
Svalbard Pioneer
Svalbard Circumnavigation Cruise on the Vikingfjord with 12 Guests
Length
14 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Micro-Cruise
Capacity
12 Guests Passengers
Svalbard Pioneer
6 Reviews
Trip highlights
Small intimate group of 12 like minded explorer
See a polar bear!
Visit inaccessible coastlines by Zodiac
Personalized experience with 2 expert guides
The Polartours experience
Best price guaranteed
Experience the chill of a polar plunge
Hike the tundra and polar desert
Paradise for bird enthusiasts
Join us on a truly unique in-depth 12 to 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.
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 12-14 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.
Your ship: Vikingfjord



We are proud to introduce the Vikingfjord, an exceptional ice-strengthened expedition ship designed for an intimate experience with only 12 guests. This state-of-the-art vessel seamlessly combines the comfort of a cruise ship with the cozy intimacy of a small yacht. Featuring 8 spacious ensuite cabins with modern decor, an open-plan lounge with rear-facing windows, a unique L-shaped observation lounge located in the bridge, an on-deck hot tub and sauna, and a sleek, light-filled Scandinavian design, Vikingfjord ensures a luxurious and memorable journey. The ship will navigate the breat … Read more about Vikingfjord
Cabins



Amenities
Observation Lounge
Open Bridge Policy
Restaurant
Hot Tub
Sauna
Zodiac Fleet
Mudroom
Food & Drinks
The dining experience aboard the Vikingfjord is a highlight, with the restaurant located on deck 1 offering comfortable seating for all 12 guests. The modern, light Scandinavian interior provides a relaxed atmosphere with bench-style seating across three tables. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals by the onboard chef while taking in the panoramic views through the windows on both sides of the restaurant. Additionally, a TV is available for presentations, enhancing the dining and educational experience.
Map
Itinerary
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Day 2 - Longyearbyen
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 6-8 - Svalbard- Hinlopen Strait
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 - Svalbard- SE
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 Isfjorden.
Day 14 - Longyearbyen
Disembark in Longyearbyen



By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship will involve saying goodbye to the new friends you’ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the transformative adventure you shared together.
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
What's included
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
All shore landings per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
A parka to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
mergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
What's not included
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Reviews
FAQ
How and when can I pay for the trip?
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
How to choose the right ship?
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
- Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
- Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
- Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
- Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
- Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
- Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
What is the booking process for a Polartours Cruise?
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
When is the best time to book?
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
What can i do to avoid seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Svalbard Pioneer
5.0
(6)
Price
Upon Request