Embark on the ultimate photographic adventure of a lifetime! Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of the wild, eager to elevate your photography skills amidst Earth's most awe-inspiring landscapes? Seize this chance to journey alongside the esteemed photographer Rick Tomlinson, who will be your Special Lecturer and mentor throughout this Svalbard expedition. The diverse landscapes, the shimmering glaciers, and the majestic wildlife – from the massive walrus and the swift Arctic fox to the mighty polar bear – turn Svalbard into a photographer’s paradise.
You will stay on board the charming M/S Stockholm, a classic 12-passenger ship that combines the intimate ambiance of a small ship with the spirit of adventure.
At the end of September, we set out into the untamed wilderness of Svalbard. With 12 nights on board, there will be many extraordinary photo opportunities. Zodiac excursions bring you face-to-face with Svalbard's beauty, while onshore hikes invite you to capture its essence from every angle. The Arctic foxes has started to change into their beautiful white winter coat and the Svalbard reindeers are photogenic with their full-grown antlers.
The tundra has shifted to warm autumn colors and the sun has started to set again, providing us with beautiful sunsets and a warm light, perfect for photography. The ice has receded, allowing exploration further east. We have also great opportunities to reach Bråsvellbreen, a magnificent glacier front stretching 45 kilometers. During this time of year, the first snow may have fallen, beautifully covering the mountain peaks and the landscapes.
- Photographer Rick Tomlinson as Special Lecturer
- Only 12 passengers
- Small group - great moments
- 2 experienced guides
- 12 nights on board the classic M/S Stockholm
- Incredible photo light
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.
Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel.
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow travellers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon we embark the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden - our Arctic expedition has started! We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
The magnificent fjords of Svalbard
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords, home to an abundance of wildlife. Below, we have listed some of the fjords and glaciers that we might explore with ship or Zodiac during our journey:
In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier.
Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier.
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals.
Eastern Svalbard
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here. We have good chances to reach and sail along the impressive Bråsvellbreen. If lucky we encounter whales in this area.
Southwest Spitsbergen
The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals.
Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.
All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Stockholm
| Launched | 1953 |
|---|
The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm exclusively carries a maximum of 12 passengers in outside twin cabins, all with upper and lower berth and private facilities. She is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and pine decks. No wonder the M/S Stockholm is loved by so many!
On board the ship you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers who enjoy the natural world, and who are as fascinated by the Arctic as you will be. The food on board is of a high standard. All wine, beer and drinks are included in the trip fare. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. An entirely different experience and perspective to that of a larger and more conventional vessel! The M/S Stockholm is also ideal for private parties who wish to explore the Svalbard archipelago.
The owner, Captain and crew of the ship have long experience in Arctic waters, and are actively involved in making expeditions in tune with nature conservation. The crew onboard M/S Stockholm are great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoilt nature too, so do not be surprised if you suddenly see the chef ashore taking photographs or studying birds, whenever his time permits. The genuine curiosity of the crew is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature is anexperience of a lifetime, simply hard to beat.
Includes
- 12 nights on board M/S Stockholm
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- Beverages on board
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Excludes
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew