Svalbard Encounter Expedition Micro Cruise

Explore Northern Svalbard on an Expedition Micro Cruise with 12 Guests

Svalbard

8 Days

May → June

Price € 9,950

This shorter length Svalbard summer cruise takes place on our newest vessel, Vikingfjord with just 12 guests. The focus on this expedition is to spend a week exploring the wilderness, glaciers and wild nature in the north of Spitsbergen. Expect 24 hours of daylight, witness an array of Arctic wildlife in its natural home and undertake some short hikes ashore. All this with 2 expert guides and just 12 guests.

Whilst there is a chance of seeing polar bears on this expedition, due to its shorter length, we recommend our longer expeditions for those looking to encounter wildlife. Consider our 10-Day Natural Wonders of Svalbard or our 14-day Svalbard Pioneer Micro Cruise for an increased chance in seeing polar bears.

Watch The Film Download Brochure See Dates and Rates
Glacier Svalbard

Polar Bear Svalbard in summer Alkefjellet Photography Holidays

Atlantic puffin Rick Tomlinson

Zodiac Cruise Glacier Svalbard Florian Ledoux on a Svalbard photography tour

The Voyage

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

Day 2 Prins Karls Forland

Day 3 Exploring north west coast

Day 4 Exploring north west coast

Day 5 Exploring north west coast

Day 6 Exploring north west coast

Day 7 Exploring north west coast

Day 8 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00

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

Svalbard Cruise Day by Day

Day 1

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen

Your expedition begins in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition vessel at the port of Longyearbyen. After an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain, we set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord. As Longyearbyen disappears astern, we wave goodbye to civilisation for the next 8 days. As we sail out through the Isfjord we will spend time on deck watching for the whales that frequent the waters.

Day 2

.3° N, .7° E

Prins Karls Foreland

In the morning we approach Prins Karls Foreland, an uninhabited island of beautiful scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen. We will drop anchor and launch the Zodiac landing craft to go ashore. There are many walrus colonies in the area and we plan on visiting to get a closer look at this magnificent creatures. In the afternoon we will do a wilderness hike. We frequently spot Svalbard reindeer here and it is a great place to enjoy the wild nature.

Days 3 – 5

.5° N, .4° E

Exploring the North-West Coast

Our plan is to sail to the north west of Spitsbergen and explore the area by Zodiac. This area is home to countless glaciers, and we plan to launch the zodiacs to experience these natural monuments up close. These days allow us time to do some shorter length hikes and spend some time outdoors enjoying the nature. The area has many historical sites. When back onboard the ship we will continue our search for polar bears and other wildlife.

Days 6 & 7

.5° N, .3° E

Lilliehook Fjord & Kongsfjorden

As we sail back south we explore Kongsfjorden. Expect majestic glaciers, some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery from the decks. Here we encounter one of Svalbard’s most breathtaking sites, the Lilliehook glacier, one of Svalbard’s largest calving glacier fronts. We will spend time here witnessing nature’s beauty in its rawest form with lots of options for shore landings and exploring by Zodiac.

Day 8

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen

In the morning we arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. After breakfast we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful 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 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 high-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 Twin Cabins
Duration 8 Days
Time of Year May & June
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. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages so the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:

  • Option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender.
  • Option to have your own cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and 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 cruise we welcome customers from all corner 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 an expedition micro 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

See All Our Svalbard Cruises