Svalbard offers fairy-tale landscapes with shimmering glaciers, stunning fjords, and dramatic mountain ranges, as well as an abundance of wildlife – from large walrus colonies and curious Arctic foxes to the majestic polar bear. As autumn arrives, the tundra is painted in warm hues, and the sun sinks lower on the horizon, casting a soft, golden light – perfect for capturing nature’s magic through the lens. With a bit of luck, we may even be treated to magnificent sunsets.
You can also seize this chance to journey alongside renowned photographers, who will be your special lecturers and mentors throughout this Svalbard expedition. The diverse landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and majestic wildlife – from the massive walrus and swift Arctic fox to the mighty polar bear – transform Svalbard into a photographer’s paradise.
Departures with photographers:
9th September 2025 - Christian Norgaard
3rd September 2026 - Frida Hermansson
Only 12 passengers
Small group - great moments
Photo workshops
2 experienced guides
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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.
Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel, where we will spend the night before embarking on our great adventure.
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow travelers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on the expedition ship and sail through the spectacular Isfjorden—our Arctic adventure has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are entirely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will be shaped by these factors and by the wildlife we encounter. Our goal is to go on Zodiac cruises every day and go ashore whenever possible. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
With its high, pointed mountain peaks (hence the name), Northwestern Spitsbergen offers stunning vistas and exceptional opportunities for landscape photography. Whether capturing the dramatic play of light on the mountains or the serene reflections in the fjords, the region is a paradise for photographers.
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile launched their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other daring attempts to reach the North Pole also began on the island of Danskøya. The Swedish explorer Andrée attempted it with a hydrogen balloon, while the American journalist Wellman used an airship. Fascinating remnants of these expeditions can still be seen today .
Svalbard offers countless spectacular fjords, home to an abundance of wildlife. Below are some fjords and glaciers we may explore by ship or Zodiac during our journey:
In Krossfjorden, we find one of the largest glaciers in northwestern Spitsbergen, Lilliehööksbreen, which stretches around 22 km. The beautifully sculpted front of this incredible glacier is best enjoyed during a Zodiac cruise.
Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love,” is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks, and here we hope to cruise along the face of the stunning Monaco Glacier, which is a popular spot for bearded seals.
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by striking glaciers.
Depending on the weather and ice conditions, we hope to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating, ever-changing habitat offers a fascinating and powerful experience. Few ships venture here, allowing us to enjoy the tranquillity of this magnificent icy landscape. We remain on the lookout for exciting Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals. The pack ice around Svalbard plays a crucial role in the archipelago’s ecosystem and climate, serving as a vital component of life in the Arctic.
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a huge ice cap and has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here the giant glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometres! The 15-20 metre high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.
At the entrance of Isfjorden stands the scenic cliff of Alkhornet, inviting refreshing hikes across the tundra. Here, we hope to encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with a bit of luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.
In the early morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey home.
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!
Sjoveien
| Length | 40.66 meters |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 12 |
M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian Government and she worked for them in various capacities. From 1979 until 1995 she was used as a training ship for mariners. Since 1995 she has been in private ownership and during the many years since, worked for the Norwegian coast guard. After being a hotel ship for the past few years, she is now being refurbished into a classic and exclusive passenger ship and will set sail towards Svalbard in the early summer of 2017. She is a true beauty with wooden decks and vintage details. There is a lot of deck space on the main deck and there is also an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magical Svalbard scenery.
To accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers there are eight outside cabins, all with private facilities. On the lower deck there are four twin cabins with portholes. On the main deck there are two larger twin cabins with windows and one large superior cabin with a double bed and windows. The eighth cabin is located on the upper deck and is a large superior cabin with windows. The dining area on the main deck is where you are served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here is also a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and listen to interesting talks by the guides. There is an international crew on board who speak English and the bridge is open for visitors.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
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.
