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Spitsbergen Photography: Under the Midnight Sun
Arctic
Spitsbergen Photography Under the Midnight Sun

Spitsbergen Photography Under the Midnight Sun

Starting From:
£6,920 GBP
Duration:
11 days

This unique 11-day voyage invites guests to embrace a true expeditionary spirit as they experience Arctic summer in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Rather than follow a set itinerary, we’ll journey along the coast and inner fjords to capture the best—and most vibrant—of Spitsbergen in late July. The Arctic summer season is unlike any other as the ice melts and the region becomes more accessible. You’ll be able to walk the snow-free tundra and seize every opportunity to photograph seasonal flowers such as purple saxifrage. You’ll relish the chance see incredible wildlife—including polar bears—as the prolonged daylight in the Land of the Midnight Sun maximizes wildlife sightings. We’ll also keep our eyes peeled for whales returning to the ice-free fjords, walruses, the elusive arctic fox which will be on the prowl, and a frenzy of bird activity on the towering cliff sides.

Inspiring you on this voyage through the snow-topped mountains, massive glacier fronts, deep-walled fjords, and vast swaths of untouched tundra will be award- winning photographer, filmmaker, workshop leader and lecturer Chris Linder, who transitioned from naval officer and oceanographic researcher to visual storyteller. “July is a magical time to visit Svalbard, when the light-filled summer days fuel a brief but intense explosion of life from tiny tundra flowers to polar bears, walruses, and whales,” says Chris, who has photographed more than 50 scientific expeditions. “The diversity of subject matter and enchanting low-angle light make this expedition a photographer’s dream.”

You’ll experience this once-in-a-lifetime photography-themed journey aboard Ocean Adventurer, which has long been a favorite among guests and expedition crew who are smitten with the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi. Ocean Adventurer won the Travel Weekly Magellan Silver Award for Best Overall Small Cruise Ship.

Spitsbergen Photography: Under the Midnight Sun
Expedition in Brief

View iconic arctic wildlife, like polar bears, walrus and arctic fox

Enjoy continuous daylight, perfect for photography buffs

Cruise in a Zodiac for closer views of glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more

Hike the colorful Arctic tundra

Learn techniques and tips from onboard photographers

Make Your Polar Dream a Reality

All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.

Your Ships

When it comes to polar expeditions, you’re only as good as where your ships can take you. And our diverse fleet of small polar vessels, which includes icebreakers and expedition ships, can take you to places larger ships can’t navigate. View All of Our Ships

Ice Class

1A

Cruising Speed

12 knots

in open water

Guests

128

Staff and Crew

87

Ocean Adventurer - Lower Deck
Lower Deck

The Lower Deck Twin cabins feature two lower berths, private facilities (including storage space and heated towel rack), as well as a porthole with exterior views.

Ocean Adventurer - Main Deck
Main Deck

Guests who book the Main Deck Twin Window, Main Deck Twin Porthole and Triple suites have the advantage of easy access to the gym, which is also located on the Main Deck. Guests on the Main Deck also have direct access to the Zodiac Boarding Rooms, their starting point for exciting off-ship Adventure Options.

Ocean Adventurer - Upper Deck
Upper Deck

Interacting with fellow guests, crew and members of the Expedition Team is integral to life onboard a polar vessel. Lots of socializing takes place on the Upper Deck of Ocean Adventurer. The Main Lounge, a theatre-style auditorium on the Upper Deck, is large enough to accommodate everyone onboard the vessel. It serves as the main lecture hall where you’ll attend expert presentations and films. The Captain’s Welcome and daily briefings also take place in the Main Lounge, which offers a full-service bar. At the opposite end of the ship is the Main Restaurant and the smaller, more intimate Clipper Club dining room. The Polar Boutique—full of lots of souvenirs and outdoor gear—is conveniently located on this floor, near the Reception. Superior Suites are on the Upper Deck.

Ocean Adventurer - Captain's Deck
Captain's Deck

The well-appointed Deluxe Suite (two berths) and Suite (double bed), both of which have exterior-view windows, are located on the Captain’s Deck as is the ever popular Polar Library. Open 24-hours daily, the library contains polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages, covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. Guests can also choose from a selection of games. The Clinic is just adjacent to the Polar Library.

Ocean Adventurer - Bridge Deck
Bridge Deck

Guests may be granted access to the Bridge, where they can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the vessel. Also on this deck are the Owner's Suites, which are furnished with a double bed and private sitting room, as well as a large panoramic window (facing aft, port or starboard depending on the specific suite).

Ocean Adventurer - Observation Deck
Observation Deck

For clear views of your polar surroundings, you’ll want to spend time on the Observation Deck. Bring your camera and binoculars. Passing wildlife, as well as ice-laden landscapes, are frequently observed from the Observation Deck.

Included Activities

Passengers Hiking in Svalbard
Hiking

Hiking

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the... Read more

Adventure Options

Paddling excursion in the Arctic
Paddling

Paddling Excursion

Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the c... Read more
Photography

Photography

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.... Read more
Passenger getting ready for a polar plunge in the Arctic

Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes plac... Read more
Passengers kayaking in Arctic Landscape

Sea Kayaking

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Progr... Read more
Zodiac cruising in the Arctic
Zodiac

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites th... Read more

Departure Dates and Cabins

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Make Your Polar Dream a Reality

All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.

Extend Your Trip

Helsinki Cathedral (Helsinki, Finland)

Helsinki, Finland

The city of Helsinki is actually an archipelago of 315 islands that contains scores of lush green parks and what seems like an endless string of dark blue lakes. Often called the “Daughter of the Baltic,” Finland’s capital sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The architecture of Scandinavia is a startling mix of traditional wooden and stone houses mixed in with tall glass towers and office blocks that reflect contemporary Scandinavian minimalism and art-nouveau modern.