Capture the Frozen Magic of Svalbard in Spring
Early spring in Svalbard is like nowhere else on Earth – a frozen fairytale of pastel skies, pristine snow, and glimmering ice. With sub-zero temperatures and dreamlike light, this is the season landscape photographers long for. Fjords shimmer with crystalline sea ice, snow-capped peaks stretch into the distance, and Arctic wildlife emerges cautiously after the long polar night.
This is your chance to capture the magic with two of the world’s leading polar photography guides. Dean Tatooles and Randy Hanna, both renowned for their compelling imagery and hands-on teaching styles, will guide you through this enchanting Arctic environment. Whether you're stepping off auto mode for the first time or refining advanced techniques, they’ll help you elevate your skills and create images that truly tell a story.
With the soft glow of endless sunrises and sunsets, every moment in Svalbard’s spring is an opportunity. Dean and Randy will take you into the field to make the most of the season’s unique conditions – coaching you on composition, light, and timing as you shoot striking landscapes and elusive wildlife in their snowy element.
This is more than a photography trip – it’s an invitation to slow down, connect with the environment, and discover your potential as a photographer in one of the most serene and awe-inspiring settings on Earth.
- The best time to visit the Arctic for landscape photography, capturing frozen seascapes, crystalline icebergs, and snow-covered mountains in soft-hued light
- A chance to encounter wildlife, including whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears, against a snowy backdrop
- We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best
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.
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.
See Hornsund, with a landing in Gnålodden to marvel at the scenic bird cliff (home to black-legged kittiwakes) and trapper’s hut.
Return north to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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
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.
