SVALBARD: ICE & WILDLIFE in the ARCTIC
Welcome to Svalbard, the gateway to the High Arctic, where glaciers tower, sea ice drifts, and fjords glow under 24-hour daylight. This stark yet dramatic landscape is rich with quiet power and striking minimalism. Here, iconic Arctic wildlife thrives, including polar bears roaming the edge of the ice, walruses resting on remote shores, puffins nesting and playing, Arctic foxes darting across the tundra, and whales surfacing in the glacial blue waters.
Guided by Drew Doggett, whose artistic eye and years of experience bring rare depth to your journey, we’ll cruise through the seas on our private expedition vessel, with Zodiac landings taking us to the shores to get more acquainted with the landscape and animals. This intimate expedition offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the Arctic’s beauty, a balance of stillness and adventure across sea, ice, and shore.
YOUR JOURNEY at a GLANCE
THE ARCTIC CHANGES YOU”
WHERE you’ll STAY
Svalbard Hotell Polfareren blends boutique comfort with Arctic character. Inspired by explorer Eivind Astrup, its design reflects timeless Nordic values; it is rustic, robust, and enduring. At the heart of the hotel, the cozy lobby with its fireplace, polar library, and sweeping views invites you to unwind after the day’s adventures. Enjoy craft cocktails at the bar or savor refined Arctic cuisine at Restaurant Polfareren, all in the center of Longyearbyen.
M/S Sjøveien (“the Seaway”), a beautifully restored classic ship, carries a maximum of just 12 guests, offering one of the most intimate ways to experience Svalbard. Built in 1964 and reimagined in 2017, she combines timeless wooden decks and elegant details with modern comforts. Spacious viewing areas, an open bridge, and even a wood-fired hot tub put you at the heart of the Arctic landscape. Eight outside cabins, each with en-suite facilities, provide simple yet comfortable accommodations, while meals are shared in the welcoming dining room or enjoyed in the cozy lounge. With two Zodiacs, expert guides, and an international crew, Sjøveien balances classic charm with exclusive adventure. Our ship is operated by PolarQuest, a founding member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which promotes responsible tourism in the Arctic. AECO members adhere to strict national, international, and organizational regulations designed to minimize impact on wildlife, the environment, and local communities. AECO also serves as a unified voice for the industry, advocating for safety and sustainable practices.
DAY by DAY ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Longyearbyean in the AM, Drew will greet you at the airport. We’ll spend our first day exploring the local town’s museums, shops, and scenery, or take a rest after travel. Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement, serves as the gateway to the High Arctic. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and glaciers, this colorful and surprisingly vibrant town blends modern comforts with a rich history of exploration and scientific research. Its unique Arctic light, roaming reindeer you might see wandering the streets and in town, and striking landscapes make it the perfect starting point for journeys deeper into the wilderness of Svalbard.
Explore Longyearbyen on your own, or choose an optional daytime outing such as dog sledding, snowmobiling to an ice cave, a local mine visit, or a short photo excursion.
We’ll set sail aboard our private expedition vessel, the M/S Sjøveien, and begin our journey into the far northern reaches of the Earth. After settling into our cabins, we’ll prepare for the wonders ahead as we embark on our voyage while soaking in the beauty and the opportunities for wildlife sightings that begin the moment we depart.
Now, we have entered the land of the midnight sun and the home of some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth, who live among the surreal landscapes and glaciers present in this stunning archipelago.
Thanks to the agile size of our fully private ship, we’ll have the flexibility to make the most of every moment, venturing into remote locations accessible only to vessels of this scale. With open-ended opportunities for exploration, we’ll keep watch for a remarkable array of Arctic wildlife: from many species of whales and vast bird colonies to Arctic foxes, polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and seals. We may encounter seals resting on ice floes with polar bears hunting them, or whales surfacing in impressive numbers, curious about our ship.
As we cruise, we’ll be treated to a landscape unlike any other on Earth, as jagged mountain peaks rise sharply from icy fjords, while immense tidewater glaciers and calving icebergs crackle and shift at the ocean’s edge providing a unique soundtrack to our time in the Arctic. Bathed in the ethereal glow of 24-hour light, this remote archipelago feels both untouched and elemental, a place where the raw forces of nature are vividly on display.
Zodiac landings and daily excursions will bring us even closer to the heart of this extraordinary region, and we’ll also explore historic whaling stations and research outposts. With the midnight sun illuminating every horizon, the magic of the North reveals itself in all directions.
During our cruise, you may choose to spend time on the bridge with the crew, scanning the horizon through binoculars, or unwind in the on-deck hot tub as the Arctic world drifts past. Enjoy coffee on deck or in the lounge, where you can simply relax or join Drew for personalized photographic guidance whenever you wish.
After arriving back in Longyearbyean, we’ll then be transferred to the airport for our flights to Oslo, where we’ll go home with memories of the North and its unrivaled beauty.
YOUR Journey AWAITS
Contact us to make this itinerary a private journey for your family or group or if you’d like to be notified of future departure dates.
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Tailor-made adventures for multi-generational families and private groups, crafted for connection, discovery, and unforgettable shared experiences.
We welcome solo travelers on every trip, and chances are you won’t be the only one joining independently. For lodging, many trips offer a single supplement option, or you can opt to share accommodations with a traveler of the same gender.
If you have any questions about traveling alone, please reach out, and we would be more than happy to assist.
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"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
