Svalbard Arctic Expedition: Community Exchange

Your Expedition Team

Your expedition team brings a wealth of expertise across various subjects, including polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, and photography. Their knowledge and passion will greatly enrich your experience and deepen your connection to the Arctic. In addition, the team undergoes extensive training in polar expeditions, ensuring that your safety and satisfaction remain their top priority.

During the journey, our expert guides—including a scientist from Polar Bears International—will provide valuable insights into Svalbard’s history, environmental challenges, and its critical role in polar bear conservation.

Possible Excursions

During our expedition cruising, your expedition team must consider sea conditions, ice, and weather when planning the route and itinerary. The following offers a glimpse of what locations you may experience during your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing.

• Krossfjorden: A dramatic fjord on Spitsbergen’s northwest coast, known for its towering glaciers and abundant Arctic wildlife.

• Kongsfjorden: One of Svalbard's largest fjords, home to striking glaciers and rich biodiversity, including polar bears and seabirds.

• Ny-Ålesund: A historic Arctic research settlement in Kongsfjorden, renowned for its scientific significance and polar exploration history.

• St. Johnsforden: A serene, lesser-known fjord in northwest Spitsbergen, offering stunning views of glaciers and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Included Activities 

hanks to the ship’s compact size, we can access areas larger vessels cannot, providing a more intimate and exclusive Arctic experience. Here are some of the activities you can look forward to during our expedition:

• Hiking through the vibrant polar landscape with experienced guides who can accommodate various skill levels

• Photographing and viewing Svalbard’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, including reindeer, birds, walrus, and other marine mammals, like whales and polar bears

• Exploring majestic glaciers and fjords

• Learning about the region’s cultural heritage and history from expert guides and locals

• Joining impactful discussions with experts and locals onboard the ship

Meals on Board

You can always count on enjoying delicious and nutritious meals aboard the ship each day. While meal times may vary due to landings and wildlife encounters, you will be served three well-prepared meals daily. Breakfast and lunch are typically served buffet style, while dinners are plated. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice before your expedition.

Preparing for Your Adventure

You will receive a recommended packing list, additional trip details, and a suggested reading list in preparation for your Arctic Expedition. This information will cover everything you need to complete before your arrival, as well as what you'll need while onboard the ship, exploring the Svalbard landscape, or touring Longyearbyen.

Polar Bears International will support this community exchange. We have thoughtfully selected an intimate group of individuals who can drive positive change in their communities and the world. 

Your trip will include:

• 1-night stay in Longyearbyen and 3 nights aboard the ship

• 2-night stay in Oslo (the evening that you arrive and depart)

• International airfare from Churchill (or your closest airport) to Longyearbyen

• Expert expedition guides and staff

• All meals while in Svalbard 

• All luggage handling aboard the ship

• Transportation between the airport, hotel, and port on embarkation and debarkation days

• Emergency evacuation insurance

Exclusions

The trip price does not include:

• Passport and visa fees

• Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended)

• Gear recommended on the Arctic Expedition packing list 

• Voluntary gratuities for ship staff and crew at the end of the voyage

• Applicable taxes

• Laundry, bar, and other personal expenses

• Phone and internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)

• Additional overnight accommodations

• Expenses of a personal nature

• Any items not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions above

NOTE: Your included accommodations begin on June 21 in Oslo.

If you would like to arrive before June 21, or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like to extend your stay, you can book directly with the hotel or through a third party.

You will receive your hotel details with your trip confirmation.

M/S Sjøveien, meaning "the Seaway," was built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government and has served in various roles. From 1979 to 1995, she operated as a training ship for mariners. After being privately owned since 1995, she has performed tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and later served as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter in the summer of 2017 as a classic and exclusive yacht in Svalbard. 

With its wooden decks and timeless details, the ship offers ample space on the main deck and a fantastic viewing area atop the bridge, where guests can take in breathtaking views of Svalbard's stunning landscape. A wood-fired hot tub is also on the deck for a luxury touch. An international crew runs the ship, and visitors are welcome to explore the bridge. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main deck dining area, and passengers can unwind in the lounge with tea, coffee, and talks from the onboard guides. All cabins are equipped with en-suite facilities.

Ship Specifications 

Crew and staff: 8
Guides: 2
Passengers: 12
Port of Registry: Panama
Length: 40.66m
Width: 8.00m