THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Explore Svalbard's sea ice, glaciers and Arctic wildlife in June, looking for polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses and seabirds. A 12-person charter with two Zodiacs is planned. Routes, landings, sightings and photography times depend on weather, sea ice and expedition decisions.
About the route
Svalbard photography voyage A 12-person charter with two Zodiacs is planned for June, exploring sea ice, glaciers and Arctic wildlife. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, kittiwakes and thick-billed murres are planned subjects. Sightings, animal behavior, routes and landings depend on natural conditions and expedition decisions. Reaching 80° north is not guaranteed. Owen Ou provides photography guidance, image reviews and talks, with equipment advice and a pre-departure briefing. Assistance is available with flights, visas and ground travel in Norway. Drone photography requires confirmation of local permission, operator rules and guide arrangements; it is not a guaranteed approved service. M/S Virgo The source describes Virgo as built in Sweden in 1976 for buoy-laying, later converted for expeditions and renovated in 2021. Confirm seaworthiness and safety arrangements against the operator's documentation. Listed specifications: length 41.8 meters, beam 10.2 meters, draft 4 meters, weight 551 metric tons and maximum speed 11 knots, with two Zodiacs. Planned staffing is 7–8 crew plus two expedition staff/photography advisers. Nine cabins have private bathrooms. Shared spaces include a bar, dining room, lecture room and deck. Standard twin: two single beds, one desk-and-chair set and private bathroom. Twin suite: two single beds, a sofa, two desk-and-chair sets and private bathroom, with more space than a standard twin. Single: one single bed, one desk-and-chair set and private bathroom. Paid Starlink internet is available aboard; speed and availability vary with sailing conditions. Confirm the vessel, cabin and services for your departure.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Owen Ou →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Owen Ou
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University in 2009. Specializes in landscapes, property environments and commercial portraiture. He has worked with the Shenzhen procuratorate, land bureau, Shenzhen Library, cultural centers, China Merchants Bank, Standard Chartered, Agricultural Bank of China, China Telecom, China Mobile, Guosen Securities, Topway Video, and BMW and Porsche owners' clubs. Photography journeys He regularly leads organizations and photography schools on trips to the Balkans, Iceland, Germany, Greenland, Cuba, South Korea, Canada, Kenya, Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Morocco, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Japan, Chiang Mai, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, Semporna and New Zealand. Chinese destinations include Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Sichuan, Suzhou, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Yunnan and Zhejiang. Selected awards Outstanding Work award at the 2009 Pingyao International Photography Festival; silver in the art category of the 2014 Guangdong provincial exhibition; gold in the monochrome category of the 2014 Al-Thani International Photography Competition; Zeyida Photography Club's 2022 Outstanding Instructor award and a 2023 instructor appointment issued in 2022; Fujifilm's 2022–23 Club Gardener Award, received in 2023.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Jun 23 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 1: June 23
Meet at the designated airport at the specified time and take an international flight to Oslo, Norway. Meals: None Accommodation: On the plane
DAY 02Jun 24 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 2: June 24
Reference flights: June 24: Hong Kong T1–Doha QR815/01:25/04:40 June 24: Doha–Oslo QR175/08:35/14:20 After airport pickup, transfer to the hotel, then enjoy free-form photography in Oslo with the accompanying instructor. Meals: Breakfast: None; lunch: On the plane; dinner: Included Accommodation: Four-star hotel in Oslo
DAY 03Jun 25 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 3: June 25
Reference flights: June 25: Oslo–Longyearbyen SK4490/11:15/14:10 After breakfast, take the scheduled flight to Longyearbyen at the designated time. On arrival, explore the town with the instructor for free-form photography. Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch: Included; dinner: Included Accommodation: Four-star hotel in Longyearbyen
DAY 04Jun 26 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 4: June 26
Begin in Longyearbyen. At 4 p.m., guests board Virgo, the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel, to start a 10-day Arctic voyage. (The following is a planned route. The captain may make necessary changes to the route and landing sites according to weather and ice conditions to ensure guest and navigation safety.) Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch: Included; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 05Jun 27 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 5: June 27
We plan to head directly to sea ice around 80–81° north, northwest of Svalbard, to look for and photograph polar bears, walruses, seals, and other wildlife. The precise route depends on sea ice and polar bear sightings. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 06Jun 28 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 6: June 28
We plan to head directly to sea ice around 80–81° north, northwest of Svalbard, to look for and photograph polar bears, walruses, seals, and other wildlife. The precise route depends on sea ice and polar bear sightings. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 07Jun 29 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 7: June 29
We plan to head directly to sea ice around 80–81° north, northwest of Svalbard, to look for and photograph polar bears, walruses, seals, and other wildlife. The precise route depends on sea ice and polar bear sightings. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 08Jun 30 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 8: June 30
Sail south to Hinlopen fjord for observation and photography near seabird cliffs. There may be opportunities to photograph Arctic foxes. Polar bears are also frequently seen here, along with walruses on sea ice. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 09Jul 1 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 9: July 1
Sail to Liefdefjorden to view and photograph Monaco Glacier and search the area for polar bears. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 10Jul 2 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 10: July 2
Sail to the waters at Svalbard's northwesternmost corner, with magnificent mountains and glaciers, and look for wildlife to photograph in the fjords. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 11Jul 3 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 11: July 3
Sail to Kongsfjorden to photograph Arctic fjord scenery, summer migratory birds, and wildlife such as harbour seals. Polar bear photography may also be possible. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 12Jul 4 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 12: July 4
Sail to Prins Karls Forland to view and photograph walruses on the shallows, then continue to the seabird cliffs of Alkehornet. Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer also live here. Return toward Longyearbyen in the evening. Meals: Breakfast: Onboard buffet; lunch: Onboard buffet; dinner: Onboard buffet Accommodation: Cabin aboard the specialist ice-strengthened polar vessel Virgo
DAY 13Jul 5 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 13: July 5
Reference flights: July 5: Longyearbyen–Oslo SK4491/13:25/16:25 Every adventure, however great, must eventually end. Disembark in Longyearbyen and take home memories that will accompany you into your next adventure. Meals: Breakfast: Included; lunch: At your own expense; dinner: At your own expense Accommodation: Four-star hotel in Oslo
DAY 14Jul 6 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 14: July 6
Reference flights: July 6: Oslo–Doha QR176/16:05/23:40
DAY 15Jul 7 · Arctic/LongyearbyenDay 15: July 7
Reference flights: July 7: Doha–Hong Kong T1 QR818/01:45/15:05 The flight arrives home on July 7, bringing this Svalbard journey to a close with wonderful memories.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Owen Ou
- Up to 12 travelers
- IncludedAccompaniment and support from photography instructor Owen Ou throughout, plus full service from all vessel staff during the voyage;
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Owen Ou Up to 12 travelers Included · Accompaniment and support from photography instructor Owen Ou throughout, plus full service from all vessel staff during the voyage; Excluded · Tips for crew and expedition staff (suggested EUR 20 per person per day);
Transport
- IncludedRound-trip airfare and taxes between Oslo and Longyearbyen;
- IncludedAccommodation and meals at an Oslo Airport hotel on the first and final nights and in Longyearbyen on the second night, plus transportation in Longyearbyen and between town and the pier;
- ExcludedRound-trip airfare and taxes between participants' departure points and Norway;
Travel details and reference schedules
The instructor's outbound and return flights are: Outbound: June 24: Hong Kong T1–Doha QR815/01:25/04:40 June 24: Doha–Oslo QR175/08:35/14:20 Return: July 6: Oslo–Doha QR176/16:05/23:40 July 7: Doha–Hong Kong T1 QR818/01:45/15:05 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website.
Photography
- IncludedDaily landing excursions or Zodiac photography cruises during the voyage;
- IncludedAccompaniment and support from photography instructor Owen Ou throughout, plus full service from all vessel staff during the voyage;
Photography details
About the route Svalbard photography voyage A 12-person charter with two Zodiacs is planned for June, exploring sea ice, glaciers and Arctic wildlife. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, kittiwakes and thick-billed murres are planned subjects. Sightings, animal behavior, routes and landings depend on natural conditions and expedition decisions. Reaching 80° north is not guaranteed. Owen Ou provides photography guidance, image reviews and talks, with equipment advice and a pre-departure briefing. Assistance is available with flights, visas and ground travel in Norway. Drone photography requires confirmation of local permission, operator rules and guide arrangements; it is not a guaranteed approved service. M/S Virgo The source describes Virgo as built in Sweden in 1976 for buoy-laying, later converted for expeditions and renovated in 2021. Confirm seaworthiness and safety arrangements against the operator's documentation. Listed specifications: length 41.8 meters, beam 10.2 meters, draft 4 meters, weight 551 metric tons and maximum speed 11 knots, with two Zodiacs. Planned staffing is 7–8 crew plus two expedition staff/photography advisers. Nine cabins have private bathrooms. Shared spaces include a bar, dining room, lecture room and deck. Standard twin: two single beds, one desk-and-chair set and private bathroom. Twin suite: two single beds, a sofa, two desk-and-chair sets and private bathroom, with more space than a standard twin. Single: one single bed, one desk-and-chair set and private bathroom. Paid Starlink internet is available aboard; speed and availability vary with sailing conditions. Confirm the vessel, cabin and services for your departure. Included · Daily landing excursions or Zodiac photography cruises during the voyage; Included · Daily onboard talks carefully prepared by expedition staff and photography instructor Owen Ou, covering Arctic photography, wildlife and natural ecology, photography during the voyage, guest image reviews, and more; Included · Accompaniment and support from photography instructor Owen Ou throughout, plus full service from all vessel staff during the voyage; Included · Added-value services before and after the itinerary, including photography equipment advice and photography guidance, plus assistance booking ground arrangements in Norway, flights, and related services.
Accommodation
- 14 nights
- IncludedAccommodation aboard the 10-day, 9-night Arctic Svalbard voyage, three meals daily, 24-hour coffee, tea, hot water, and use of onboard facilities;
- IncludedAccommodation and meals at an Oslo Airport hotel on the first and final nights and in Longyearbyen on the second night, plus transportation in Longyearbyen and between town and the pier;
Meals
- IncludedAccommodation aboard the 10-day, 9-night Arctic Svalbard voyage, three meals daily, 24-hour coffee, tea, hot water, and use of onboard facilities;
- IncludedAccommodation and meals at an Oslo Airport hotel on the first and final nights and in Longyearbyen on the second night, plus transportation in Longyearbyen and between town and the pier;
Visa
- ExcludedApplication for the multiple-entry Schengen visa required for this voyage;
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
1. Round-trip airfare and taxes between Oslo and Longyearbyen;
2. Accommodation aboard the 10-day, 9-night Arctic Svalbard voyage, three meals daily, 24-hour coffee, tea, hot water, and use of onboard facilities;
3. Daily landing excursions or Zodiac photography cruises during the voyage;
4. Daily onboard talks carefully prepared by expedition staff and photography instructor Owen Ou, covering Arctic photography, wildlife and natural ecology, photography during the voyage, guest image reviews, and more;
5. Accommodation and meals at an Oslo Airport hotel on the first and final nights and in Longyearbyen on the second night, plus transportation in Longyearbyen and between town and the pier;
6. Accompaniment and support from photography instructor Owen Ou throughout, plus full service from all vessel staff during the voyage;
7. Complimentary use of the ship's insulated outdoor jackets and rubber boots;
8. Complimentary personal overseas travel insurance;
9. Added-value services before and after the itinerary, including photography equipment advice and photography guidance, plus assistance booking ground arrangements in Norway, flights, and related services.
Not included
1. Round-trip airfare and taxes between participants' departure points and Norway;
2. Application for the multiple-entry Schengen visa required for this voyage;
3. Tips for crew and expedition staff (suggested EUR 20 per person per day);
4. Personal expenses, including drinks at the onboard bar, hotel room service, laundry, and excess baggage charges;
5. Additional expenses arising from force majeure, including transport delays, strikes, weather, aircraft problems, flight cancellations, or schedule changes.
6. Other additional service fees not listed;
7. Any other additional expenses not expressly listed under inclusions.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements. The images above were supplied by the local instructor. They will be removed if they infringe copyright.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Arctic/Longyearbyen. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.