Svalbard Autumn Light ~ Cruise Norway

Embark on the ultimate photographic adventure of a lifetime! Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of the wild, eager to elevate your photography skills amidst Earth's most awe-inspiring landscapes? Seize this chance to journey alongside renowned photographer Christian Nørgaard, who will be your Special Lecturer and mentor throughout this Svalbard expedition cruise.

The diverse landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and majestic wildlife – from the massive walrus and swift Arctic fox to the mighty polar bear – transform Svalbard into a photographer’s paradise. As the tundra shifts to warm autumn colors and the sun begins to set once again, we are treated to stunning sunsets and soft light, ideal for photography. You will stay aboard the small and comfortable 12-passenger ship, M/S Sjøveien, which combines the intimate ambiance of a small vessel with the spirit of adventure.

The renowned photographer Christian Nørgaard will join this trip as a special lecturer

We are thrilled to present the knowledgeable photographer, Christian Nørgaard, as special guest lecturer. Christian Nørgaard is a renowned photographer and the founder of Better Moments, an esteemed photography travel company that offers exclusive workshops and expeditions around the world. With a passion for storytelling and visual exploration, Nørgaard has crafted a career dedicated to both capturing the beauty of distant cultures and sharing that passion with aspiring photographers.

On board M/S Sjøveien, he will share his experience and offer advice on shooting techniques and photo editing as well as pre-trip advice on photography equipment.

Please note: This Arctic cruise is arranged in collaboration between PolarQuest and the photography travel company Better Moments.

Highlights

Photographer Chrisitan Nørgaard as Special Lecturer

Teaching and training in the best techniques, personal hints, advice

Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground

Learning about the lenses that optimize your wildlife photography

How to handle equipment with care on location

Only 12 passengers

Small group - great moments

Photo workshops

2 experienced guides

10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien

Itinerary

Day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel, where we will spend the night before embarking on our great adventure.

Day 2-11 | Expedition cruising

Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow travelers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on the expedition ship and sail through the spectacular Isfjorden—our Arctic adventure has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are entirely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will be shaped by these factors and by the wildlife we encounter. Our goal is to go on Zodiac cruises every day and go ashore whenever possible. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen

With its high, pointed mountain peaks (hence the name), Northwestern Spitsbergen offers stunning vistas and exceptional opportunities for landscape photography. Whether capturing the dramatic play of light on the mountains or the serene reflections in the fjords, the region is a paradise for photographers.

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile launched their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other daring attempts to reach the North Pole also began on the island of Danskøya. The Swedish explorer Andrée attempted it with a hydrogen balloon, while the American journalist Wellman used an airship. Fascinating remnants of these expeditions can still be seen today .

The magnificent fjords of Svalbard

Svalbard offers countless spectacular fjords, home to an abundance of wildlife. Below are some fjords and glaciers we may explore by ship or Zodiac during our journey:

In Krossfjorden, we find one of the largest glaciers in northwestern Spitsbergen, Lilliehööksbreen, which stretches around 22 km. The beautifully sculpted front of this incredible glacier is best enjoyed during a Zodiac cruise.

Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love,” is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks, and here we hope to cruise along the face of the stunning Monaco Glacier, which is a popular spot for bearded seals.

Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by striking glaciers.

North of Spitsbergen

Depending on the weather and ice conditions, we hope to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating, ever-changing habitat offers a fascinating and powerful experience. Few ships venture here, allowing us to enjoy the tranquillity of this magnificent icy landscape. We remain on the lookout for exciting Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals. The pack ice around Svalbard plays a crucial role in the archipelago’s ecosystem and climate, serving as a vital component of life in the Arctic.

Eastern Svalbard

The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a huge ice cap and has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here the giant glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometres! The 15-20 metre high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.

Isfjorden

At the entrance of Isfjorden stands the scenic cliff of Alkhornet, inviting refreshing hikes across the tundra. Here, we hope to encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with a bit of luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.

Day 12 | Longyearbyen

In the early morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey home.

Ships

MS Sjøveien

The expedition ship M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was constructed in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government, fulfilling various roles over the years. From 1979 to 1995 she was used as a training ship for mariners. Since transitioning to private ownership in 1995, it has undertaken tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and, more recently, functioned as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, in the summer of 2017, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter as a classic and exclusive passenger ship in Svalbard.

She is a true beauty with wooden decks and classic details. There is plenty of space on the main deck, as well as an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magnificent Svalbard scenery. Additionally, guests can enjoy a unique experience in the wood-fired hot tub located on deck.

A classic ship with a modern touch.

The ship accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers in eight outside cabins, all equipped with en-suite facilities. On the lower deck, there are four twin cabins with portholes. The main deck features two larger twin cabins with windows and one superior cabin with a double bed and windows. Additionally, there is a large superior cabin with windows on the upper deck. Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining area located on the main deck. The ship also has a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and attend talks given by the guides. An international crew welcomes passengers, and the bridge is accessible to visitors. The ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable english speaking guides.

Accommodates only 12 guests
The most intimate nature experience
Wood-fired hot tub
Spacious observation decks
1 guide for every 6 guests
Modern maritime interior

What's included

Included in the price:

10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien
1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
Lunch day 2
All meals 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
Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges

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.