Svalbard September

Life on board 

Onboard the deckhouse, there is a cozy salon and a separate kitchen from the salon. Below deck, there are six double cabins for passengers, each with a washbasin. Two of these cabins are equipped with their own shower and toilet (“Comfort Cabins”). The “Standard Cabins” share two showers and two toilets. The mattress length is between 195 and 200 cm, with a width ranging from 69 to 99 cm. Some mattresses are cut so that the foot end is slightly narrower than the head end. Central heating ensures comfort. The cabins have 230V power outlets.

While at sea, you can chat with your fellow travelers in the warm salon over a cup of tea or coffee. Meals are also served here, prepared by the cook. There are some books and specialized literature available. Occasionally, readings or presentations will be held here by the guide, Rolf Stange. The Meander does not have extra service staff. At a minimum, you should return your used coffee cup, and help with washing dishes after meals is welcome. Bed linens and towels are provided on board.

Sailing on the Meander, in harmony with the natural elements, is what makes this journey unique. We follow the weather, wind, and nature, and as such, our itinerary is often developed while underway. During sailing maneuvers, a helping hand is occasionally needed. However, guests are not part of the watch schedule.
Seasickness will not be a common experience, and we will plan according to the weather forecast. Nevertheless, seasickness cannot be ruled out and is, after all, a part of any sailing journey. You must be able to move safely through the ship even in rough seas. Boarding and disembarking from the dinghies should also not pose problems for you.

The hikes, in the snow-covered early summer, will be rather short but can still be strenuous. You need to be in generally good health and fit enough for several-hour hikes in trackless terrain. Extreme sports or technical climbing, etc., are not part of the program, but you should enjoy hiking, even in trackless, rocky terrain. The constant possibility of encountering sometimes grumpy polar bears on land means we will always stick together as a group.
All guests must be able to reach the deck quickly and independently, in the unlikely event of an emergency such as a fire. Participants who are clearly unable to do so may be excluded from the trip at short notice by the captain or trip leader if their safety cannot be guaranteed in an emergency, for example, in the case of a fire. This does not entitle you to a refund.

There is no doctor aboard the Meander. In case of medical emergencies, the rescue helicopter from Longyearbyen will be requested. In case of bad weather, this may result in several hours of delay or might simply be impossible. Complete medical care is not available in Longyearbyen, and in an emergency, an air ambulance to Tromsø may be required, which will take extra time and incur additional costs. Your personal health/travel insurance must, if applicable, cover the cost of such an operation. Before the trip, you will receive a form to provide any medically relevant information. Allergies and dietary preferences should also be listed here. The captain and trip leader will be able to access this information during the journey, in case they need to provide it to a doctor. We have a comprehensive pharmacy on board, and the nautical crew is medically trained.

And now for the bad news: Participation is not free of charge. The price is 3,950 euros (Standard Cabin) or 4,250 euros (Comfort Cabin with private shower and toilet) from and to Longyearbyen. Flights and other accommodations must be arranged and paid for separately. You can book individually and will then share a cabin with a fellow traveler of the same gender. A single cabin can be booked for an additional charge (subject to availability). The price includes the trip aboard the Meander from embarkation in the afternoon of September 12, 2026, to disembarkation in the morning of September 22, 2026, including all activities and all meals on board with tea, coffee, and water. Other beverages on board are to be paid for separately. Not included in the price are travel to and from Longyearbyen and any additional overnight stays. We recommend arriving in Longyearbyen a day before embarkation. If flights are delayed or luggage arrives late, it must be assumed that the Meander cannot wait. Depending on arrival and departure times, a personal exploration of Longyearbyen may be worthwhile.