Svalbard Cruise aboard the Polar Front
Number of Participants: 12 | Length: 55 meters | Speed: 10 knots | Comfort: 5/5
This private vessel, exclusively for Phototeva, hosts a small and intimate group of just 12 guests. Experience extended encounters with wildlife and close proximity that’s otherwise unattainable. Sail aboard one of the most luxurious polar ships, equipped with an onboard sauna, jacuzzi, spacious suites, a private chef, and every indulgence you could desire
Our Ship | The Polar Front
The Polarfront vessel is one of the finest options for Arctic expeditions. This small, elegant ship offers a luxurious and comfortable experience.
Onboard, you’ll find indulgent amenities such as a sauna and jacuzzi, spacious and stylish cabins, a large guest lounge, and a gourmet dining room. The ship is large and stable, ensuring you are in good hands throughout your journey.
The greatest advantage of the Polarfront is its capacity to carry only 12 guests, allowing for a truly intimate and special experience.
Ship Features:
Spacious and well-appointed cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Private facilities in every cabin.
A fully equipped lounge, library, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and more for your enjoyment.
A low rear deck for enhanced viewing and photography.
Two Mark V Zodiac boats for excursions.
Completely refurbished in 2017 with modern amenities.
1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
Why Choose a Private Vessel?
This is not a cruise with hundreds of participants; our vessel is limited to just 12 guests! This smaller number means longer encounters with wildlife, greater proximity, and the opportunity for the best photographs. Due to their size, larger ships cannot enter the smaller fjords of Spitsbergen, where most wildlife, especially polar bears, can be found. Our smaller ship allows us to access the most impactful locations—getting as close as possible. With fewer participants, you will enjoy extended time with wildlife, enhancing your experience and allowing for the best photo opportunities.
Cruise Dates of Svalabrd - Premium
| Departure | Return | Registration Status | Starting From: | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/05/2024 | 25/05/2024 | Full | $15,800 | Roie Galitz |
| 01/07/2024 | 09/07/2024 | Full | $15,800 | Yarin Klein |
| 09/07/2024 | 17/07/2024 | Full | $15,800 | Roie Galitz |
| 28/06/2025 | 06/07/2025 | Registration in progress | $16,775 | Phototeva Team |
| 06/07/2025 | 14/07/2025 | Registration in progress | $16,775 | Phototeva Team |
| 14/07/2025 | 22/07/2025 | Registration in progress | $16,775 | Phototeva Team |
Itinerary
Pre-Trip Day: Gathering in Longyearbyen
Our journey begins in the capital of Spitsbergen—Svalbard, in the town of Longyearbyen. We recommend arriving a day before the trip.
Day 1: The Journey Begins – The Western Coast
In the morning, there will be time for a tour of the town or strolling through the shops—perfect for picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon, we’ll board the ship and set sail after a safety briefing. We’ll navigate through the main fjord of Spitsbergen and head north along the dramatic western coast of the island. Our journey north will continue as we enjoy a deep night’s sleep, where the sun never sets.
Day 2: Amsterdamøya and Northwest Spitsbergen
During breakfast, we will be near the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, close to Amsterdamøya, and the first settlement established by Dutch pioneers—Smeerenburg. In this area, we have spotted several polar bears on our previous trips. From there, we will sail east to one of our favorite secret spots, where we will visit a walrus colony and get as close to them as only we can. Overnight, we will navigate to Hinlopen Strait.
Day 3: Polar Bears at Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet
In the morning, we’ll arrive at a spectacular bird cliff and photograph millions of seabirds nesting during the intense summer. At the base of the cliffs, arctic foxes typically look for hunting opportunities, and we’ve even seen a polar bear ascend the cliff. After lunch, we will reach one of the small coves that has consistently provided our best polar bear sightings. We hope to spot bears here again, as unique circumstances often attract them. We will spend the night in this special place, allowing for additional bear-watching opportunities. Remember, the sun doesn’t set, right?
Day 4: The Eastern Islands
In the morning, we will reach Edgeøya to search for polar bears and visit a large, impressive walrus colony. After lunch, we will arrive at a massive bird cliff where hundreds of thousands of gulls nest—an amazing and noisy spectacle! After dinner, we will sail west from the islands back to the main Spitsbergen island to search for polar bears in an area known for its nursing dens during the winter. Sometimes, during the summer, some families remain in this area.
Day 5: Bear Bay
We will spend more time along the eastern coast of Spitsbergen and head north back toward Hinlopen Strait. Along the way, we’ll navigate between islands or through a narrow passage, arriving at an area known in Hebrew as “Bear Bay,” and there’s a special reason for this—it’s a favorite spot for seals, which in turn attract polar bears for hunting opportunities. During the night, we will sail northeast to the second-largest island in Svalbard.
Day 6: The Northeastern Island
We’ll have breakfast against a unique and stunning backdrop as we reach the edge of the third-largest ice shelf in the world, located on the northeastern island of Spitsbergen. The ice shelf’s edge consists of a massive, active wall with cascading waterfalls and crashing ice blocks, showcasing the massive melting the area is experiencing due to global warming. Later in the day, we’ll enter the main fjord of the island to search for polar bears and see another side of the rapidly melting ice shelf. In the evening, we will head north toward Nordauslandet and the “Seven Islands” area. This is the northernmost point of our trip, where we will visit additional walrus colonies, and we’ve previously spotted belugas in this region. At night, we will continue westward.
Day 7: Monaco Glacier and Moffen Reserve
We’ll have breakfast in Lyadfjorden, with a view of one of the most beautiful glaciers in Spitsbergen—Monaco Glacier—before heading out for a hike. During lunch, we’ll sail out of the fjord to a specially protected nature reserve called Moffen. Although we can’t go ashore due to extreme conservation measures, we can observe the amazing phenomenon as it’s one of the best spots for walruses. In the afternoon, we’ll sail west toward Magdalenefjorden, one of the most beautiful fjords, where we will visit after dinner.
Day 8: July 14th Glacier
We will continue north in the large fjord to the area of the most beautiful glacier—July 14th Glacier, named after the French Bastille Day. We’ll disembark for a hike to an amazing viewing point. Next, we’ll head south to the massive bird cliff, home to several arctic fox dens, and with the western sun, we’ll have excellent lighting on the cliff. We’ll hike approximately one kilometer along a gentle incline, and after watching the playful fox pups as long as we wish, we’ll return to the ship for dinner. In the evening, we will sail into Isfjorden, where we’ll hold a summary lecture and farewell meeting with the crew. Our last night will be spent anchored on the ship, where we’ll pack our gear for departure.
Day 9: Farewell from the White Kingdom
After breakfast, we’ll say our last goodbye (for now at least) to the ship’s crew and head to the airport or the town of Longyearbyen for some exploration before our flight back home. Filled with experiences, amazing photos, and memories for a lifetime.
The itinerary is a statement of intent only. It is subject to change based on conditions, wildlife location, the guide’s and captain’s decisions, and other factors. The itinerary may vary depending on the length of the cruise you registered for.
Room Details and Prices
| Room Type | Bathroom | What’s in the Room? | Cost per Participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Suite | Private | Bedroom with a lounge area, 2 twin beds, en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, 2 windows. | $16,775 |
| Grand Suite | Private | Bedroom with a lounge area, twin beds or a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, 2 windows. | $17,395 |
| Captain Suite | Private | Bedroom and lounge area with a sofa bed, twin beds or a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower and separate toilet, 4 windows. | $18,495 |
The Price Includes
Full Board
Three meals a day, prepared by a chef, during the cruise.
Cruise on our ship
9 days / 8 nights
Tours
Landings and shore excursions using a zodiacs
Enrichment
Enrichment, Lectures, and Feedback During the Cruise
Preparation Meeting
Comprehensive Preparation and Closing Meetings via Zoom
Guidance
Photography Instruction and Geographic Guidance by the Phototeva Team
- International flights – we will be happy to assist you in booking.
- Ground arrangements before and after the cruise.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal expenses – internet, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Tips for the crew.
- Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.
– You must purchase a comprehensive and extended travel and health insurance policy that covers all activities during the trip (including air medical and rescue services). This includes personal insurance, baggage insurance, full adventure travel insurance, medical evacuation from remote and dangerous areas, and trip cancellation insurance. To be clear, Phototeva does not insure or provide insurance coverage for participants. Participants are responsible for purchasing the required insurance policy. In addition, the insurance issue of this tour is regulated by the cruise operator and any claim on this issue will be addressed directly to it.
– As with any trip, certain medical preparations, such as vaccinations and medications, are required. It is the sole responsibility of the travelers to receive the information and prepare for these preparations (Phototeva is prevented from giving any personal medical recommendation).
– The local authorities at the destination might ask you to provide documents or a negative COVID-19 test as a requirement to enter the country. It is the travelers’ responsibility to verify any entry conditions (according to their nationality) and to take care of arranging all the required documents. Phototeva will not be liable for refusal of entry for one reason or another.
– As expected in an extreme expedition to one of the world’s coldest and most isolated areas, this trip poses clear risks that could result in injury or even worse.
As with any trip, especially when it comes to extreme activities where there is a risk, there are dangers along the way: extreme weather, poor infrastructure, dangerous animals, and dangers that can occur in unexpected places and times. It is important to be aware of these dangers. It is the responsibility of the travelers to make sure that they have received all the information they need before setting out on the trip.
This expedition includes various extreme activities such as, but not limited to Zodiac boat rides, ice and snow walking, close proximity to wild animals, sailing through extreme weather and so on. The participants must be physically healthy and mentally stable in order to deal with potential mishaps, extreme weather and problems that arise along the way. It is imperative that they listen to the guides and drive according to their instructions. By joining this Phototeva expedition, the participant hereby declares that he/she understands the nature of the activities and the potential dangers of the expedition and is medically fit. If the participant has a medical problem that may hinder or prevent his/her participation in the various activities of the expedition, it is their responsibility to notify the company and the guide before embarking on the journey. In some cases, the participant will have to present a note from his/her doctor in order to participate in the expedition. Without this note, the participant will not be allowed to join the expedition.
– In rare cases, the ship might be changed to a different ship of a similar class
– The cruise dates may change. Travelers confirm that they are aware of the fact that no refund will be allowed for these days. In addition, Phototeva will do everything in its power to carry out the journey. However, there may be changes in the plan and/or the dates of the trip due to things over which the Phototeva has no control. Including, but not limited to, weather, technical faults, border or port closures, etc. Cancellation of any service is not a reason to cancel the rest of the services and is not a reason for restitution and/or compensation for services purchased by the customer and/or the passenger separately from the service purchased by the company and delayed for reasons beyond the control of the company such as force majeure
– The expedition is contingent on a minimum number of participants. On rare occasions, the guide may be replaced before the start of the expedition.
– Nature is wild and unpredictable, so there is no way to guarantee the animals’ behavior and proximity or even ensure sightings at all. The crew of the ship will make the final decision regarding the route of the voyage and the order and content of the activities, keeping passenger safety as their top priority.