Polar Bears and Arctic Wonders
Svalbard Islands
June 10 to 23, 2028
Safari Overview
Set out on an unforgettable Arctic expedition to the legendary Svalbard Archipelago, one of the world’s last true polar frontiers, located just 600 miles from the North Pole. This remote High Arctic wilderness is renowned for dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and extraordinary Arctic wildlife encounters that define the ultimate Arctic cruise experience. Explore it all aboard an intimate small ship carrying just 12 passengers, offering a truly immersive expedition experience where every landing, every sighting, and every moment feels personal and unhurried. Cruise through pristine Arctic waters and perhaps see polar bears in the wild, walruses hauled out on ice floes, reindeer grazing across the tundra, and whales surfacing in nutrient-rich Arctic seas, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Under the glow of the midnight sun, enjoy extended days of exploration with Zodiac excursions and guided hikes across untouched polar landscapes. Whether you are seeking a comfortable Arctic cruise, a wildlife-focused expedition, or an immersive adventure travel experience, Svalbard delivers breathtaking scenery, rare biodiversity, and the thrill of authentic exploration in one of the most remote destinations on Earth.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Encounter Iconic Arctic Wildlife: Observe polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer thriving in their pristine High Arctic habitat, with exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Discover Spectacular Polar Landscapes: Cruise past towering glaciers, shimmering fjords, and dramatic ice formations illuminated by the magical 24-hour midnight sun.
- Embark on a True Arctic Adventure: Explore remote inlets and narrow straits by Zodiac, accessing hidden corners of the Arctic and vibrant seabird colonies alive with activity.
- Elevate Your Wildlife Photography: Refine your Arctic photography skills with guidance from a professional wildlife photographer experienced in polar expeditions.
- Enjoy an Intimate Small-Ship Experience: Travel aboard a small expedition vessel limited to just 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention, flexibility, and deeper immersion in the Arctic wilderness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “As a photographer, Cheeseman’s trips do a great job getting me to locations where I can spend real time with the animals. I love that the schedule is spacious and there’s always time to watch, wait, and see how things unfold. I also appreciate Cheeseman’s environmental commitments.” – Liz Boehm |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post from our 2023 trip!
Itinerary Updated: October 2025
Ship Info FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10 | Travel to Norway. | ||
| Jun 11 | Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway. Journey from home and immerse yourself in the enchanting character of this Arctic Circle frontier town. Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen | Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen | B, D |
| Jun 12 | Board your Ship. Explore Longyearbyen at your leisure this morning, then board your ship and head out into the spectacular Arctic wilderness beyond. Aboard your ship | Aboard your ship | B, L, D |
| Jun 13-21 | Explore the Svalbard Archipelago. Every day is an adventure in the remote reaches of the Svalbard Archipelago. Zodiac cruises, ship-based wildlife viewing, and shore landings fill your hours with discovery — all under the endless glow of the Midnight Sun. Dramatic fjords, towering glacier fronts, and a pristine polar wilderness provide the backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters and photography at every turn. | Aboard your ship | B, L, D |
| Jun 22 | Leave for Home. Disembark in Longyearbyen and begin your journey home, the memories of your Arctic voyage yours to keep forever. | B | |
| Jun 23 | Arrive home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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TBD
TBDCheesemans’ Ecology Safaris carefully selects leaders who are experts in their field to ensure that your experience is the best it can be. One or more leaders, assisted by other local park guides, will provide a range of expertise for your trip.
Ship Information
Svalbard Ship
We chose the most well-equipped and comfortable vessel in the small ship class to ensure an exceptional experience. This ship offers both comfort and rugged capability, ideal for travelers seeking intimate exploration with top-tier amenities. Its ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft allow access to channels and inlets larger ships simply can't reach. These features enable rare wildlife encounters and amazing photo opportunities in remote, less-traveled areas.
A fleet of sturdy Zodiacs takes you ashore and into narrow bays for close-up exploration. Guides launch these boats quickly for flexible, safe, and exciting off-ship adventures. Wildlife viewing thrives on the large, dual-level observation deck positioned perfectly at the bow. You’ll spot whales, seabirds, and glaciers in comfort, thanks to the ship’s stable and open viewing areas. Inside, you’ll enjoy panoramic views through large windows in the social lounge and dining areas.
The spacious lounge invites you to relax, edit photos, and attend talks by our expert naturalist guides. After excursions, guests often gather here to share stories, learn, and review the day’s experiences. Each guest stays in a private lower-deck cabin or shared main-deck cabin with private bathroom facilities. Cabins are cozy, quiet, and well-designed for comfort throughout the voyage.
Only twelve passengers join each departure, creating a personal and peaceful expedition. Small group travel allows more time ashore, better wildlife experiences, and a closer connection to nature. This ship explores quiet, hidden places far from commercial cruise routes. You’ll find the experience deeply rewarding, both in scenery and in connection with fellow travelers. Expect exploration, comfort, and close-up access that large ships simply can’t deliver. Every element—ship size, expert crew, and flexible itinerary—makes this voyage ideal for adventurous nature lovers.
More Information
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, single occupancy on lower deck* | $16,600 |
| Trip Cost, double occupancy on main deck | $16,600 |
| *Single occupancy aboard the ship, but double occupancy at Longyearbyen hotel. |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, single occupancy for lower deck cabins and double occupancy for main deck cabins, not including airfare. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will find a roommate for you at the hotel in Longyearbyen, but if we cannot find you a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. If you prefer a single room for your included night in the hotel, it costs the same as an additional night and is subject to availability.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $7,000 |
| Final | January 2, 2028 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through November 4, 2027, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before November 4, 2027 | $300 |
| November 5 to December 4, 2027 | 10% of trip cost |
| December 5, 2027 to January 1, 2028 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after January 2, 2028 | 100% of trip cost |
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations (double occupancy, singles extra) for the night of June 11 in Longyearbyen.
- Ten nights on board your ship.
- Meals from breakfast on June 12 through breakfast on June 22, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- A group transfer on June 12 from the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel to the ship and a group transfer on June 22 from the ship to the airport or into town.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Lunch on June 12 in Longyearbyen.
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel upon arrival in Longyearbyen.
- We can arrange extra hotel nights for an extra cost.
- Gratuities.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
You will visit the Arctic during its summer with 24 hours of daylight. Weather patterns may be highly variable, so bring appropriate attire and gear to handle a mix of conditions including wind, snow, rain, and sun. Expect temperatures in the 40s°F (4 to 8°C) during the day and in the 30s° (0 to 4°C) at night, but weather fronts can cause temperatures to either drop further or rise to the 50s and low 60s°F (10 to 17°C).
Fitness Level
This is an active expedition requiring good health and mobility. Guests must be able to walk unassisted for at least one mile over rough terrain, including rocky beaches, ice, and snow. Embarkation and shore landings are by Zodiac, and you must be able to board and disembark using a six-foot ladder, with staff assisting above and below, as well as step in and out of the Zodiacs onto the beach. Rides can be bumpy, conditions variable, and sea spray is possible. Once ashore, activities range from short, easy walks to longer, more challenging hikes for those who wish to be more active. Weather may include wind, rain, and snow, and while seas are often calm, rough conditions are possible. This voyage is not suitable for guests’ using wheelchairs or crutches, and in Longyearbyen guests must be able to climb aircraft stairs, as jetways are not available. Please reach out if you have any health concerns that could make participation difficult.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway (LYR) anytime on June 11.
- Depart from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway (LYR) after 11:00am on June 22, as you disembark from the ship at 9:00 AM and we recommend at least one hour to check in before departure. If you are continuing on our Finland trip June 22 to July 3, 2028, see the Flights section in its itinerary for arrival information.
FAQ
Why travel on a small ship?
With only twelve passenger cabins, our ship is smaller than most ships in Svalbard, allowing you to travel farther into smaller inlets than other ships. Our small group size gives you the flexibility to seize the moment and enjoy special wildlife encounters. With two leaders and only twelve passengers, you will receive plenty of individual attention. And, with two Zodiacs, you have plenty of room for you and your photography gear.
Why do we cruise in June?
June marks the height of Svalbard’s brief but remarkably productive Arctic summer. Alongside opportunities to spot polar bears, this month brings peak wildlife activity: large bird colonies gather, wildflowers begin their short blooming season, and Arctic fox families may be seen with their newest pups. Walrus haul-out sites become accessible, and the summer’s melting pack ice opens far northern fjords and coastlines that remain unreachable during the winter and early spring.
What are the new environmental regulations in Svalbard, and how do they affect expeditions?
In 2025, Norway implemented stricter environmental regulations to protect Svalbard’s fragile Arctic ecosystem. These measures include restricting landings to 43 designated sites, tightening drone regulations, reducing speeds near wildlife, and increasing viewing distances—such as 300–500 meters for polar bears, depending on the season. Our small-ship expeditions, limited to just 12 guests, continue to access all permitted sites, allowing for meaningful exploration while ensuring the region remains well protected.
How do these regulations promote sustainable Arctic tourism?
The updated measures reduce stress on wildlife, protect sensitive habitats, and prioritize low-impact travel. Restrictions on speed, sea ice navigation, and onshore activities help preserve Svalbard’s pristine wilderness. Our conservation-focused approach already aligns with these standards, ensuring visitors experience the Arctic’s untouched beauty while contributing to its long-term protection.
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Svalbard.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.