Voyage Overview
S
Without a doubt, the best time for landscape photography in Svalbard is the early spring season. During this time of the year, guests have the opportunity to cruise through icy fjords and photograph pristine snow covered landscapes. The soft spring light is ideal for photography. Search for polar bears in the sea ice and maximize your time on shore on this small ship expedition. The onboard photography guide will be available to offer photo guidance, tutorials & workshops when time permits. The highly experienced expedition staff knows the best locations to capture the most stunning photo opportunities tailored to the conditions.
Trip Details
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: Vikingfjord, Expedition Ship, 12 Guests
Start: Longyearbyen, Norway
End: Longyearbyen, Norway
Highlights:
- 6 planned days in Svalbard
- Photographing the untouched early season landscapes
- Maximize time on shore by traveling on a small ship with just 12 guests
- Sail with world class photography guides
- Excellent chances to encounter unique Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes, seals and whales.
- Great guide to guest ration with a minimum of 3 guides for 12 guests
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Days 2-9: Exploring Svalbard
Day 10: Disembark Longyearbyen
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm. Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Day 2: Explore Poolepynten
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.
Days 3-7: Exploring Svalbard
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Turn south to Fuglefjorden, for a Zodiac cruise of Svitjodbreen, on the hunt for calving ice.
Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.
Land at Vårsolbukta in Van Mijenfjord to view Camp Bell, a prospector’s hut, and hopefully meet some reindeer.
Day 9: Disembark & Fly to Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel with dinner on your own. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Oslo
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the return flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Endurance
The National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.
Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The largest suites on National Geographic Endurance featuring a balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, hammock and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. The expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa treatment per departure.
430 sq. ft. (39.9 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The singular Category 6 cabin is a junior suite with balcony, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker, closet and private bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per departure.
344 sq. ft. (32 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Category 5 cabins are located close to the Bridge and Observation Deck. Cabins feature a balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 4
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
With a central location on the Lounge Deck, Category 4 cabin are equipped with balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 3
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
The lowest priced double occupancy cabin with a balcony. Cabins feature a sitting area with pull-out sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 2
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
Category 2 cabins have a low ship location and feature two large windows, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
The six Category 1 cabins have a low, forward location and are the lowest priced double occupancy cabin. Cabins are equipped with two large windows, window sofa, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
183 sq. ft. (17 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
Solo occupancy cabin with a balcony, writing desk with office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 single
Category B Solo
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Solo occupancy cabin with a balcony, writing desk with office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Waterproof boot rentals
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book a dedicated Category A or B Solo cabin
- Book into a share cabin (please enquire for details)
- Book a Category 1 – 7 at 2x the per person share price for solo occupancy
Want to explore other options?
Below are a few similar voyages:
Svalbard Spring Photo Tour – 10 Days
Onboard MV Vikingfjord – 12 passengers
Highlights:
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen*
This Svalbard Photo Expedition departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port, we will say goodbye to civilization for the next eight days to explore the breathtaking Arctic as it emerges from winter. During this time of year, our route will be determined by the sea ice. We will either sail north or south depending on the conditions. This expedition offers a chance to encounter the coast of Svalbard as it is rarely seen. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to search for the best landscape and wildlife photography opportunities every day.
Day 2: Isfjord & Prins Karls Forland
In Isfjord in April and Early May, fjord ice from the winter lines the coast. This is a great place to start scouting for polar bears that move from the land to the sea ice during this time. If conditions allow, it is a great place to use the Zodiacs to explore the ice edge and open up close-up photography opportunities of wildlife. After leaving Isfjord, our plan is to sail north, passing Prins Karls Foreland. As the ice recedes from the winter, this area is home to walrus haul-outs.
Days 3-7: Into the Sea Ice and Northwest Spitsbergen
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
Days 8-9: Hornsund
If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landscape photography. It is possible to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge of the fjord ice with some terrific scenery for a background.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photo expedition ends. After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure.
*It is recommended to arrive into Longyearbyen at least 1 day prior to embarkation (hotel nights in Longyearbyen are not included).
The above itinerary is a guide only. No specific routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. The expedition leader will make sure you see as much as possible.
Route Map
Cabin Descriptions
Signature Penthouse
The Signature Penthouse (cabin #8) is located on deck 3 and features 1 double bed, private bathroom, windows, a desk & chair and wardrobe.
161 square feet (15 square meters)
Signature Twin/Double
Signature Twin/Double (cabins 1-4) are located on deck 1 and feature your choice of 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, private bathroom, window, a desk & chair and wardrobe.
161 square feet (15 square meters)
Signature Single
Signature Single cabins are located on decks 1 and 2 (cabins 6 & 7) and have single bunk beds, window and wardrobe.
108 square feet (10 square meters)
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Expert Guide Team & Photographer
- 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 hotel to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Exclusions:
- Flights
- Transfers from airport to hotel
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Any additional expenses such as museum entry
