Photo: Kt Miller / Polar Bears International
Svalbard Arctic Expedition
Polar Bears International invites you to join us for an immersive Arctic experience June 25-July 2, 2025!
Polar Bears International invites you on a 8-day/7-night voyage for an unforgettable summer adventure through the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historic landmarks of Svalbard—Norway’s stunning archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
Aboard the M/S Sjøveien, you’ll journey through an Arctic paradise, exploring deep fjords, glaciers, and majestic mountain ranges while uncovering the region's rich history. Along the way, you'll keep an eye out for incredible wildlife, from reindeer and blankets of wildflowers to migratory birds, marine life, and the iconic polar bears, walruses, and whales!
Join our expert team for a hands-on, immersive experience that will deepen your appreciation of this extraordinary region, its importance to our mission, and how we can work together to protect the future of polar bears.
With limited availability, don’t wait to reserve your spot on this Arctic expedition!
Svalbard is a place where nature dominates in every sense—its rugged beauty, dramatic glaciers, and the sheer variety of wildlife make it one of the most breathtaking and humbling places on Earth.
Photo: Tommy Simonsen
Trip Itinerary
Arrival and Departure Details: As you plan your journey, you might be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international airfare is not included in your expedition's cost, you can arrange your flights accordingly.
Photo: Tommy Simonsen
Day 1: Arrive / Overnight in Longyearbyen
You can arrive in Longyearbyen at any time on Day 1*, with most flights typically arriving by midday. Upon arrival, a team member will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon, we will gather for a guided tour of Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost urban community and the largest settlement on Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard Archipelago. That evening, we will head to Camp Barents for a Wilderness Experience dinner, where you'll be immersed in Svalbard’s rich history and enjoy a presentation focused on polar bears.
*We recommend arriving in Longyearbyen one day early in case of a delayed flight or luggage. Any extra hotel nights and meals are not included in the trip's price.
Photo: Larissa Thelin / Polar Bears International
Day 2: Tour of Longyearbyen and Embarkment
You will explore the unique town of Longyearbyen and discover what makes it so remarkable. Highlights include visiting Coal Mine 3, where you’ll learn about the town’s coal-mining history. You will have free time to visit must-see attractions like the Svalbard Museum and explore some shops before meeting to travel to the port. We will embark on the ship in the afternoon and begin our Arctic expedition.
Photo: Tommy Simonsen
Day 3-7: Expedition Cruising
We will spend the next four days exploring the Svalbard’s majestic coastline aboard the M/S Sjøveien. Enjoy the stunning views and peaceful tranquillity.
Photo: Emily Ringer / Polar Bears International
Day 8: Disembarkation / Departure from Longyearbyen
In the morning, we will prepare to disembark the ship at the Longyearbyen port. Afterward, we will join the Polar Bears International team for a special brunch, followed by a tour of the PBI Ice House and an informative program about our work in Svalbard. You can plan to depart from Longyearbyen in the afternoon. Transportation will be provided to the airport.
Photo: Daniel J. Cox
Trip Highlights
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.
Photo: Hilde Fålun Strøm
Meet Your Expedition Leader: Hilde Fålun Strøm
An experienced Arctic guide and expedition leader, Hilde has lived in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, since 1995. A long-time resident and accomplished citizen scientist, she serves as an ambassador for Polar Bears International both in Svalbard and beyond. Hilde co-founded Hearts in the Ice, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring climate action. In 2019 she and her co-founder spent 19 months living in a remote trappers’ hut in the High Arctic, conducting outreach and citizen science projects. In 2023, Hilde was recognized as one of the Explorers Club 50—honoring 50 individuals making a significant impact on the world. Hilde brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to every expedition she leads, ensuring that guests gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings.
Possible Excursions
During our expedition cruising, your expedition team must consider sea conditions, ice, and weather when planning the route and itinerary. The following offer a glimpse of what locations you may experience during your expedition, whether by ship or shore landing.
Magdalenefjord: This stunning fjord is known for its dramatic glaciers, steep mountains, and historical whaling sites, and it offers great wildlife viewing.
Kongsfjord: An area of scientific importance featuring glaciers and a polar research station, and often visited by whales and seabirds.
Ny-Ålesund: One of the world’s northernmost settlements, this research town is a hub for Arctic scientific exploration with historic ties to polar expeditions.
Moffen Island / 80 degree North: A small, remote island famous for its large walrus populations and a key stop for reaching the northernmost part of the Svalbard archipelago.
Liefdefjord: Known for the beautiful Monacobreen glacier and rich wildlife, including seabirds and the occasional polar bear sighting.
Included Activities
Thanks 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, including Smeerenburgfjorden, Krossfjord and Lilliehöök Glacier
Learning about the region’s cultural heritage and history from expert guides and locals
Celebrating crossing the 80th parallel and taking the exhilarating Polar Plunge into Arctic waters
Immersing yourself in the serenity of Svalbard, with its tranquil silence and the midnight sun, where daylight never ends
Enjoying insightful talks and presentations from 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.
Photo: Daniel J. Cox
Trip Costs
Note: Your included accommodations begin on Day 1 of your itinerary.
If you would like to arrive prior to Day 1 of your expedition 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.
Price per attendee
Upper deck (1 cabin): $11,999 USD
Main deck (3 cabins): $10,999 USD
Lower deck (3 cabins): $9,999 USD
**All cabins will accommodate double occupancy. Single occupancy supplement: $9,500 USD (limited availability).
Inclusions
The price of the 8-day / 7-night trip price includes:
1-night stay in Longyearbyen and 6 nights aboard the ship
Wilderness Evening and Coal Mine 3 tour in Longyearbyen
Expert expedition guides and staff
Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2, and Brunch on Day 8
All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices onboard the ship. Coffee and tea available 24/7
Presentations and interpretative talks by experts and locals
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Transportation between the airport, hotel, and port on embarkation and debarkation days
Exclusions
The trip price does not include:
International airfare to and from Longyearbyen
Passport and visa fees
Emergency evacuation insurance
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
Meals ashore unless specified in the itinerary
Expenses of a personal nature
Any items not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions above
Photo: Vestland Classic
Your Ship: M/S Sjøveien
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.
Cabins - all equipped with en-suite facilities
Upper Deck: 1 large cabin w/ double bed and windows
Main Deck: 1 large cabin w/ double bed; 2 larger twin cabins; all with windows
Lower Deck: 4 twin cabins with portholes
Ship Specifications
Crew and staff: 8
Guides: 2
Passengers: 12
Port of Registry: Panama
Length: 40.66m
Width: 8.00m
Photo: Tommy Simonsen
