Exploring the harsh, frozen north is ideally suited to expedition ships that have the necessary equipment to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. Thanks to the smaller size of the ships we use, they are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard, and combined with their smaller Zodiac boats you can gain closer access to some of the area’s best natural attractions.
Selar redefines expedition travel, navigating some of the most remote and fragile regions on Earth with a radically low-impact approach. Powered by wind and sun, this innovative vessel moves almost silently through Arctic waters, offering a rare opportunity to experience pristine environments with minimal disturbance.
With room on board for just 12 passengers, the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to access some of the smaller fjords and coves along the coastline.
Built in Norway in 1976, Polarfront was originally used as a research vessel by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute - she used to take readings of CO2 in the atmosphere and measured the convergence of masses of polar and tropical air, hence the name Polarfront. She was recommissioned in 2017 to become an expedition ship, with a full interior refit in 2018.
Small in size, Polarfront can easily weave its way through the fjords, uncovering well-kept secrets of the Far North not typically explored. Her design lends itself to navigating through the ice, while her previous life as a weather ship left her with an advanced stabilisation system; unusual in a ship of this size. Two Mark V Zodiacs on-board offer polar explorers versatility and space for off-ship excursions.
Isfjord Radio is a solitude outpost far from civilization, with no road connection and offers a unique wilderness accommodation experience about 90 km from Longyearbyen.
The M/S Sjøveien ("Seaway") is a beautifully restored expedition ship that blends classic maritime charm with modern comforts. Learn more about MS Sjoveien here.
Spacious and beautiful, the M/V Sea Spirit has space for just 114 passengers during its voyages to the far south, Antarctica. All cabins are suites on-board, and you will also find a wonderful hot tub and outdoor bistro. You can expect smooth sailing; the hull is ice-strengthened and the ship also has retractable fin stabilisers. Seven different suite types to choose from, all have a porthole, picture window or a private balcony. On-board you will find a gym, hot tub, indoor restaurant and an outdoor bistro, a club lounge and a bar, presentation lounge and library.
The Polar Pioneer is no stranger to the icy waters of the Southern Ocean and the Arctic north, with a long track record of exploring the remote polar regions. The ship is a true expedition vessel with a tough design; large enough to reach remote destinations, but small enough to access places bigger ships simply can’t get to. Sporting the highest ice class - 1ASuper - she has no problem venturing into ice with her strong ice-strengthened hull. She is now back on the water, benefitting from an extensive refit and all cabins have been refreshed in a functional Scandinavian style. She offers a large deck space with raised areas making her perfect for photography, and features a large updated passenger saloon with bar, and an onboard sauna to warm up in after a day in the cold. With only 53 passengers on-board you’ll be able to maximise your time on shore; she has five zodiacs for shore landings, allowing all guests to shore together.
A refurbished ship, which originally served as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast, accommodating up to 53 passengers, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The cabins themselves are either doubles or triples, clean and comfortable, yet kept fairly basic. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths whereas all other cabins either have two lower berths or a double bed. Within each cabin for your comfort you will also have ample storage space for your luggage and a desk and a chair. There is also the choice of superior cabins (on payment of supplement) on decks 3 and 4 which are more spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The observation decks are a great place to spend your time, watching the ocean and searching for seabirds, polar bears and whales. The panorama lounge is home to some interesting seminars on the local history, fauna and flora as well as breathtaking views out onto the icy ocean. There is also a bar and a small library.
