Svalbard Summer Solstice Photo Tour

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.

Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.

Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.

Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.

Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.

Hike on an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts.

Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.

See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike. 

Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.

Stand before Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice. 

Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.

Sail past Alkhornet (Bird Mountain), home to extensive seabird colonies, and marvel at Sveabreen, one of Svalbard’s largest and most active glaciers. Return to Longyearbyen.

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

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.