Cruise to Svalbard on the SEA SPIRIT ship
June 25, 2025 - July 6, 2025
Starting from $8,495 per person | Guided by the Phototeva team
Our Ship | MV Sea Spirit
Itinerary
25.06.2025 | Day 1 – Welcome to the Kingdom of Polar Bears
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen. Here, our adventure in the Arctic begins. We will meet our professional guide at the airport and travel to one of the best hotels in the city – Radisson Polar Blue (or similar, included in the price) in preparation for the upcoming adventure! (Accommodation is included in the package price).
26.06.2025 | Day 2 – Boarding the Ship – Spitsbergen Fjord
After breakfast at the hotel, there will be free time for last-minute preparations and wandering through the beautiful town of Longyearbyen, with its colorful houses, charming shops, and some of the northernmost restaurants in the world. In the afternoon, we will gather together and travel to our ship – the Sea Spirit. One of the best and most luxurious ships in the Arctic. As we set sail, we will immediately begin our enrichment schedule with lectures and engaging activities. After a wonderful dinner, we will go out on deck together to enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the season when there is golden light 24 hours a day and the sun never sets.
27.06.2025-05.07.2025 | Days 3–11 – The Polar Bear World of Spitsbergen and the Ice Cap
During our journey, we will circle around Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. We will experience many amazing corners of this enchanting white territory. Our itinerary and schedule will primarily depend on the weather and local wildlife, with a focus on the majestic polar bears and large walruses.
During the journey, we are expected to reach the northwest of the island. In this remote and isolated area, the ice remains mostly intact even in summer, providing an opportunity to see the enchanting white landscape, like a “different world.” We are planned to continue to the enormous ice cap in the north, where the sea meets a 45-kilometer ice cliff known as Brassevoldbreen, which is one of the wonders of the Arctic world. Here, in the white and frozen world, resides a vast number of seabirds, and the chance to see polar bears and walruses is particularly high due to the ice.
We will continue to the northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the jewel in the crown of Svalbard’s scenic wonders and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here we will witness deep fjords surrounded by towering mountains and enormous blue and turquoise glaciers that mesmerize the eyes. We will arrive right in the season to encounter countless wildlife, including various species of whales, seals, and millions of seabirds against the backdrop of stunning nature.
We will proceed to the Kings Fjord and the settlement of Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement in the world! Thirty-five residents call this place home, most of whom are researchers from leading universities worldwide. We will reach the famous mast of the North Pole, which was the starting point for Arctic research expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. In front of the town, there is an island that serves as a nesting place for Barnacle Geese and Red-throated Divers, two fascinating birds in their behaviors. South of the enormous bird cliff, there are several dens of Arctic foxes, and thanks to the western sun, we will have excellent lighting on the cliff.
Our unique itinerary offers a comprehensive look at the many faces of the polar region, with each day presenting something new and exciting. We will not miss any opportunity to encounter amazing Arctic wildlife, witness stunning polar landscapes, and follow in the footsteps of historic expeditions that have been here before us.
06.07.2025 | Day 12 – Farewell from the White Kingdom and Disembarking from the Ship
After breakfast, we will say goodbye for the last time (at least for now) to the ship’s crew and head to the airport or to Longyearbyen for a tour until our flight back home, filled with experiences, amazing photographs, and memories for a lifetime.
The schedule is a statement of intent only. It is subject to changes based on field conditions, wildlife location, the guide’s and captain’s decisions, and other factors.
| Room Type | Private Bathroom | Size | Price per Participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Room | Yes | 21 square meters | $8,495 |
| Central Deck Suite | Yes | 23 square meters | $11,495 |
| Classic Suite | Yes | 21 square meters | $12,495 |
| Superior Suite | Yes | 20 square meters | $12,985 |
| Deluxe Suite | Yes | 24 square meters | $14,995 |
| Premium Suite | Yes | 30 square meters | $15,795 |
| Single Room | Yes | 21 square meters | $18,295 |
Included
Full board
Full board during the cruise prepared by the ship’s chef.
Cruise
11 days of cruise on Ocean Nova
Tours
Including all tours, Zodiac boats for shore landings, and beach excursions
Lectures
Lectures and rich content during the cruise
Preparation meeting
Comprehensive preparation meeting before the trip.
Guidance
Full guidance from our team
Pre Tour Hotel
A night in a high-quality hotel in Longyearbyen the day before the cruise begins.
Transfers and taxes
Transfer to the ship from the hotel + all taxes.
International flights – we will be happy to assist you in booking.
Alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal expenses – laundry, souvenirs, etc.
Insurance of any kind.
Tips for the crew.
Anything not mentioned in the “included” section.
In case of cancellation:
From the moment of registration until September 1, 2024 – no cancellation fees.
From September 2, 2024, to December 1, 2024 – 20% cancellation fees.
From December 2, 2024, to February 1, 2025 – 50% cancellation fees.
From February 2, 2025 – full cancellation fees.
We strongly recommend purchasing insurance at the time of booking that can cover you in case of any unexpected cancellations.
Medical and travel insurance: It is agreed and understood that Phototeva does not insure or provide insurance coverage and will not be liable for any damage caused to travelers or their equipment. It is the responsibility of the booking party and travelers to purchase a comprehensive and extensive insurance policy suitable for all trip activities, both regular and adventurous expected during the journey, including coverage for accidents and medical evacuation. The responsibility for purchasing the required insurance coverage lies with the travelers. Also, all insurance matters under this agreement are regulated within the framework of the cruise operator, and any claims regarding this will be directed to them.
Required medical preparations: As with any trip, certain medical preparations are required, such as vaccinations and medications. It is the sole responsibility of travelers to obtain information and prepare for these preparations. It is the duty of each traveler to personally check which medications and items are allowed to be brought into the destination countries (Phototeva is prohibited from providing any personal medical recommendations). For vaccinations, please check the website of the Ministry of Health.
Local authorities may require you to present a negative COVID-19 test as a condition for entering the country. It is also the travelers’ responsibility to ensure the entry requirements into the country and arrange all necessary documents for that. Phototeva cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry for any reason.
As with any trip, especially when it involves activities with risks, there are potential hazards and dangers: extreme weather, poor infrastructure, dangerous animals, and also malfunctions that may occur at unexpected places and times. The journey includes various challenging activities such as Zodiac boating, walking on ice and snow, being close to wildlife, sailing in extreme weather conditions, etc. As one might expect on a journey to one of the coldest and most isolated places in the world, it is a trip that can be dangerous and may lead to injuries, and even worse. It is important to be aware of these dangers. By registering a person for a Phototeva trip, they are actually declaring that they understand the activities and risks involved in the trip and that they are in good health. If a participant has a medical or psychological issue that may hinder or prevent them from participating in various trip activities, it is their responsibility to inform the company and the guide before the trip. In certain cases, medical approval from the treating physician will be required for participation in the trip. Without this approval, the trip will not be permitted.
Due to weather constraints and/or safety considerations, or other considerations, the departure or return from the trip may be delayed. Travelers acknowledge that they are aware that no refund will be given for these days. Phototeva will do everything in its power to carry out the trip as planned. However, there may be changes in the itinerary and/or dates of the trip due to factors beyond Phototeva’s control, including, but not limited to, weather conditions, technical malfunctions, border or port closures, etc. Cancellation of any service does not constitute grounds for canceling other services and does not entitle a refund and/or compensation for services purchased by the booking party and/or traveler separately from the service purchased from the company and postponed for reasons beyond the company’s control, such as force majeure.
The trip’s departure is contingent upon a minimum number of participants. The number of guides will be determined based on the number of travelers. In very exceptional cases, the identity of the guide(s) may change before the trip. The ship’s crew and some of the guides speak only English. There is no guarantee regarding the behaviors of animals, viewing distances, or the sightings in general. The ship’s crew is the one who makes the final decision regarding the sailing route, order, and content of the activities, with passenger safety being of utmost priority.
In cases where there is a contradiction between what is written on the company’s website and/or in other marketing documents sent and/or anywhere else, the information appearing on the registration form is definitive. Phototeva reserves the right to cancel the trip at any time with a refund of the payment.