Svalbard Pioneer

Svalbard Circumnavigation Cruise on MV Vikingfjord with 12 Guests

Svalbard

14 Days

August

€17,500

Join us on a truly unique in-depth 14-day Svalbard circumnavigation cruise. As the sea around Svalbard opens up from the ice during the summer months it gives us the opportunity to take you on our most detailed exploration of the archipelago. The focus on this trip is on exploring the nature and searching for wildlife viewing opportunities. We will be making daily shore landings with our expedition leader and guide to experience the raw beauty and majestic nature of Svalbard. Our aim is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and to explore the Austfonna Ice Cap depending on conditions.

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Arctic Pioneer svalbard expedition cruise on vikingfjord

Introduction

As the sea around Svalbard opens up with the ice melting during the summer months, it gives us the opportunity to take you on our most detailed exploration of the archipelago. Over the next 14 days we will set off to explore Svalbard and make daily shore landings with our expedition leader and guide to experience the raw beauty and majestic nature of Svalbard. Our aim is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and to explore the Austfonna Ice Cap, depending on conditions or spend extended time exploring the far north-east. This is an intimate small-group experience with a minimum of one guide for every 6 guests.

Expedition Highlights

  • Experience the raw beauty of Svalbard’s pristine landscapes, characterized by towering glaciers, a dramatic mountain range, and serene fjords.
  • We will visit remote areas and inaccessible coastlines through exhilarating Zodiac excursions. Land on remote shores and immerse yourself in the Arctic environment, led by expert guides who will share their knowledge about the region’s unique flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day during the summer months.
  • Encounter diverse Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, whales, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, and a variety of bird species.
  • Svalbard is a paradise for bird enthusiasts (especially in the summer), with countless seabird colonies and nesting sites. Keep an eye out for species like puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars, among others, as they soar above the cliffs and dive into the frigid waters.
  • Learn about the rich history and culture of Svalbard through onboard lectures and visits to historical sites.
  • 2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close up photography of wildlife.
  • Friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Small, intimate group size of just 12 like minded explorers.
  • There is no single supplement for solo travellers on Vikingfjord voyages.

Learn From Our Knowledgable Guides

A Svalbard micro cruise comes with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the Arctic and have a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, history, and ecology of the region. They can provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Arctic ecosystem.

The Voyage

Secret Atlas is founded, led, and made for explorers by explorers. We understand that every expedition is unique, so we don’t follow a fixed itinerary. We believe that real expeditions should follow the opportunities that the wilderness offers and our expert guides know exactly how to maximise your experience.

The following itinerary is an example. The expedition is flexible and its course will be defined on daily bases sustained by the opportunities presented by weather, ice and wildlife.

Day 1 Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00

Day 2 Prins Karls Forland

Day 3-4 Ny-Alesund and Kongsfjord

Day 5 Sea Ice

Day 6-9 Nordaustlandet and Hinlopen Strait

Day 10-11 South-East Spitsbergen

Day 12 Hornsund

Day 13 Isfjord

Day 14 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00

* We always recommend to arrive in Svalbard at least 24 hours before departure.

Svalbard Pioneer Circumnavigation Cruise Map

Svalbard Circumnavigation Cruise Day by Day

Day 1-2

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen and Prins Karls Foreland

Our Svalbard circumnavigation cruise departs from the port of Longyearbyen in the afternoon. The overall schedule is flexible to allow us to see as much as possible and will be led by our highly experienced leader. Taking advantage of the beautiful 24-hour sunlight we will sail out of the Isfjord and towards Prins Karls Foreland where we will do shore landings and visit a walrus colony on day 2. Our plan is to sail north and attempt a clockwise circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.

Day 3-5

.3° N, .7° E

Ny-Alesund, Kongsfjord and Ice Edge

As we head north we plan to call at the scientific community of Ny-Alesund, the most northerly inhabited settlement on earth which is home to an interesting historical site and museum. We will explore the majestic Kongsfjord and the fjords that branch into it. We will sail close to an impressive calving glacier face and there will also be an opportunity for hikes ashore with our expedition leader. If the conditions allow we will then sail north and attempt to reach the edge of the sea ice which extends all the way to the North Pole, a really impressive sight.

Day 6-8

.5° N, .4° E

Nordaustlandet and Hinlopen Strait

We will sail along the north coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Depending on the sea ice conditions, we aim to continue along the north coast to reach the island of Nordaustlandet and cruise along the Austfonna Ice Cap, a truly breathtaking sight. If the sea ice doesn’t allow us access then the other option is to head south through the Hinlopen Strait. We aim to make shore landings on a daily basis to explore the majestic wilderness of this area.

Day 9-13

.5° N, .3° E

Southern Spitsbergen

We will follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen. We will visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As we round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we will enter the area around Hornsund where we will have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. We will then set sail north along the coast towards Longyearbyen.

Day 14

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen

Safely back in the port of Longyearbyen after our epic 14-day Svalbard circumnavigation cruise, we will enjoy a final breakfast together. We say our goodbyes and disembark in the morning after making new friends and sharing an incredible adventure together.

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.

Inside This Svalbard Circumnavigation Cruise

Our trips are aimed at anyone with a passion for exploring the Arctic with a small group of like minded individuals on a comfortable small ship cruise and include :

Amazing Wildlife

We will visit areas where walruses haul out, encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, observe whales and other marine life and explore coasts where polar bears are known to roam.

Stunning Scenery

We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.

Climate Compensated

Caring for the environment is what we do. For Svalbard cruise we run we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO, we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural sites.

Expedition Leader and Guide

An aspect of our journeys is to learn about the place you are visiting. Our onboard guides are the core of what we do and will share their passion and knowledge of Svalbard throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.

Zodiac landing craft for shore landings

Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring on a daily basis. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to reach remote beaches so you can experience the wilderness firsthand.

Expedition Vessel With 12 Guests

We believe the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive place such as the Arctic is with a small group of travelers. New expedition cruise ships now take up to 350 passengers, we believe smaller is better.

Your Ship - MV Vikingfjord

Step aboard MV Vikingfjord a modern expedition vessel built for adventure

Introducing our newest ship MV Vikingfjord, a rugged ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests. New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2023 offering the best environmental on a small ship with up to a 95% reduction in NOX emissions. 

Expect 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.

Vikingfjord offers single en-suite cabins with no single supplement for solo travellers. 

  • Rebuilt in 2023 as a hi-end expedition vessel
  • Large open plan observation lounge and dining area at the stern
  • Small group size of 12 guests ensures an intimate experience
  • Ice strengthened 1B hull for maximum exploration in the polar regions
  • Refurbished to a high standard with warm, comfortable cabins
  • On deck hot tub and sauna
  • Large en-suite cabins with suites, doubles, twins and singles.
  • Equipped with 2 x zodiacs for shore landings
  • Large open deck space and raised areas for photography
  • Expert team of crew and guides
  • Full safety gear
See Ship

Svalbard Cruise Dates and Prices

Prices quoted are per person. Twin and double cabins are based on double occupancy.

Date

Trip Name

Duration

Vessel

Cabin A

Cabin B

Cabin C

Cabin D

  
16th - 24th April 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,900 € 11,900 € 11,900 n/a Book
2nd - 10th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,900 € 11,900 € 11,900 n/a Book
10th - 18th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Florian Ledoux 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,900 € 11,900 € 11,900 n/a Book
18th - 26th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Florian Ledoux 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,900 € 11,900 € 11,900 n/a Book
26th May - 3rd June 2024 Natural Wonders 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,500 € 11,500 € 11,500 n/a Book
3rd - 12th June 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Paul Goldstein 10 Days MV Vikingfjord

€13,350

€13,350

€13,350

 n/a Book
12th - 21st June 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Paul Goldstein 10 Days MV Vikingfjord

€13,350

€13,350

€13,350

 n/a Book
21st - 30th June 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord € 12,900 € 12,900 € 12,900 n/a Book
30th June - 8th July 2024 Natural Wonders 9 Days MV Vikingfjord € 11,500 € 11,500 € 11,500 n/a Book
8th - 17th July 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord € 12,900 € 12,900 € 12,900 n/a Book
17th - 26th July 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord € 12,900 € 12,900 € 12,900 n/a Book
26th July - 8th August 2024 Svalbard Pioneer 14 Days MV Vikingfjord € 17,500 € 17,500 € 17,500 n/a Book
9th - 18th August 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish € 10,900 € 10,200 n/a n/a Book
18th - 27th August 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish € 10,900 € 10,200 n/a n/a Book
27th August - 5th September 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish € 10,900 € 10,200 n/a n/a Book
5th - 14th September 2024 Svalbard Ice Waterfalls Photo Tour 10 Days MV Kinfish € 11,500 € 10,800 n/a n/a Book

Date

Trip Name

Duration

Vessel

Cabin A

Cabin B

Cabin C

Cabin D

  
16th - 24th April 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 10,500 £ 10,500 £ 10,500 n/a Book
2nd - 10th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 10,500 £ 10,500 £ 10,500 n/a Book
10th - 18th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Florian Ledoux 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 10,500 £ 10,500 £ 10,500 n/a Book
18th - 26th May 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Florian Ledoux 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 10,500 £ 10,500 £ 10,500 n/a Book
26th May - 3rd June 2024 Natural Wonders 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,900 £9,900 £9,900 n/a Book
3rd - 12th June 2024 Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Paul Goldstein 10 Days MV Vikingfjord

£11,450

 £11,450 £11,450 n/a Book
12th - 21st June 2024  Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Paul Goldstein 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £11,450 £11,450 £11,450 n/a Book
21st - 30th June 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 11,500 £ 11,500 £ 11,500 n/a Book
30th June - 8th July 2024 Natural Wonders 9 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,900 £9,900 £9,900 n/a Book
8th - 17th July 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 11,500 £ 11,500 £ 11,500 n/a Book
17th - 26th July 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 11,500 £ 11,5000 £ 11,500 n/a Book
26th July - 8th August 2024 Svalbard Pioneer 14 Days MV Vikingfjord £ 15,500 £ 15,500 £ 15,500 n/a Book
9th - 18th August 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish £ 9,700 £ 9,100 n/a n/a Book
18th - 27th August 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish £ 9,700 £ 9,100 n/a n/a Book
27th August - 5th September 2024 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Kinfish £ 9,700 £ 9,100 n/a n/a Book
5th - 14th September 2024 Svalbard Ice Waterfalls Photo Tour 10 Days MV Kinfish £ 10,200 £ 9,700 n/a n/a Book

Date

Trip Name

Duration

Vessel

Cabin A

Cabin B

Cabin C

Cabin D

  
14th - 21st April 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 10,500 € 10,500 € 10,500 n/a Book
21st - 28th April 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 10,500 € 10,500 € 10,500 n/a Book
28th April - 5th May 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 10,500 € 10,500 € 10,500 n/a Book
5th - 12th May 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 10,500 € 10,500 € 10,500 n/a Book
12th - 19th May 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 9,950 € 9,950 € 9,950 n/a Book
19th - 26th May 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord € 9,950 € 9,950 € 9,950 n/a Book
26th May - 4th June June 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 10 Days MV Vikingfjord €13,500 €13,500 €13,500 n/a Book
4th - 13th June 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 10 Days MV Vikingfjord

€13,500

€13,500

€13,500

 n/a Book
13th - 20th June 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord

€9,950

€9,950

€9,950

 n/a Book
20th - 27th June 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord €9,950 €9,950 €9,950 n/a Book
27th June - 6th July 2025 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord € 12,500 € 12,500 € 12,500 n/a Book
6th - 15th July 2025 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord € 12,500 € 12,500 € 12,500 n/a Book
15th - 26th July 2025 Svalbard Pioneer 12 Days MV Vikingfjord € 15,500 € 15,500 € 15,500 n/a Book
26th July - 6th August 2025 Svalbard Pioneer 12 Days MV Vikingfjord € 15,500 € 15,500 € 15,500 n/a Book

Date

Trip Name

Duration

Vessel

Cabin A

Cabin B

Cabin C

Cabin D

  
14th - 21st April 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,200 £9,200 £9,200 n/a Book
21st - 28th April 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,200 £9,200 £9,200 n/a Book
28th April - 5th May 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,200 £9,200 £9,200 n/a Book
5th - 12th May 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £9,200 £9,200 £9,200 n/a Book
12th - 19th May 2024 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £8,600 £8,600 £8,600 n/a Book
19th - 26th May 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £8,600 £8,600 £8,600 n/a Book
26th May - 4th June June 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £11,700 £11,700 £11,700 n/a Book
4th - 13th June 2025 Svalbard Photo Tour 10 Days MV Vikingfjord

£11,700

£11,700

£11,700

 n/a Book
13th - 20th June 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord

£8,600

£8,600

£8,600

 n/a Book
20th - 27th June 2025 Svalbard Encounter 8 Days MV Vikingfjord £8,600 £8,600 £8,600 n/a Book
27th June - 6th July 2025 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £10,900 £10,900 £10,900 n/a Book
6th - 15th July 2025 Natural Wonders 10 Days MV Vikingfjord £10,900 £10,900 £10,900 n/a Book
15th - 26th July 2025 Svalbard Pioneer 12 Days MV Vikingfjord £13,500 £13,500 £13,500 n/a Book
26th July - 6th August 2025 Svalbard Pioneer 12 Days MV Vikingfjord £13,500 £13,500 £13,500 n/a Book
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If you have any questions about this Svalbard cruise please get in touch

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Useful Information

How To Get To Svalbard

Svalbard is easily accessible from daily flights from Oslo in Norway. To find out more see our guide.

Read More

New To Expedition Micro Cruises?

Find out all about the experience of travelling on an expedition vessel with 12 guests and how it compares to other cruises.

Read More

Longyearbyen Travel Guide

All the information you need to plan your trip including how to get to Longyearbyen, arrival information, places to stay, and activities to do before your cruise.

Read More

Svalbard Cruises FAQ

Departure Location Longyearbyen
Arrival Location Longyearbyen
Trip Style Exploration
Physical Rating Easy
Maximum Group Size 12
Accommodation Twins, Doubles & Singles
Duration 14 Days
Time of Year August
Included
  • Expert Svalbard Expedition Leader
  • Lectures on Svalbard
  • Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
  • Polar Bear protection guides for shore landings
  • Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
  • Bedding and towels
  • Highly experienced Captain and Cook
  • Rubber boots for shore landings
  • Transfers from airport to hotel and to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Not Included
  • Flights
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Any additional expenses such as museum entry

We offer payment via the following methods:

  • Credit card
  • Payment by bank transfer

Please let us know at the time of booking your preferred method.

You have the option to pay in full at time of booking or pay in the following instalments:

30% deposit is taken at the time of booking

30% 6 months before departure

40%  90 days prior to departure

It is mandatory you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking that also covers cancellation.

Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages and we frequently have many solo female and male travellers joining our expeditions.

  • On this departure we offer solo travellers their own cabin an no single supplement subject to availability.

This trip is operated by Secret Atlas and is subject to the Secret Atlas terms and conditions of travel. You can read the full booking terms here.

What Our Customers Say

On each Svalbard circumnavigation cruise we welcome customers from all corners of the globe, with a variety of different ages and backgrounds all united in their passion to experience what the Arctic has to offer

Pan – Business Executive from Italy

‘This is the closest you can come to a real expedition. We saw glaciers seals, whales, walruses and polar bears’

From an early age Pan dreamed of visiting the Arctic. At the age of 42 he made that dream come true by joining Secret Atlas on a Svalbard circumnavigation cruise.

Read his story

Annie – Interior Designer from the USA

‘The micro cruise experience felt like being on your own private boat. The crew were fantastic’’

Annie had always wanted to go an expedition in Svalbard and joined us as a solo traveler..

Read her story

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