Svalbard in Spring – April 2025

Icy Arctic Adventure

Svalbard in Spring – April 2025

In late April Svalbard is well and truly emerging from its winter slumber. With the passing of the Spring equinox the days are long with beautiful late evening light.

Arctic Fox and Reindeer are yet to shed their winter coats, the pack ice has started its retreat and the pyramidal mountains and glaciers are still cloaked in white. It’s a great time to explore via small ship, especially as from 1 January 2025 the Svalbard regulations change to reduce the available landing sites. In April there are fewer vessels.

On board the MV Vikingfjord you will enjoy sumptuous meals and the ultimate luxury of only 11 other guests and 2 experienced polar guides to showcase this High Arctic gem.

This is a journey for polar explorers, lovers of wilderness, geology, history, wildlife, photography and more.

Our area of exploration is subject to sea ice conditions. There is no set itinerary. The Captain and Expedition Leader will work together to maximise opportunities to experience the majestic scenery and unique wildlife of the region, always with safety and comfort in mind.

17-24 April 2025 & 24 April – 1 May 2025

Maximum 12 berths

Cost: From €11,550 per person. Twin, Double and Single en suite cabins

Day 1

You will be transferred from your hotel in Longyearbyen to the MV Vikingfjord to commence the voyage. We will throw the lines mid to late afternoon and sail into Isfjorden.

Days 2-8

We will explore the west coast of Spitsbergen, enjoying opportunities to explore ice-filled bays and look for unique Arctic wildlife including Arctic fox, reindeer, walrus, whales, seals and polar bear.

Day 9

You will disembark MV Vikingfjord in the morning for your onward journey. We may come alongside in Longyearbyen the evening prior to disembarkation.

Conditions

While we will experience long days, temperatures can be cooler in late Spring. We will issue all guests with a thermal immersion suit

Inclusions

Expert guide team

All excursions

Full board (all meals and alcoholic drinks with dinner)

Transfers from hotel in Longyearbyen to vessel

About the MV Vikingfjord

MV Vikingfjord is a rugged ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests. It was fitted with a new energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning in 2023 – resulting in a 95% reduction in NOX emissions. The vessel gas 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on deck hot tub and sauna.

Svalbard Regulations Update

From 1 January 2025 new regulations governing tourism in Svalbard come into force. The changes have resulted in a reduction in the number of sites at which expedition cruise operators may land to 43 sites. Some of these sites allow only 39 people ashore. This favours exploration in smaller groups. Minimum distances to wildlife have also changed. Please be aware of this when booking your Svalbard adventure. All operators must abide by the new regulations.

If visiting Svalbard, consider scheduling couple of days in Oslo on the way to visit the Fram Museum and enjoy the city before the peak summer season.