Svalbard 8 Day Spring Photo Tour Lite with Piet van den Bemd
Early season means a bewitching pastel light in sub-zero temperatures – a call to adventure for any landscape photographer. Answer the call on this compact spring photo tour.
All-action photographer Piet van den Bemd is the perfect guide to have with you on this specially shortened tour. His boundless enthusiasm and endless energy will make sure you get the maximum from your Svalbard photography adventure in just over a week.
There is no place on Earth like Svalbard in the spring.
It’s a rite of passage for landscape photographers, and your dynamic photo guide, Piet van den Bemd, will help you capture it in photos that will last forever.
Picture-perfect snow-capped mountains. Fjords littered with crystalline sea ice. Wildlife taking their first tentative steps after the long winter. The soft light of the rising sun and pastel-coloured sunsets.
The frozen springtime landscape of ice-strewn fjords and undisturbed snow is the perfect canvas on which to elevate your photography skills. The light at this time of year has a studio-like softness – sunrise and sunset are sublime.
Patience is a virtue when photographing Arctic animals in their snowy element. But take your time and you’ll capture some of the best wildlife shots of your life.
Highlights
• This compact expedition is specially designed to get you photographing the very best of Svalbard in the spring in fewer days – no fear of missing out
• The best time to visit the Arctic for landscape photography, capturing frozen seascapes, crystalline icebergs, and snow-covered mountains in soft-hued light
• A chance to encounter wildlife, including whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears, against a snowy backdrop
• We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.
Continue south to explore Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden, with interesting cultural remains.
Land at Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut; take a Zodiac cruise of Lilliehöökbreen, in search of calving ice, before continuing south back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Signature Twin/Double
Signature Single
Signature Penthouse (Double)
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Signature Twin/Double
Signature Single
Signature Penthouse (Double)
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Signature Twin - Cabins 1–2 & 4–5
Signature Single - Cabins 6–7
Signature Penthouse (Double)
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Signature Twin - Cabins 1–2 & 4–5
Signature Single - Cabins 6–7
Signature Penthouse (Double)
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: 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.
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
Small Ship Cruise
Our Associates Include
