SVALBARD SUMMER CRUISE | NORWAY
Journey to the High Arctic – A Bucket List Adventure
Step into a world of raw, untouched wilderness on our small-group expedition to Svalbard, one of the most spectacular destinations in the Arctic. Travelling in August, at the height of the Arctic summer, we’ll explore ice-filled fjords, dramatic coastlines, towering glaciers, and remote islands—home to polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes, whales, seabirds, and more.
This expedition is limited to just 6 guests, ensuring an intimate experience with maximum time on deck and personalised guidance from your photographic leader. You’ll be travelling aboard the MV Freya, a sturdy and ice-strengthened expedition vessel known for its stability, comfort, and excellent photographic access. With only 12 guests total onboard and a highly experienced Arctic crew, the Freya offers unmatched flexibility and access to remote locations that larger ships simply can’t reach.
Photograph Wildlife and Landscapes Like Never Before
This immersive Arctic adventure is designed for photographers of all levels who want more than a sightseeing cruise. With two zodiac boats, extended shore landings, and the freedom to respond to light and wildlife, this is a hands-on, photography-first experience. Whether you’re capturing the stark beauty of sea ice at midnight, a lone polar bear on the hunt, or the golden light on a glacial bay, Svalbard offers scenes of breathtaking drama and subtle beauty.
August in Svalbard means long golden hours of light, misty fjords, and busy wildlife preparing for winter. It’s an ideal time for powerful storytelling and atmospheric images.
Why Join Us
Travel on the MV Freya, one of the best small expedition ships in Svalbard
Flexible daily itinerary based on weather, light, and wildlife
Access remote fjords, glaciers, and wildlife-rich areas unreachable by large ships
Comfortable ensuite cabins, excellent food, and a warm Arctic-ready base
Maximum 6 photographers to 1 photographic tour leader for personal attention
Expert photographic guidance throughout
MV Fraya is a beautifully renovated, ice‑strengthened expedition vessel tailored for small‑group polar travel. Originally a Swedish research vessel, she now offers cozy comfort with Scandi‑style interiors: warm wood tones, ambient blues, and thoughtful design elements that feel like home. With only 12 guests total onboard and a highly experienced Arctic crew, the Freya offers unmatched flexibility and access to remote locations that larger ships simply can’t reach.
Cabins are ensuite and equipped with modern conveniences: Starlink Wi‑Fi, 220 V sockets, hairdryer, toiletries, slippers and expedition gear such as rubber Muck boots. Shared areas include a lounge and dining saloon, multiple viewing decks, plus a hot tub and sauna for relaxing after a day in the Arctic sea.
Small group of only 6 photographers – plenty of space and personal guidance
Travel aboard MV Freya – an ice-strengthened expedition vessel for just 12 guests
Flexible, photo-led itinerary – no fixed cruise schedule, we go where the light and wildlife take us
Incredible wildlife – polar bears, walrus, whales, Arctic foxes, seals, reindeer, and seabirds
Spectacular landscapes – glaciers, sea ice, icebergs, fjords, and tundra
August advantage – soft golden light, active wildlife, colorful terrain, and accessible pack ice
Twice-daily zodiac excursions – land and sea access for close encounters and varied perspectives
Access to remote, wild locations – go where larger ships can’t, for a more intimate Arctic experience
Led by experienced photographers and guides who understand light, behavior, and timing
- Upon arrival at Svalbard Airport (LYR), the Secret Atlas concierge team will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
- Trip starts with CNP Safaris
- Check-in at Mary Ann Polar Rig
- Group meet for dinner
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Time to explore Longyearbyen town
- 15:45 transfer to the Port of Longyearbyen
- After boarding and settling in, the ship will leave the dock and your expedition will begin.
- Dinner
Day 3 – 9
- Breakfast
- Zodiac excursion
- Lunch
- Photographic evaluation sessions
- Zodiac excursion
- Dinner
*We don’t follow a fixed itinerary.
*For this reason, every expedition is flexible and inherently authentic as its course will be defined on a daily basis by the opportunities presented by weather, ice, and wildlife.
*Your voyage is led by a highly experienced expedition leader with the support of a professional polar guide. Collaboratively, the route and landings are decided by your expedition leader and captain, who have extensive experience in the area.
*Sample cruise itinerary attached below
Day 10
- Breakfast
- Zodiac excursions
- Lunch
- Evening docking at the Port of Longyearbyen
- Dinner will be served on board next to the dock
- Last night on board the MV Freya ship
Day 11
- Early morning breakfast
- 08:45 disembark at the Port of Longyearbyen
- A transfer will take you and your luggage to either the airport or your accommodation in Longyearbyen.
- End of trip with CNP Safaris
Sample Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Longyearbyen. Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Day 2: 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.
Day 3 – 8: 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.
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 9: Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is accessible by air, and there are regular flights from Oslo, Norway.
The main airlines operating this route are Norwegian Air and Scandinavian Airlines.
If you come from outside Norway, you will likely need to fly into Oslo first. Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is the main international airport in Oslo and has international connections to the rest of the world. From here, you can catch a connecting flight to Svalbard Airport (LYR). The flight duration is approximately three to four hours.
Includes:
- 1 night dinner and breakfast accommodation at Mary Ann Polar Rig, Longyearbyen.
- 9 nights sharing full board accommodation on the MV Freya, including alcohol with dinner
- Fuel, Crew & Permits
- 2 x Local expedition guides
- 1x CNP photographic guide
- Transfer package within Longyearbyen
- Private Zodiac for CNP group
Excludes
- All travel to/from Oslo, Norway
- Alcohol outside of dinner service
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Visa application and visa-related fees
- Medical and Travel Insurance
Photos supplied by Secret Atlas. Photo credits to Lars Korvald, Nikki Born, Giancarlo Gallinor, Florian Ledoux, Mike Brampton, Tristan Young, Rayann Elzein, Ross Dixon, Titt Modh, Federico Beaudoin and Chase of Artica Studio.