Voyage Overview
Experience the early season pristine, snowy landscapes and soft light on this unique expedition to the Arctic’s premier wildlife destination.
During this time of the year, guests have the opportunity to cruise through icy fjords and experience pristine snow covered landscapes. Search for polar bears in the sea ice, zodiac cruise alongside glaciers and hike the tundra on this micro expedition cruise. Spotting wildlife in this wild wilderness requires patience, but there’s nothing like witnessing Arctic animals – reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes, polar bears – against the springtime backdrop.
Trip Details
Duration: 8 Days
Ship: Vikingfjord, Micro Expedition Ship, 12 Guests
Start: Longyearbyen, Norway
End: Longyearbyen, Norway
Highlights:
- 6 planned days in Svalbard
- Photographing frozen seascapes, glacier faces and snow covered mountains
- Having excellent opportunities to spot unique Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes, seals and whales.
- Traveling to one of the most remote places on our planet with just 11 other guests
- Interacting with the captain & onboard guides with an excellent staff to guest ratio
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Days 2-7: Exploring Svalbard
Day 8: Disembark Longyearbyen
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
In the late afternoon, transfer from your Longyearbyen hotel to the pier for embarkation. Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen. *We recommend arriving into Longyearbyen at least one day prior (hotel nights not included).
Days 2-7: Exploring Svalbard
Enjoy 6 full days exploring the Arctic wilderness while hiking the tundra, zodiac cruising alongside glaciers, visiting historical sites and sailing into the pack ice to search for wildlife. While there is no set itinerary, below are some locations you may visit.
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., 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.
Day 8: Disembark
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9:00am. A transfer will be provided to the Longyearbyen airport or your hotel.
This voyage does not follow a fixed itinerary. The preference is to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks! So listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Vikingfjord
The smallest vessel we offer, the MV Vikingfjord provides the chance to experience the Arctic wilderness in an intimate group of just 12 guests. This cozy ship was rebuilt from the ground up in 2023 and features a modern Scandinavian design.
Cabins & Deck Plan
Signature Suite
DECK 3
Located on deck 3 (cabin #8), the Signature Penthouse features 1 double bed, private bathroom, windows, a desk & chair and wardrobe.
161 sq ft. (15 m2)
1-2
1 double
Signature Twin/Double
DECK 1
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 sq ft. (15 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Signature Single
DECK 1
DECK 2
Signature Single cabins are located on decks 1 and 2 (cabins 6 & 7) and have single bunk beds, window and wardrobe.
108 sq ft. (10 m2)
1
1 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Longyearbyen airport transfers.
- Transfer from your hotel to the ship on embarkation day.
- Lectures & workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and beverages served during meals
- Rubber boots for loan
- One piece waterproof insulation suites for loan
- AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
- Starlink Wi-Fi
Exclusions:
- Flights to / from Longyearbyen
- Pre and post hotel nights in Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuities
- Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
- Additional purchases or services on board
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book a Signature Single Cabin
- Book into a share cabin and be paired with another guest of the same gender
- Book a twin cabin with a single supplement. Please enquire for pricing.
