Sorry your trip was not better. Our trip in 2002 with Fantasy Tours was quite good and we saw a number of bears (maybe 5+ each day) during our 3 days in the tundra buggy (did you only do 2?). We also saw them spar and come up quite close, standing up and trying to peer into the buggy or check out the rear porch). Food on board was not so good (2nd and 3rd days I brought my own supplies of snacks and drinks). Food in town was mostly very good. We rode train both ways and were lucky enough to draw a double both directions.
I have heard that climate change has affected the polar population hugely. This may explain your lack of bears.
Diann