A frozen fairytale of iceberg-strewn fjords, snowy peaks, and puzzle-piece sea ice – as animals take their first steps following winter.
See Svalbard still wearing its winter coat on our Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise.The wildlife is waking up and the sun has reintroduced itself following the long, dark winter. The light it casts as it rises and sets is deliciously soft and beguilingly coloured, adding an otherworldly glow to the snow-wrapped land and frozen seascape.
Svalbard in springtime is Svalbard at its most compelling.
Emerging from the depths of winter, the archipelago presents its wilder side in the early season. Nature has turned the page on the year before. A fresh page of white snow lies before us. We are the pioneers, the first readers of nature’s new bestseller.
This intrepid adventure shows off the best of the season as our agile expedition ship charts a path through the ice. Smothered in an unbroken blanket of snow, hemmed in by splintering sea ice, and awakened by wonderfully soft light, Svalbard in the spring is all about new beginnings and sublime scenery.
Spotting wildlife in the early season requires patience, but there’s nothing like witnessing Arctic animals – reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes, polar bears – against the springtime backdrop.
- The best time to visit for quintessentially Arctic scenery of frozen seascapes, crystalline icebergs, and snow-covered mountains
- A chance to encounter wildlife, including whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears, against a snowy backdrop
- See Europe’s last great wilderness wrapped in the soft light of the early season, lit up by pastel sunrises and sunsets
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.
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.
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.
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.
Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
We don’t follow a fixed itinerary
We prefer 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 all our 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.
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
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
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.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
