Join accomplished and legendary wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein and our 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.

MV Vikingfjord is a best in class small ship which benefits from an ice strengthened hull, fast cruising speed, a complete refit and a new engine making it the perfect choice for exploring polar waters. Expect onboard creature comforts including a large panoramic guest lounge, all ensuite cabins, situated above deck, an on deck hot tub and sauna to enjoy after a busy day (or indeed ‘night’) out in the ice and mountains of this captivating archipelago.

Highlights


• Learn from world class wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein and veteran expedition leaders John and Mette.

• Explore in comfort on the newest and most environmentally friendly small ship in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions

• Small, intimate group size of just 12 like minded guests.

• No single supplement for solo travellers

• June offers a great time of year to encounter polar bears, walruses and whales and sea ice.

• 2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close up photography of wildlife

• 3 guides for a group of 12 offers the best ratio available

• Friendly, inclusive atmosphere

The expedition departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. The transfer will collect you from your hotel / airport and take you to MV Vikingfjord at 4pm. For the next 10 days civilization bid farewell as the wilderness of Spitsbergen is comprehensively explored. The aim of this expedition is to spend lots of time out in the field photographing the wildlife, nature, scenery, and glaciers of Spitsbergen. In the spirit of true exploration we don’t have a set itinerary which gives the expedition team flexibility to ensure you maximise your time.
The focus of this voyage is capturing some beautiful imagery of Arctic wildlife. We will explore by ship and Zodiac in search of polar bears, walruses and Arctic wildlife under the guidance of Paul and the expedition team. Every day will offer a different experience and the focus will be spending time out on the Zodiacs and on deck to maximise photography opportunities. During June bird colonies become active, Arctic foxes can be seen beneath the steep cliffs and there are walruses in abundance.
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Spitsbergen photography tour ends after after breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.
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 team will make sure you see as much a possible.

Type C - Single with En-Suite

€13,350 EUR pp
Type C - Single with En-Suite
For 1 guests Single bed Ensuite shower and toilet 13 m² Located on deck 3 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe

Type B - Twin with En-Suite

€13,350 EUR pp
Type B - Twin with En-Suite
For 2 Guests Comfortable double or twin bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 1 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe

Type C - Single with En-Suite

€13,350 EUR pp
Type C - Single with En-Suite
For 1 guests Single bed Ensuite shower and toilet 13 m² Located on deck 3 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe

Type B - Twin with En-Suite

€13,350 EUR pp
Type B - Twin with En-Suite
For 2 Guests Comfortable double or twin bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 1 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe

Type A - Double with En-Suite

€13,350 EUR pp
Type A - Double with En-Suite
For 2 Guests Comfortable double or twin bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 1 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe

Signature Twin/Double

€14,450 EUR pp
Signature Twin/Double
For 2 Guests Comfortable Twin or Double Bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 1 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe Cabins 1 - 4

Signature Single

€17,350 EUR pp
Signature Single
For 1 guest 10 m² Located on decks 1 and 2 Window Wardrobe Cabin 5 - 7

Signature Penthouse (Double)

€17,350 EUR pp
Signature Penthouse (Double)
For 2 Guests Comfortable double bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 3 Windows Desk & chair Wardrobe Cabin Number: 8

Signature Twin/Double

€14,450 EUR pp
Signature Twin/Double
For 2 Guests Comfortable Twin or Double Bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 1 Window Desk & chair Wardrobe Cabins 1 - 4

Signature Single

€17,350 EUR pp
Signature Single
For 1 guest 10 m² Located on decks 1 and 2 Window Wardrobe Cabin 5 - 7

Signature Penthouse (Double)

€17,350 EUR pp
Signature Penthouse (Double)
For 2 Guests Comfortable double bed Ensuite shower and toilet 15 m² Located on deck 3 Windows Desk & chair Wardrobe Cabin Number: 8

Vessel Type: Ice-Strengthened Expedition Vessel

Length: 41.8 m

Passenger Capacity: 12

Introducing MV Vikingfjord, a new ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord enters service in Svalbard for low impact expeditions in May 2023. She offers cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on on deck hot tub and sauna.

What we love about Vikingfjord

• The most environmentally friendly small ship in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions.

• Large, open plan saloon and comfortable lounge located at the stern with sofas and large rear facing windows to enjoy the view. 

• 9 Spacious cabins with modern decor, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with a choice between doubles, twins or singles.

• Enjoy a sauna or outdoor hot tub on the upper deck.  

• Lounge area on the bridge with a great view. 

• Ice strengthened hull with 1B rating for exploring the polar regions.

MV Vikingfjord Key Features:

• New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2022 offering the best environmental credentials. 

• Rebuilt from the ground up in 2022 as a modern expedition vessel offering cruise ship comfort.

• Accommodates 12 guests in 9 ensuite cabins with windows that are all situated above the waterline.

• Modern interior finished to a high standard in 2023.

• Equipped with 2 x Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings

• Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.

Interior

• Large open plan guest area with lounge, dining and seating area located at the stern. Equipped with TV for presentations, mini bar and hot drink service. 

• Observation lounge area with seating area on the bridge. 

• Spacious cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. 

• Large mudroom and storage spaces for skis, and equipment.

Exterior

• Outdoor hot tub and sauna with a view on Deck 2. 

• Large viewing area on the bow.

• 4 open decks for lots of viewing options.

• Accessible bow deck.

Cabin layout for Vikingfjord

Inclusions


SVALBARD
• Expert Svalbard Expedition Leader
• Lectures on Svalbard
• Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
• Polar Bear protection guides for shore landings
• Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
• Bedding and towels
• Highly experienced Captain and Cook
• Rubber boots for shore landings
• Transfers from airport to hotel and to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation

ANTARCTICA
• Expert Antarctica Expedition Guide Team
• Lectures on Antarctica
• Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
• Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner )
• Bedding and towels
• Highly experienced Captain and Cook
• Rubber boots for shore landings

Exclusions


• Flights
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Any additional expenses such as museum entry
Vikingfjord
Spitsbergen ExpeditionExpedition
10 Days from
€13,350 EUR pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

Get Our Latest Brochure

Featuring the latest small ship cruises to a number of destinations, our Small Ship Cruising brochure is carefully curated to include small ship cruises from expeditions to luxury cruises to the world's most fascinating destinations including Alaska, Croatia, the Galapagos and the Antarctic and Arctic.

Our Associates Include

Adventure Canada
Heritage Expeditions New Zealand
UnCruise Adventures
Hurtugruten
Ponant
Pandaw