Svalbard in Focus: Photo Special

Day 1: Helsinki

Your adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

This morning the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. There will be time to explore before you board the ship. Views of the rugged, glacier-topped mountains as you sail off on your adventure are stunning.

Day 3-13: Exploring Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen has an unspoiled beauty that's just begging to be discovered. On this one-of-a-kind cruise, you'll sail along the west coast of this magical island, exploring the coastal fjords and smaller, outlying islands. Each day will be a surprise, treating you to spectacular new sightings and experiences.

Every expedition is unique, depending on the weather and ice conditions, but we do hope to visit a few of our favourite landing sites, to be chosen as much for their optimal wildlife-viewing opportunities as for their stunning scenery, historical significance and hiking activities.

With no itinerary, our main goal will be to sail in a constant search for polar bears on the prowl. This means we may not move the ship every day as we do in regular voyages, if we find abundant wildlife in one place. Like true explorers, we'll let the wildlife and pack ice - not a set schedule - guide our route!

Viewing the ice bears is almost guaranteed in a region where they outnumber the people. Our small expedition ship allows us to navigate shallower waters and tighter spaces, so we expect to explore the more hard-to- reach areas the bears may favour. Presentations by on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that await, and with continuous daylight during this time of year, photo ops abound.

You'll have ample time to linger and photograph any bears we find hunting on the ice edge, but they're not the only wildlife we hope to encounter. The food-rich waters attract walrus, whales and seabirds, so you'll want to keep your binoculars nearby while cruising.

Arctic fox and the indigenous Svalbard reindeer may also be spotted on Zodiac excursions to shore. A haven for present-day explorers, Spitsbergen and the surrounding area offer unforgettable polar experiences that will keep you and your camera active all expedition long.

Although 60 percent of the landscape is covered in glaciers and much of the terrain is mountainous, Spitsbergen (which means "pointed mountains") surprises with stretches of colorful tundra, bursting with wildflowers in summer. Optional hiking activities get you up close and personal with the abundant wildlife. At day's end, you'll have plenty of prized photographs and exciting stories to share with your shipmates.

Day 14: Depart Longyearbyen

Your adventure ends where it began, in Longyearbyen. It is time to bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends before disembarking and from here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.