A SAILING EXPEDITIONS SPECIAL
when
25-07-2027
-
01-08-2027
price
Standart €3.980
-
Comfort €4.280
info
Scroll down for more information about the trip.
JOIN OUR VOYAGE FROM LONYEARBYEN
On July 25th, we embark in Longyearbyen. The focus of this trip is the active, up-close experience of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in all its diversity: an intense, hands-on encounter with the nature, wildlife, and history of the region, departing from a traditionally styled sailing vessel.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This voyage takes place during a time when many landings and hikes are possible. The midnight sun offers us many opportunities to structure our days flexibly.
At high latitudes, the sun can cast wonderful light across the sky and landscape for hours on end. Light conditions change very little during this period: throughout the entire trip, we will enjoy full sunlight.
This trip is not intended for those who want to comfortably collect a few quick impressions of Svalbard, but for those who like to roll up their sleeves and undertake an expedition-style journey where nature calls the shots. Those who enjoy nature photography will find numerous and varied opportunities here. Shore excursions are at the heart of the experience. We will explore different parts of Svalbard, opening up rare and beautiful natural encounters.
We expect all participants to enjoy hiking across pathless, sometimes rocky terrain, as well as a willingness to contribute to a good atmosphere and smooth daily life on board — through a group-oriented mindset and readiness to help with small daily tasks. This is not a package holiday, but in return there is pure Arctic wilderness, exciting experiences, and silence — with plenty of time.
Ultimately, we decide day by day, based on conditions and weather, how to set our course, so that we spend as much time as possible in the most beautiful areas accessible to us, under the best possible weather.
Shore excursions typically last two to four hours. It is not possible to move around on land individually outside the group; due to the possibility of unexpectedly encountering polar bears at any time, the group will always be accompanied by an armed guide.
The terrain is naturally pathless throughout and often rough: the ground is frequently rocky, and inclines must be overcome. We do not follow marked trails but move through rugged, trackless terrain. One kilometre in Svalbard feels twice as long as in a mid-altitude mountain range! We expect our guests to have basic off-trail capability and a certain level of stamina, as well as the motivation to regularly take part in multi-hour shore excursions.
The images on www.sailing-expeditions.com give a realistic impression of this. There are plenty of breaks for resting, observing, photographing, listening to explanations, and simply enjoying the surroundings — but those who frequently need a lot of time to pursue specific personal interests should be aware that this is a group trip, where a walking pace and break frequency suitable for everyone must be found. We will find suitable opportunities for all interests, but the headline of this trip is “Experiencing Svalbard Together.” Anyone who wants to set up a tripod for every photograph will need to make some compromises on this journey.
THE SCHEDULE
Only the framework is fixed: we board the Meander in Longyearbyen on July 25, 2026 from 2:00 PM onwards, and disembark on the morning of August 1st at 10:00 AM, in the same year and at the same location. In between, wind and weather will dictate the schedule. Day by day, the expedition leader and the captain will assess the situation and decide where to sail next, in order to maximise rewarding experiences and make the journey as enjoyable as possible given the conditions.
When we are under way for a stretch during the day, or perhaps sitting out a period of bad weather at anchor, there will also be time to relax, read a good book, enjoy each other’s company, and attend several informational lectures that we will incorporate into the programme. But the emphasis is on outdoor experiences: whether short exploratory walks or longer hikes. Some locations — glaciers, for example — are best admired from the ship or a tender. All of this, in every possible combination, will fill our days.
Legal regulations give us considerable freedom of movement in certain parts of Svalbard, while other areas are more strictly protected and only accessible for landings at specific points. We will focus our shore excursions in areas where we can move freely and thus choose the most suitable spots depending on wind, weather, and ice. During this time of year, those areas are the large Isfjord and the west coast of Svalbard north of the Isfjord, and the Kongsfjord.
There are no individual locations or fjords whose reach would determine the success or failure of this trip, as wonderful landscapes and wildlife encounters are possible everywhere. Our journey will, however, take us to at least some of the following fjords. Ultimately, wind, weather, and ice will make the decisions for us.
The nature experience on this trip takes precedence over reaching specific destinations.
- ISFJORD: The largest fjord in Svalbard unites in its many branches almost the entire landscape and biological diversity of the whole archipelago. Longyearbyen, where the voyage begins and ends, is also located here. This makes excursions in the Isfjord attractive both at the start and the end of the trip. One could easily fill a week or more here with varied activities — that is not our plan on this trip, but it illustrates the wealth of possibilities.
- ST. JONSFJORD: A quiet, beautiful fjord north of the Isfjord. Short hikes offer fine views over the subtly colourful landscape.
- FORLANDSUND: The Meander's shallow draught allows her — as one of very few vessels — to navigate the sometimes very shallow Forlandsund between Prins Karls Forland and the main island of Spitsbergen. In this area, we hope to observe walruses at their resting sites.
- KONGSFJORD: The scenic panorama of the Kongsfjord enchanted whalers of old; today the settlement of Ny-Ålesund stands there, now a research station, home to the airship mast from which Amundsen and Nobile launched their famous North Pole expeditions, and the northernmost post box in the world.
- KROSSFJORD: This inlet has several branches, meaning one could spend days here alone. The scenically beautiful fjord was the backdrop for historic events ranging from whalers to a German weather station from the Second World War — set against a backdrop of vast glaciers and rugged mountains. The Krossfjord also has some exciting corners to offer in terms of Arctic wildlife.
LIFE ONBOARD & ACCOMODATION
Our finest indoor space is the large seating and dining area at the aft of the Meander. The deck provides additional seating in good weather.
For warm climates, there is air conditioning on board (which we will likely not need in the Arctic), and when it is cold, we have efficient central heating.
The deckhouse contains a cosy saloon and a galley separate from the saloon. Below deck, there are six double cabins for passengers, each with a washbasin. Two of these cabins have their own en-suite shower and toilet (“comfort cabins”). The “standard cabins” share two showers and two toilets.
During sailing manoeuvres, occasional helping hands are needed on board. Sailing experience is not required. Those who wish can turn themselves into an able seaman at suitable moments — an exciting experience! But there is no obligation. Passengers on Svalbard trips do not normally take part in the watch schedule (anyone who wishes to can of course discuss this); such an arrangement is more natural on longer ocean passages, for example between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard, but not on a voyage that begins and ends in Longyearbyen.
Hauling on the sails together is fun, and we expect all participants to enjoy at least occasional active involvement. A sailing ship is not a cruise liner where full daily service is included: at a minimum, one puts one’s coffee cup away, and helping with washing up after meals is part of the deal. Daily cabin service is not provided on a sailing ship. Bed linen and towels are provided on board.
IMPORTANT NOTES
We will not let any opportunity for sailing go to waste, but on our trip the “Arctic” experience takes priority and is more important than the “sailing” experience. Anyone seeking a sailing challenge will probably not be entirely happy in Svalbard, as the engine is regularly used when the wind is unfavourable.
The Meander is a beautiful ship with an authentic polar vessel atmosphere. From the deck, under two masts, with a maximum of just 12 passengers, Svalbard is a different experience from that on a large cruise ship. Promised! On the other hand, this means luxury is limited: there is no gym, no panoramic lounge, and no daily cabin service. Cabins are small but functional, and everyone pitches in on deck and around the ship from time to time. These tasks are shared among all participants, so that each individual’s contribution feels like an experience rather than a workload.
The trip aims to show us Svalbard in as many facets as possible. We are not aiming for a pure wildlife safari, but a varied experience that naturally includes, and should include, wildlife sightings. In other words: we will definitely not run a pure “polar bear safari.” The chances of seeing polar bears are good, though within the twelve-mile zone a minimum distance of 300 metres must be maintained. We will certainly see reindeer, and the chances of spotting walruses and Arctic foxes are also good. However, there is no guarantee of seeing any specific species, nor can we know in advance how close or far an animal will be. Exciting encounters are possible at any time!
Strict regulations apply in Svalbard for the protection of nature and historical sites. The expedition leader, guide, and captain will keep you continuously informed, and you agree to follow their instructions.
Hikes in the snow-heavy early summer tend to be shorter but can still be demanding. You must be in good overall health and sufficiently fit for multi-hour hikes over pathless terrain. Extreme sport and technical climbing are of course not on the programme, but you must enjoy hiking, including over pathless, rocky ground. The images and trip reports on [the website] give a realistic impression. We expect all participants to be physically capable — in terms of health, stamina, and sure-footedness — of taking part in the hikes as described, and to have the motivation to do so. A hike of several kilometres and several hundred metres of elevation gain over snow-covered or rocky terrain should not be a daunting prospect for you. Of course, we take regular breaks for resting, observing, photographing, explanations, and simply enjoying the experience. But these requirements must be met — there is no way around it. Boarding and disembarking the tenders must also not pose a problem for you. Honest self-assessment is essential. Participants who are unable to take part in certain excursions may be excluded from those excursions by the captain or expedition leader in order to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all. This does not give rise to any entitlement to a refund.
The ever-present possibility of encountering — potentially ill-tempered — polar bears on land at any time and place means that we stay together without exception. Individual excursions are not possible. The expedition leader and guide will be armed and will accompany all shore excursions.
We expect all participants to align themselves within the group with the wishes and needs of the whole (as expressed by the expedition leader/guide). In our experience, the vast majority are very happy with this, but anyone who wants to pursue personal interests without compromise is not in the right place here.
Everyone must be able to make their way quickly and independently up to deck at any time — for instance in the unlikely event of an emergency such as a fire. Participants who are visibly unable to do so may be excluded from the voyage at short notice by the captain or expedition leader if their safety on board cannot be guaranteed in the event of an emergency. This does not give rise to any entitlement to a refund.
Rough seas will not be a daily occurrence, and we plan with the weather forecast in mind. Nevertheless, heavy seas cannot be ruled out and are, ultimately, part of any sailing voyage. You must be able to move safely around the ship even in rough conditions.
The question is occasionally raised as to whether there is an age limit. The answer is: No. We regularly have sprightly older participants whose enthusiasm and ability for hiking puts the younger generation to shame.
There is no doctor on board the Meander. In the event of a medical emergency, the rescue helicopter from Longyearbyen will be called. Delays of several hours from the emergency call to arrival at the hospital in Longyearbyen must be expected; in poor weather it can take considerably longer. Full medical care is not available in Longyearbyen, and in an emergency an air ambulance to Tromsø may be necessary, which costs additional significant time and money. Your personal health/travel insurance must cover the costs of such an operation if required. Before departure you will receive a form so that medically relevant information is on file. The captain and expedition leader can access this during the voyage in order to make it available to a doctor if needed.
Regarding equipment, please refer to the “Packing List” information sheet, available from Sailing Expeditions or with your travel documents after booking.
All information provided to the best of our knowledge and belief; changes and errors excepted.
READY TO JOIN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?
If you have further questions about the ship or about Svalbard and what we hope to see and experience there, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you would like to register your interest or make a booking, please contact Sailing Expeditions B.V.
info@sailing-expeditions.com www.sailing-expeditions.com
We look forward to the voyage and hope to see you there!
Warm regards, Your Sailing Expeditions Team and Mario Czok
The descriptions of the trip and services above have been provided to the best of our knowledge and belief; changes and errors are reserved at all times. Binding are the service descriptions and general terms and conditions issued by Sailing Expeditions.
Mario Czok
