Hi Helen, You are traveling with a fun group. As far as polar bears, you just never know. The cruise prior to ours saw about 8, if my memory is correct. We saw 2 and both were far away. But it was all good. If you don't have time to do the entire Golden Circle, at least try to see Thingvellir National Park where the tectonic plates meet. And, of course, Gullfoss waterfall is spectacular. If you are short on time, skip the geyser area. If you've seen one spout, you've seen them all . Hope to cruise with you again sometime. And I'm envious that you've been to Churchill. It's on my list.