About the route

Explore the Arctic Ocean at 80° north aboard a specialist ice-strengthened vessel A private charter for 12 with two Zodiacs Flexible photography of hunting polar bears and the midnight sun Exclusive drone photography guided by expedition staff Access aerial perspectives unavailable on most polar voyages Trip highlights Prime season + Outstanding photography subjects Depart in mid-to-late June, the best season for polar bear photography in Svalbard. Capture polar bears hunting and feeding on sea ice at 80° north, along with rare scenes of Arctic fox cubs, walruses, and breeding seabirds. 12-person charter + Flexible travel An exclusive 12-person charter with two Zodiacs allows flexible itineraries. Follow polar bears for several consecutive days, or set out in the early hours under the midnight sun to capture Arctic wildlife and landscapes in perfect light. Specialist polar vessel + Exclusive aerial photography permission Travel aboard the experienced specialist ice-strengthened M/S Virgo, with a high ice class and excellent maneuverability. During the voyage, drone photography is possible under expedition staff guidance, an experience unavailable through the vast majority of Arctic and Antarctic cruise companies. Master-level photography support + Added-value services Professional photography and expedition guidance throughout, with image reviews and themed talks during the journey. Added services include equipment advice and pre-departure briefings. Assistance is also available with flights, visas, and ground arrangements in Norway, helping you photograph more professionally and travel with less worry. An immersive photography voyage capturing Arctic wildlife at its wildest An ultimate Arctic journey tailored to wildlife photography enthusiasts. Set sail on the Arctic Ocean in mid-to-late June, right in the prime season for photographing polar bears on sea ice! Travel aboard a specialist ice-strengthened vessel into waters at 80° north and enter rarely visited icy wilderness. Track the dramatic sight of polar bears hunting and feeding on sea ice; capture lively, endearing Arctic fox cubs and amusing egg-stealing moments; photograph vivid scenes of kittiwakes, thick-billed murres, and other seabirds breeding, courting, and fighting; and encounter walrus groups resting lazily on drifting ice. Exclusive drone photography permission also lets you explore aerial perspectives under expedition staff guidance, capturing intricate blue-glacier textures, expansive patterns of drifting ice, and the graceful movement of polar wildlife together. Whether photographing close-up wildlife portraits, capturing the wild intensity of an icy setting from a low angle, or trying creative techniques such as slow-shutter panning, frame-within-frame composition, and backlit silhouettes, you can create distinctive polar images. The vessel has Starlink Wi-Fi, allowing you to share your outstanding photographs from the Arctic's icy seas and connect the world with the wonder and romance of your journey! The right instructor can transform your polar photography Join instructor Ou Haichun in Svalbard for more than Arctic sightseeing: this is an intensive program to advance your photography. Capture majestic glacier textures from above, the movement of polar bear families across sea ice, and extraordinary landscapes of tundra and drifting ice. From the vast structure of an icefield to fleeting moments of polar bear cubs at play, Ou Haichun will help you reach prime photography positions and seize every passing highlight, making every shutter release and drone flight worthwhile! Introducing Virgo, a specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Built in Sweden in 1976, Virgo was originally designed as a buoy-laying vessel and remained in service until its ownership changed in recent years. It became a commercial Arctic expedition vessel, operating exploration and specialist photography voyages, sailing around Svalbard each summer and in northern Norway's fjords in winter. Although its appearance is traditional, a complete renovation and upgrade in 2021 adapted it for safe navigation in Arctic sea ice. This included the latest navigation, communications, and rescue equipment and systems, plus hull reinforcement for a strong ice class. The vessel now operates well and passes inspections by specialist maritime safety authorities every year. Virgo cabin configuration Length: 41.8 meters; beam: 10.2 meters; draft: 4 meters; weight: 551 tonnes. Two Zodiacs. Maximum speed: 11 knots. The vessel carries 7–8 crew members plus two expedition staff/photography advisers. There are 9 comfortable guest cabins, all with private bathrooms. Shared spaces include a bar, dining room, and lecture room. The spacious deck provides photography positions at different heights and angles. New Starlink Wi-Fi has been available aboard since 2024. Guests can buy data at their own expense to share photographs and impressions on social media and stay connected with the world. Cabin options 1° | Standard twin cabin For 2 guests Two separate beds, one desk-and-chair set, private bathroom 2° | Twin suite For 2 guests Two separate beds, one sofa, two desk-and-chair sets, private bathroom (More spacious than a standard twin cabin) 3° | Single cabin For 1 guest One single bed, one desk-and-chair set, private bathroom