and weather, and could typically include:

• Kayaking on the icy waters
• Hiking
• Snow shoeing