Set sail under the midnight sun, for unforgettable wildlife encounters in Europe’s last great wilderness.
See the High Arctic archipelago’s famous wildlife against a pristine backdrop of fairytale fjords, calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Witnessing this endlessly rich habitat – home to reindeer, whales, Arctic foxes, polar bears, and much more – illuminated by the midnight sun is, simply, one of the greatest shows in nature.
See Svalbard come alive with wildlife.
On this summer expedition, explore the last stop before the North Pole, home to some of the most magnificent creatures and most stunning scenery on the planet, all lit up by the midnight sun.
The warmth of the sun invites migratory species back to Svalbard and encourages resident animals to come out from their wintery hiding places, making summer the best season to spot whales, seabirds, walruses, and polar bears in their natural habitat.
Summer is when Svalbard is at its most accessible, meaning we can adventure further north, marvelling at the glacial landscape of Northwest Spitsbergen and scouting the ice edge for unique wildlife encounters.
Head out on Zodiac cruises and hikes amid the Arctic majesty of picturesque fjords, mountains, and icebergs. Search for walrus haulouts on remote beaches, and scour the sea ice for polar bears. This is the Arctic experience you’ve been searching for.
- Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
- The ice opens up, making this the best time to reach Svalbard’s remotest and wildest reaches
- Breathtaking landscape of majestic glaciers, stark mountains, and fjords, lit up by the midnight sun
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.
Take a Zodiac cruise of Fjortende Julbreen, a stunning glacier, and Fjortende Julibukta, a scenic bay in Krossfjord.
Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.
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.
Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.
See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike.
Land at Hamburgbukta to view remains from the 1600s whaling industry.
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.
Alkhornet showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
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
Kinfish
| Length | 37 metres |
|---|---|
| Max passengers | 12 |
A former Norwegian research vessel (Built in 1958) that has been tastefully converted into an expedition vessel ideal for exploring the Arctic.
What we love about Kinfish Her small size makes her perfect for exploring the places larger vessels can’t reach. Modern, spacious interior with passenger lounge and large saloon. All cabins have en-suite with comfortable beds. Large bridge area where guests are welcome to observe. Ice strengthened hull Multiple deck heights and viewing areas.
Key Features Accommodates 12 guests in 6 x twin cabins with en-suite. All cabins are well-appointed and are finished to a high standard. Large dining saloon with bar. Spacious passenger lounge on the top deck. Equipped with 2 Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings Semi enclosed deck spaces to enjoy the view Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.
Exterior Enjoy the views from multiple deck levels. Climb the mast and get outstanding views from the viewing platform. Low aft deck just 1 meter from the water which is great for photography. Viewing area on deck 4 which is great for wildlife spotting. Accessible bow area. Open bridge policy with seating area to observe operations.
Interior Clean, comfortable cabins with ensuite. Large messroom with bar and dining area for 18 seated persons. Guest lounge with board games and media library. Survey lounge with projector and library. Mud room 
Vikingfjord
| Length | 41.8 metres |
|---|---|
| Cabins | 9 |
| Rebuilt | 2023 |
MV Vikingfjord is an ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord entered 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
• One of the most environmentally friendly small ships 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.
