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

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.

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.

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.

As we sail back south we explore the area in and Kongsfjorden. Expect majestic glaciers, some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery from the decks. Here we encounter one of Svalbard’s most breathtaking sites, the Lilliehook glacier, one of Svalbard’s largest calving glacier fronts. We will spend time here witnessing nature’s beauty in its rawest form with the option of doing a wilderness hike to a neighbouring fjord.

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.

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.

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

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 37 meters

Passenger Capacity: 12

Built: 1958

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.