The 6:30am excursion was the included Wildlife Boat Ride. The included Panoramic excursion, morning 8:30am, had some minor value - bus to outer areas of town beyond the city limits (can't go outside city without a gun for polar bear safety), viewed the Seed Vault, Mines, vast tundra. The museum was ok for general information on the town/mining/wildlife. Tour ends here. We didn't go back to ship, instead we took short walk to the "downtown" area and did some shopping (maybe a dozen stores: outdoor, gifts, grocery store). Then took shuttle back to ship.
on our dogsled trip we did go outside the city and our guide had a high powered rifle on her back and two pistols for polar bear protections - we did not see a polar bear.
You can take the shuttle bus to town, but really can't go outside the city without transportation. The bus portion was just "viewing" things, no stops. But did give nice overall picture of the area.
Other random thoughts:
We couldn't have asked for better weather, Sunny both days in Longyearbyen. The day we left the sea was like glass! After departing the port, Viking cruised over to the glaciers - everyone was out on the bow taking their "holiday photos".
Along the coast of Norway, weather was mostly rainy. High winds day of Lofoton, so couldn't dock. However we had extra time so Captain took us to Andenes for evening cruise to look for whales. We saw multiple pods.
We only had two very rocky nights at sea, Bergen to Alesund (port replaced early on) and night before Isafjord. Otherwise not too bad. We came prepared with all sorts of pills, bands, ginger, etc. But didn't use a single thing. I did downloaded the windy app (used free) and kept an eye on the wind conditions. Orange/Red bad; yellow/green ok, blue - excellent (we had blue in Longyearbyen).
At Nordkapp, don't rush to the Globe for pictures. when bus arrives everyone rushes to the Globe to take pictures, Which I did also, But towards the end of our time there I looked out and there was not a single person at the Globe - should have waited and got pictures without the crowd.
Tromso - if you are shopping, stop by The Northern lights Gift Shop - they have a free 14 minute film on Northern light - it was better than expected.
Alesund - this was early replacement for Geiranger - we did the steps up to the Aksla viewpoint. We dropped off at end of included walking tour. The 418 steps are not that bad. There are benches and viewing platforms along the steps. Lots of points to take great pics and rest.
Narvik - did War Museum with guide. Then walked around town, not much to see. The chairlift was closed while we were there.
On two days in North Sea - some people saw multiple pods of whales.
Bergen - skipped the included tour and did Bergen Segway tour. It was wonderful. My mother (82) and I had never been on Segway - we both loved it! Even though it was raining the entire time. They provide training in their warehouse (on docks right near ship). Then off we went. We stopped along the way and the guide gave info. We went to the other side of the harbor, then up to the top overlook, then back down and around the city. We leave for Empires of Med in two weeks and we are doing Segway in Athens! Note: I have been to Bergen before and already did funicular and cable car.
I think Norway is absolutely stunting! Enjoy!