Frozen Svalbard | MV Vikingfjord | IExpedition

Frozen Svalbard Photography Expedition

  • Overview

    Join an early-season Svalbard photo expedition to witness the landscapes of Spitsbergen at their most wild as they emerge from the depths of winter. Led by our pro photographers, the emphasis on this expedition is to spend time in the field exploring and capturing the Arctic landscapes and wildlife before the spring thaw sets in. The mountains are snow-covered, and the sea ice fills the northern fjords, offering some great photo opportunities. This expedition takes place on MV Vikingfjord, a best-in-class ice-strengthened expedition ship with just 12 guests.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Early season photo expeditions are great for capturing frozen seascapes, sea ice and wintery landscapes.

    • A chance to encounter and photograph polar bears on the edge of the fjord ice.

    • A chance to encounter wildlife which could include different whale species, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses and seals.

    • Led by world class photographers and expedition leaders

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 15 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Longyearbyen
    Disembarkation Point: Longyearbyen
    Physical rating: Easy
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Longyearbyen

      Our Svalbard Photo Expedition departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port, we will say goodbye to civilisation for the next eight days to explore the breaktaking Arctic as it emerges from winter. During April our route will be determined by the sea ice. We will either sail north or south depending on the conditions. This expedition offers a chance to encounter the coast of Svalbard as it is rarely seen. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to search for the best landscape and wildlife photography opportunities every day.

    • Day 2 - Isfjord & Prins Karls Forland

      In Isfjord in April and Early May, fjord ice from the winter lines the coast. This is a great place to start scouting for polar bears that move from the land to the sea ice during this time. If conditions allow, it is a great place to use the Zodiacs to explore the ice edge and open up close-up photography opportunities of wildlife.

      After leaving Isfjord, our plan is to sail north, passing Prins Karls Foreland. As the ice recedes from the winter, this area is home to walrus haul-outs.

    • Day 3/7 - Encountering Sea Ice and North-West Spitsbergen

      The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.

    • Day 8 - Hornsund

      If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landscape photography. It is possible to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge of the fjord ice with some terrific scenery for a background.

    • Day 9 - Longyearbyen

      Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photo expedition ends. After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
    - Highly experienced Captain and Cook
    - Bedding and towels
    - Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
    - Polar Bear protection guides for shore landings
    - Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
    - Lectures on Svalbard
    - Expert Guide Team & Photographer
    - Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Any additional expenses such as museum entry
    - Flights and transfers from airport to hotel
    - Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Map
    Screenshot 2024 04 26 at 15.39.50
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Introducing MV Vikingfjord, a new ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord enters 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:

    • The most environmentally friendly small ship 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.

    • 8 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.

    Features & Facilities
    • Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.
    • New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2023 offering the best environmental credentials.
    • Rebuilt from the ground up in 2023 as a modern expedition vessel offering cruise ship comfort.
    • Accommodates 12 guests in 8 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.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 12
    Crew #:
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 10
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 41m
    Width:
    Draft:
    Tonnage:
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Twin Cabin (Deluxe Suite)

28 Apr 2025 - 05 May 2025
- Comfortable double bed - Ensuite shower and toilet - Located on deck 3 - Windows - Desk & chair - Wardrobe
USD$ 12,936pp
USD$ 12,936pp

Double Cabin (Superior Suite)

28 Apr 2025 - 05 May 2025
- Comfortable double bed - Ensuite shower and toilet - Located on deck 3 - Windows - Desk & chair - Wardrobe
USD$ 15,512pp
USD$ 15,512pp

Single Cabin

28 Apr 2025 - 05 May 2025
- Comfortable single bed - Ensuite shower and toilet - Located on decks 1 & 2 - Window - Desk & chair - Wardrobe
USD$ 15,512pp
USD$ 15,512pp