Embrace The Arctic
Step into a world of polar bears, glaciers, and 24-hour daylight.
Join us for the ultimate Arctic adventure—where every day brings icy wonders, wildlife encounters, and memories you’ll never forget. This is more than a trip; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the top of the world.

Ready to do Something Wildly Different?
Svalbard Small Ship Expedition
This is no ordinary holiday—it’s an Arctic Expedition designed for adventurous women who crave something bold, breathtaking and beyond the ordinary.
We’ve teamed up with the experts at Southern Sea Ventures to take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the icy wonderland of Svalbard, Norway, where polar bears roam, glaciers glitter, and the sun never sets. Picture yourself aboard a small expedition ship with just 50 like-minded travellers, cruising through a land of icebergs, walruses, and wide-open Arctic skies. Small ship, HUGE adventure!
You don’t need to be a hardcore adventurer to join us.
This trip is thoughtfully planned, fully guided, and absolutely safe, with a warm and welcoming crew, expert naturalists, and incredible daily experiences like zodiac cruising, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Expect fab food, great company, jaw-dropping scenery, and the kind of memories that will stay with you forever. If you’ve ever dreamed of going somewhere wild, remote and truly unforgettable—this is it.
Come with us to the top of the world. Let's write a story you'll be telling for the rest of your life.

Details
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Country Visited: Norway
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Tour Length: 10 days/ 9 nights
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Start Date: In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, Monday 27th July
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Finish Date:In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, Wednesday 5th August
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Small Group Size: Maximum 20 WEA Adventures on the MS Quest, which holds 50 guests
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Fully Guided

What's Included
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9-night/10-day Arctic Expedition
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1 night twin-share hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen
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8 nights twin-share ship accommodation
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Airport transfers in Longyearbyen
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WEA welcome dinner
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All meals on board ship, a welcome toast and captain’s drinks
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Zodiac shore excursions, lectures, videos, slide and film shows, lead by expert expedition guides
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Port taxes and port charges
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On board medical services
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2 half day kayak outings while on board the ship (weather permitting)
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Women Embrace Adventure Host
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A few WEA surprises...

Costs & Booking
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The full cost of the trip is $18,200 AUD/pp twin share
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This amount covers all inclusions outlined, limited single supplements may be available
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Deposit of $2,000 paid upon booking to secure your spot
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T&C and Cancellation Policy apply

“I did this trip in July 2025 as a reccy for WEA and honestly—it blew me away. The Arctic is wild, remote, and completely breathtaking. One day we were cruising past glaciers, the next we were out in zodiacs watching walruses on the ice and polar bears in the distance. We kayaked through silent fjords, hiked across tundra, and even collected sea ice for our happy hour drinks. The sun never set, the scenery never got old, and our little ship quickly felt like home. This isn’t just travel—it’s an experience that shifts something in you. We’re going back in 2026, and I can’t wait to share it with a group of adventurous women.”
– Kat, Women Embrace Adventure
Is This Adventure For Me?

Type Of Adventure
Hiking, Arctic Kayaking & Cruising
A moderately level of fitness and a high level of mobility and agility are needed to fully enjoy this expedition.
The fitter and more mobile you are, the more enjoyable the whole experience will be.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but if you’re steady on your feet, can handle stairs, and love exploring the outdoors,
you’ll be in your element.
Head here to read about our Activity Guide and Fitness Level Suggestions.
Email or give us a ring if you have questions at all.
WEA Arctic Expedition Details
- 01Itinerary at a Glance: 27th July - Overnight at the group hotel in Longyearbyen 28th July - Embark M/S Quest at 4pm. 29th July - 4th August - Explore the Svalbard Archipelago. 5th August - Disembark Longyearbyen at 9am. The following itinerary should be seen as an approximate guide only. Please note that weather, ice conditions, logistics and unforeseen delays can cause alterations to our itinerary. 27TH JULY - LONGYEARBYEN You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for your overnight stay. This evening you’ll meet your expedition leaders and other members of the group for a trip briefing. Meals: WEA welcome dinner Accommodation: Polfaren Hotel or Similar 28TH JULY - EMBARK LONGYEARBYEN Today is yours to explore Longyearbyen. Recommendations include The North Pole Expedition Museum, the local brewery and a reindeer burger in one of the local restaurants. Board the M/S Quest in the late afternoon. Cruising out of the beautiful Isfjorden, we’ll be escorted by gliding Fulmars and perhaps the occasional Puffin, our first sea birds of the Arctic! The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, poggies (paddling mitts for your hands), lifejackets and dry bags. Meals: B.D Accommodation: MS QUEST 29TH JULY - 4TH AUGUST - EXPLORING SVALBARD Over the next 7 days we will explore the amazing wilderness of Svalbard. Our aim is to experience as much time as possible outside, be it zodiac cruising, paddling, hiking or wildlife viewing or all four! Our experienced Arctic team will use their know-how to design a day-to-day itinerary that makes the best use of the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Meals: B.L.D Accommodation: MS QUEST 5TH AUGUST - DISEMBARK LONGYEARBYEN During the early morning, we cruise back into Isfjorden before docking in Longyearbyen. Say your farewells to the crew and expedition leaders before a transfer to the airport. Meals: B The locations we’ll potentially visit, depending on nature's conditions... WEST COAST OF SPITSBERGEN We’ll spend hours out and about in the wild Arctic scenery exploring the glacier-filled Kongsfjorden or Magdallenefjorden, either zodiac cruising or kayaking along the coastline or walking the lush tundra, where we take extra care not to disturb delicate wildflowers. We may visit an old Dutch whaling station settled in the early 1600’s, aptly named Smeerenberg (blubber town) HEADING NORTH We’ll encounter amazing vistas in places such as Woodfjorden and Leifdefjorden, where magnificent glaciers end their journey to the sea. Paddlers and zodiac cruisers will wind their way through ice floes while walkers will take to the mountains looking out for herds of reindeer and discovering old Russian trapper huts. We’ll be on alert for polar bear sightings! On board the M/S Quest, we may experience the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean, a favourite pass time is to stand at the bow and look below at the ice being parted by our sturdy ship. A highlight for all on board is the sight of a bobbing walrus feeding on clams or wallowing, slug like, on shore. THE EAST COAST We experience the variety of Svalbard along the east coast of Spitsbergen which can be described as a polar desert. If ice conditions allow, we pass south through the narrow Hinlopen Strait, flanked by rock slabs that are rich in fossils. A highlight for any amateur geologist is to discover these fossils when we go ashore. Wildlife viewing is at a premium at Alkafjellet, where one-hundred-metre-high dolerite towers are home to millions of Brunnich’s guillemots. On the ship and on land, eyes are peeled for an Arctic fox and birdlife such as Eider and beautiful ivory gulls. As M/S Quest passes between Spitsbergen and the smaller islands of Barentsoya and Edgeoya, we cross the main polar bear migration routes. The beautiful fertile plain of Sundeneset is richly covered with bright green mosses, a variety of delicate and colourful flowers, various fungi, clear bubbling streams and small tarns. We explore this beautiful terrain by kayak, zodiac and on foot, marvelling at the contrast between the colourful soft ground and the barren, rocky terrain from further north. SOUTH AND THEN NORTH-WEST AGAIN We round South Cape, Spitsbergen’s most southerly point, before continuing northwards. Hornsund, 23km long and 8 -10 km wide, is the southernmost of the large fjords on Spitsbergen’s west coast. Towers of rock pierce the clouds, lush green slopes run down to the sea, and crumbling glaciers surround us. It is a beautiful place. Bellsund, which we may visit on the west coast of Spitsbergen, is divided into two large fjords. The northernmost - Van Mijenfjorden - is separated from the main fjord by a long, narrow island, Akseloya, which extends almost across the fjord. There are many different zodiac cruising, paddling and walking options available to us. We may be fortunate to spot Beluga whales in this area, and in the skies, we’ll be treated to thousands of birds, including little auk colonies.
- 02MS Quest takes 50 passengers and all 24 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. In the dining room, you're treated to delicious meals in between landings, and in the panorama lounge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks, where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew and the atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five exhibition guides on board MS Quest. The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005, she underwent a complete refurbishment to become a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018, she underwent renovation of the passenger areas. Technical Information: Length: 49.65 Metres Beam: 11 Metres Draft: 3.50 Metres Gross tonnage: 1.268 GT Passenger capacity: 50 Crew: 25 Zodiacs: 5 https://static.wixstatic.com/media/25cade_90aed7c951fe4df7a18e9164afd2b044~mv2.jpg On Board Information Cabins: There are 24 passenger cabins on board, all of which are outside cabins with windows. Each cabin features a private bathroom with a shower, as well as shampoo, shower gel, soap, and a hairdryer. Each cabin has a fitted wardrobe with hangers, a mirror, a desk and chair, an electrical socket and a bin. Your cabin will be cleaned daily, and new towels are available upon request. All cabins are equipped with a small safe. Money Matters: A tab of your expenses (bar purchases or internet etc), will be kept throughout the expedition. If you share a cabin with someone and prefer separate bills, inform the hotel manager directly. The currency on board the ship is Norwegian Krone (NOK). Your ship account will be payable at the end of the expedition by credit card (Visa and MasterCard). Gratuities: Gratuities are optional and at your discretion. For those who wish to express their appreciation for excellent service, you have the option to leave a cash tip at the end of your trip (in NOK/USD/EUR). If needed, it is also possible to tip with your card. Please note that, at the time of writing, there is no ATM in Longyearbyen for cash withdrawals. Communication: The ship can be contacted via Satellite phone. You will receive the contact information together with the final documents closer to your departure date. You'll be able to buy vouchers to use the internet during your trip; more information will be provided on board. Please note: You will not have mobile reception during most parts of the expedition. Dress Code: As we embark on an expedition cruise, the dress code on board is casual and informal. Please wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles when moving around the ship. Panorama Lounge: In the panorama lounge, you can enjoy breathtaking views and listen to entertaining lectures. Here you will also find a small library. Bar Area: The bar, located in the Panorama Lounge on the top deck, offers a selection of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for purchase. Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Bridge Visits: There is an open bridge policy on board and passengers are welcome to visit the bridge at all times. Please respect the Captain’s orders, especially during difficult ice navigation and mooring. The Captain can decide on a closed bridge in the event of, for example, bad weather. Electricity: The electrical outlets in your cabins and elsewhere on the ship are 220 volts with Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend you bring an international adapter if you have devices that need to charge. All cabins are also equipped with USB-A outlets for charging of smartphones and cameras. Language: All information presented by the guides will be in English. Laundry: Please note that there are no laundry facilities on board. Meals: The dining room is on deck 2, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served to all passengers simultaneously. The dining room is comfortable and spacious with porthole windows. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, and dinner features waiter service with a daily menu choice. There is also a range of drinks to choose from the menu. Please remember to inform us of any food Restrictions on your personal information form prior to the trip. Medical: There is a physician on board and basic medical supplies are available. Passengers under regular treatment, requiring special medication, should bring sufficient quantities to last during the entire expedition. Please bring a written description of your medication. The ship is always accessible by helicopter from Longyearbyen, where a smaller hospital is located. Shop: The shop offers a limited selection of souvenirs and supplies. Smoking: A non-smoking policy applies inside the ship. Smoking is only permitted outside on the open deck in the designated area for safety reasons. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to throw cigarettes overboard. Please don't smoke during landings. Water: The water on board is safe to drink https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ad3d59_9eb46640aa034534bf2c4bc3da3b2bce~mv2.jpg
- 03This is not your average cruise – it’s an expedition, and that means flexibility is key. There’s no set itinerary locked in day by day because we go where the weather, ice, and wildlife allow. The Captain and Expedition Leader work closely together to make the most of every opportunity, adjusting plans so you can zodiac cruise past towering glaciers, land on remote beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitat – all safely and responsibly. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ad3d59_3cf72c14773c4931a2fd43ce068ab4a4~mv2.jpg Each day is different and no two expeditions are ever the same. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure story… written by nature.
- 04AECO Guidelines for Visitors in the Arctic The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) is an international organisation for operators in the Arctic region. Our organisation’s main objective is to ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic are carried out with the utmost consideration for the fragile natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, while ensuring safe tour operations at sea and on land. Our Responsibilities Tourism and cruise activities in the Arctic operate within a comprehensive framework of international and national laws and regulations to ensure safety and preservation of the environment, with which AECO members, of course, are obligated to comply. Nevertheless, there is a need for operators to take responsibility for their activities and actions both within and beyond formal laws and regulations. AECO has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for expedition cruise operations in the Arctic. The AECO guidelines are endorsed by the operators for the organisation of respectful, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising. Your Responsibilities From our comprehensive set of guidelines, we have selected a few key rules that we ask you to read carefully and follow accordingly. We invite you to spend some time reading about the necessary safety precautions, and we also ask you to note the cultural and social sensitivities. Please read AECO’s Visitor Guidelines for Arctic Exploration: HERE (https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/getContentAsset/2b27baef-32a2-41d0-852f-7fef0c58bf7e/8e265d97-ee24-47b6-a823-0d8b4ca7c908/AECO_Visitors-Guidelines.pdf)




































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