Photography expedition in Svalbard ~ Cruise Norway

Join us on an exciting photo expedition through Svalbard’s spectacular polar landscapes! Our classic and intimate 12-passenger ship, M/S Stockholm, will be your home for some unforgettable days. With nature photographer Magnus Martinsson by your side, you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating photography destinations.

Svalbard offers fairy-tale landscapes with shimmering glaciers, stunning fjords, and dramatic mountain ranges, as well as an abundance of wildlife – from large walrus colonies and curious Arctic foxes to the majestic polar bear. As autumn arrives, the tundra is painted in warm hues, and the sun sinks lower on the horizon, casting a soft, golden light – perfect for capturing nature’s magic through the lens. With a bit of luck, we may even be treated to magnificent sunsets.

Magnus Martinsson joins as a photographic guide

Magnus Martinsson, born in 1964, is a photographer, author, and physical geographer who has lived on Gotland since 1988. Since then, he has dedicated his career to nature conservation. His passion for nature and photography has taken him on numerous journeys around the world and has also given him extensive knowledge of his home region of Gotland.

Magnus actively shares his expertise in various ways with a broad audience. He is a frequently invited speaker, excursion guide, and tour leader.

Magnus Martinsson has contributed both photography and text to numerous publications. As a member of Naturfotograferna, he is recognized as one of Sweden’s leading nature photographers.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow travellers and guides. In the afternoon we embark the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden - the Arctic expedition has started!

Day 2-10 | Expedition cruising

We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.

Magnificent fjords

Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured glacier front.

Hinlopen

The strait between the two largest islands in Svalbard, Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet, offers a range of interesting landing sites. Among them is Kinnvika – a research station built by Sweden and Finland during the International Geophysical Year of 1957/1958. From here, observations were made in various fields of geophysics, including meteorology, aurora borealis, and geomagnetism.

Eastern Svalbard

The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. Here the giant glacier

Bråsvellbreen stretches for 200 kilometres! Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here.

Southwest Spitsbergen

The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters.

Day 11 | Longyearbyen

Early morning we disembark our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.

Ships

MS Stockholm

The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes).

With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance. On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travelers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalized and unforgettable experience.

A classic expedition ship loved by many.

The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.

25 years exploring Svalbard
Accommodates only 12 guests
All bevarages included
1 guide for every 6 guests
Brass details and wooden decks
Immersive historical charm

What's included

Included in the price:

10 nights on board M/S Stockholm
All meals on board
All beverages on board
1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
Guiding ashore and talks on board
All excursions and activities

Not included in the price:

Flight to/from Longyearbyen

Travel and cancellation insurance

Gratuity to the ship’s crew

Practical information

The best time to visit Svalbard is between May and September, when the Arctic ice has melted enough to allow ship access. Each part of the season offers something unique:

May – Early Season: Pristine snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see polar bears on sea ice.
June & July – Midnight Sun: 24-hour daylight, active wildlife, and the best time for birdwatching.
August & September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, peak whale watching, and increased access to fjords.

Svalbard is one of the best places to see Arctic wildlife, including:

Polar Bears – The king of the Arctic, often spotted hunting on the ice.
Walruses – Large herds resting on ice floes and beaches.
Whales – Beluga, Humpback, Blue, and Minke Whales.
Seals – Bearded, Ringed, and Harp Seals.
Arctic Foxes & Reindeer – Unique to Svalbard’s tundra.
Seabirds – Thousands of Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Guillemots nest on cliffs.

Svalbard is part of Norway, but it has a unique visa policy.

Most travelers do NOT need a visa for Svalbard, but if you transit through Oslo or Tromsø, you may need a Norwegian Schengen visa depending on your nationality.
Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as other forms of ID (such as national ID cards) are not sufficient for entry into Svalbard.
Polar Quest will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Svalbard’s Arctic climate is cool but variable, with temperatures ranging from:

May - June: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
July - August: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
September: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

Despite the cold, summer in Svalbard can feel mild, especially with proper clothing.

Packing properly for your Svalbard expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable in the Arctic environment. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

Layering is essential – opt for wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics rather than cotton.
Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).
Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.
Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.
Gloves & Mittens – a combination of fleece and wool for maximum warmth
Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.
Scarf or Fleece Tube – for extra warmth around the neck.
Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet insulated.
Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes – for exploring on land.
Sunglasses with UV Protection – essential for the Midnight Sun.
Sleeping Mask – to block out 24-hour daylight and help with sleep.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for landings and carrying essentials.
A Good Pair of Binoculars – great for wildlife viewing (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).
Camera & Extra Memory Cards – the Arctic landscapes and wildlife are breathtaking.
Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific requirements.
Sea Sickness Medication – the Arctic waters can sometimes be rough.

Personal Care & Essentials

Your Passport & a Copy of It
Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for information about onboard payments.
Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against intense Arctic sunlight.
Moisturizer – cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin.
Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unforeseen delays.

While Arctic waters are generally calmer than the Drake Passage, conditions can vary. Some areas, like the Barents Sea, can be choppy. Seasickness medication is recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

No, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are only visible in Svalbard between October and March, when the region experiences polar night. Cruises operate during the summer (May - September), when the Midnight Sun keeps the skies bright 24/7.

For an Arctic Northern Lights experience, consider visiting Svalbard in winter on a land-based tour.

Svalbard is home to an estimated 3,000 polar bears, and while sightings are not guaranteed, Swan Hellenic’s expert expedition guides maximize your chances of spotting them in their natural habitat.

Polar bears are often seen hunting on sea ice, resting on shorelines, or swimming in Arctic waters. Your guides will ensure safe and responsible viewing from Zodiacs and onboard observation decks.

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets, providing 24-hour daylight from late April to late August in Svalbard.

This extended daylight allows for longer excursions, wildlife spotting at any hour, and breathtaking Arctic scenery under golden light.

Arctic weather is unpredictable, and landings are always subject to conditions. If a scheduled landing isn’t possible, the expedition team will:

Adjust the itinerary to find an alternative landing site.
Offer an extended Zodiac cruise in sheltered areas
Provide enrichment lectures, photography sessions, or wildlife viewing from the ship.

Polar Quest’s’ small expedition ships allow for maximum flexibility, ensuring a full experience despite changing conditions.