Natural Wonders of Svalbard - Explore Northern Svalbard on an 8 Day Expedition Micro Cruise

The ultimate Svalbard cruise on a small, capable expedition vessel with just 12 guests. The focus on this adventure is to explore the beautiful natural wilderness of Svalbard during the summer months with 24 hours of daylight. We will encounter calving glaciers, witness an abundance of wildlife, visit historical places, and spend time exploring ashore. All this with 2 expert guides and just 12 guests. Photoghraphy Cruises Join the highly accomplished wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein (If you would like to speak to Paul before you book, please call us and we will arrange a call) and the veteran guide duo John Rodsted and Mette Eliseussen, on a small ship photo expedition to explore Spitsbergen with just 12 guests on the magnificent MV Vikingfjord. During June polar bears can be seen hunting on the pack offering gorgeous backdrops for photography. You can expect huge rafts of sea ice, walruses hauling out on remote beaches, Arctic foxes and encounter some of Spitsbergen’s countless glaciers with 24 hours of daylight. The expedition days will be spent searching for wildlife from the ship and the Zodiacs. Exploring on a small ship allows a great deal of flexibility, Paul is big on flexibility and works VERY long hours. When wildlife is encountered, if pertinent, Zodiacs can be launched in under 15 minutes ensuring opportunities are rarely missed. There will be bags of instruction, advice, entertainment and chatter from Paul and plenty to learn about Spitsbergen from our experts John and Mette along the way.

Amazing Wildlife We will visit areas where walruses haul out, encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, observe whales and other marine life and explore coasts where polar bears are known to roam.
Stunning Scenery We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.
Climate Compensated Caring for the environment is what we do. For Svalbard cruise we run we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO, we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural sites.
Expedition Leader and Guide An aspect of our journeys is to learn about the place you are visiting. Our onboard guides are the core of what we do and will share their passion and knowledge of Svalbard throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.
Zodiac landing craft for shore landings Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring on a daily basis. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to reach remote beaches so you can experience the wilderness firsthand.

Enquire about this journey

ITINERARY

Day 1 Longyearbyen

Your expedition begins in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition vessel at the port of Longyearbyen. After an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain, we set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord. As Longyearbyen disappears astern, we wave goodbye to civilisation for the next 9 days. As we sail out through the Isfjord we will spend time on deck watching for the whales that frequent the waters.

Day 2-3 Prins Karls Foreland & Sea Ice

In the morning we approach Prins Karls Foreland, an uninhabited island of beautiful scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen. We will drop anchor and launch the Zodiac landing craft to go ashore and visit an area where walruses haul out. In the afternoon we will do a wilderness hike. We frequently see Svalbard reindeer here. If the conditions allow we will sail up to the edge of the sea ice which extends all the way to the North Pole. In calm conditions, we will cruise the edge of the sea ice keeping a sharp lookout for wildlife including polar bears that hunt on the ice.

Days 4-7 Exploring the North-West Coast

Every voyage we undertake to Svalbard involves an element of exploration. A part of our Svalbard experience is to have a few days with no set itinerary. Under the guidance of our expedition leader, we will work with the weather and sea ice conditions to show you the best that the north-west coast has to offer. Over the next 3 days we will cruise around the coast with regular shore landings to visit different natural and historical sites including glaciers, do wilderness hikes and spend some time enjoying the raw nature of the Arctic.

Day 8 Heading South / Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00

In the morning we arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. After breakfast we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.

Please note:

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.

Freya

Vessel Type: Ice Class Small Ship
Length: 45 meters
Passenger Capacity: 12
Explore the Arctic in style aboard our small expedition ship, the MV Freya. With a recently upgraded interior and a solid ice strengthened hull, this vessel is perfect for traversing Arctic waters, whilst retaining first class comforts. Originally used as a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
What we love about Freya
- The highest strength ice class hull ensures it is a go anywhere expedition ship.
- Classic style expedition ship with lots of space.
- All cabins have en-suite with comfortable beds.
- Large bridge area where guests are welcome to observe.
- On deck hot tub and sauna to warm up in after a day exploring.
- Multiple deck heights and viewing areas.
Key Features
- Accommodates 12 guests in 1 x double, 5 twin & 2 single cabins with windows and en-suite
- All cabins are spacious and cosy
- Large dining saloon with bar
- Passenger lounge with sofas.
- Equipped with 2 Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
- Ample deck space to enjoy the view
- Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders
Exterior
- On deck hot tub
- Multiple decks for wildlife viewing and photography with great vantage points
- Semi enclosed decks at the stern
- Accessible bow area
- Open bridge policy with seating area to observe operations
Interior
- Guest lounge with comfortable sofas and library
- Large saloon with bar and dining area for 18 seated persons
- Classic style interior with a cosy charm
- Spacious cabins all above deck with ensuite

Natural Wonders of Svalbard – Explore Northern Svalbard on an 8 Day Expedition Micro Cruise

May 17 2025 - May 22 2025 (8 Days)

ITINERARY

Freya

Pricing

Depart: 17 May, 2025 Return: 22 May, 2025

Signature Twin - Cabins 1–2 & 4–5

Signature Single - Cabins 6–7

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