Explore the fjords, glaciers and mountains of Svalbard – home to unique wildlife – on this special Arctic cruise.
On this eight-day voyage, you sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen, also known as Svalbard. If you explore Svalbard in summer, you will have the surreal experience of uninterrupted daylight, giving you countless wonderful opportunities to capture the Arctic in your photo.
The ship and crew can accommodate 10 guests and two experienced guides, ensuring a close-knit and personal experience during this expedition cruise. Travelling with a small group minimises our impact on nature and offers the opportunity to explore remote places that can only be reached by boat. Whenever possible, you will sail from one spot to the next along the coast of Spitsbergen. There are daily landings using expedition zodiacs in the fjords, at a glacier or on the tundra. You will have the chance to photograph unique landscapes and observe diverse marine life.
The aim is to be able to show you as much of the arctic wildlife as possible. Consider whales, arctic foxes, walruses, birds and, of course, the polar bear. The crew will do their utmost to visit the best places for that and the guides will tell you all about the unique wildlife and history of Svalbard.
For extra flexibility, guides can split the group and adapt hikes to different goals and levels. For those seeking an extra challenge, glacier climbing with crampons is offered, or even tours in rope teams on request.
Back on board, enjoy a hot, private shower, relax and enjoy the beautiful ship and delicious food in good company.
Day 1: Longyearbyen – Welcome aboard!
Your sailing adventure begins at five in the afternoon aboard the ship. You’ll meet the friendly crew and guides and make yourself comfortable in your cosy cabin. After a light meal and as soon as we’re underway, the crew will brief you on life on board and the week’s programme.
Once you are on board, the pace of life slows down, and we follow the rhythm of nature. Each day on this trip is unique, determined by the weather, the animals we spot, the adventurous atmosphere in the group and the preferences and abilities of the guests. It is all about the spirit of exploration, where no day is the same. Weather and other factors are always taken into account, as well as guests’ preferences and abilities. Therefore, the following schedule is only indicative, to give you an idea, what is possible in the cruising area.
Ymerbukta – Esmarkbreen
We start by crossing the beautiful Isfjorden – Svalbard’s majestic fjord – to anchor at Ymerbukta. Here you’ll have stunning views of the Esmarkbreen glacier, which is a whopping 15 kilometres long! The nearby bay, Trygghamna, was named ‘Safe Harbour’ because of its sheltered location.
Prins Karls Forland
Sailing north, we pass the long island Prins Karls Forland, “the foreland,” where famous walrus colonies are situated. The steep coastline, high mountains, and the glaciers on the east side make for picture-perfect panoramas. Use the jib net or crow’s nest to take a perfect shot!
Visit Ny-Ålesund
Ny-Ålesund is the northernmost settlement in the world, known for its mining history. Nowadays it’s a research station for Arctic studies on climate change, glaciology, geophysics, and space research, among other topics. There are about 50–100 scientists from all over the world, but not many stay here during the Polar Night.
Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions to the North Pole with an airship. You can visit the historic village, including the northernmost post office, museum, souvenir shop, and bar. Take a hike to enjoy the view of the “three kings” rock formation.
Kongsfjorden – 79 degrees
Just north of Ny-Ålesund lies beautiful Kongsfjorden, named after the three characteristic mountain peaks resembling a king’s crown. Halfway, the north-facing slope is a steep cliff with many birds safely nesting in spring. The vibrant red cliffs next to Kongsbreen sharply contrast with the blue icebergs that break off the calving glacier. A good spot for a Polar plunge!
Krossfjorden
This spectacular fjord has two split fjords in the inner part. The fairly narrow fjord, with its turquoise water, is home to a big bird colony—you can hear them from far away! We can land close to Ny-London and “Lloyd’s Hotel”; in contrast to the untouched scenery, Lloyd’s Hotel is an old hunter’s cabin, painted orange
Magdalenefjorden
This place will take your breath away with its stunning surroundings. The fjord is rich in wildlife and history: whaling station “Trinity Harbour” was established there by the English. You can spot walruses in their resting zones or seals swimming in groups. We have often encountered curious polar foxes playing on the beach. The cliffs are rich in colonies of the Little Auk and other birds.
Smeerenburg
Discover the historical remnants of the whaling history in Smeerenburg, where Dutch whalers from the 17th century caught whales for their oil and walruses for their tusks. The remnants of blubber ovens and buildings are located close to the beach. Nearby, plastic waste often accumulates on the rocky shore; we’ll collect as much as we can carry. Let’s free the sea!
The remote Northwest
Famous for their rich history and special wildlife, the isolated islands of Danskøya and Amsterdamøya are an excellent place to spot polar bears. Several small islands in the area are inaccessible and serve as bird sanctuaries, where the birds raise their young.
Isfjorden
At the heart of Spitsbergen, the majestic Isfjorden is a real treasure trove. There are many great locations to hike; you can walk around the historic mining towns of Pyramiden and Barentsburg, which feels like a trip back in time. Climb up to the waterfalls and tundra flowers in the intimate bay at Skansbukta, and pass the locations where reindeer graze.
“The Arctic has a call that is irresistible, and once heard, it is never forgotten. It is a land of stark beauty and profound silence, a place where the world feels new and ancient all at once.”
– From the book ‘Arctic Dreams’ by Berry Lopez
The last day: disembark in Longyearbyen
After a full week of cruising and being immersed in nature, we’re back in civilization. A nice breakfast will energize you for your last day in Longyearbyen. Disembark the ship (9:00–9:30 AM), explore more of the town, and catch your flight in the afternoon!
