Just 650 miles south of the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago within the Norwegian High Arctic is highly remote. But it’s also quite spectacular — home to glaciers, polar bears, walruses, seabirds and fjords. Best of all, travelers can explore the region in ultra-luxury comfort via the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture.
Earlier this summer, Pavlus Travel’s Jocelyn Burgess, guest relations specialist, and Erin Conner, manager, leisure sales, did just that. (The Pavlus explorers are shown, left to right, in the photo above. Photo courtesy of Erin Conner).
During an 11–day “Svalbard: Beyond the North Cape” itinerary, they set out into the wild. No, they didn’t chant “lions, and tigers and bears, oh my,” as Dorothy exclaimed in the “Wizard of Oz.”
Instead, the Pavlus duo discovered “foxes, walruses and polar bears, oh my.” Simply put, this expedition voyage proved an incredible “bucket list” adventure.
Based on the duo’s firsthand feedback, The Meandering Traveler has compiled a list of “10 Top Arctic Expedition Highlights.” Here’s Part 1 of this blog, with Part 2 coming soon.
1. Top 10 Arctic: Extensive Exploring Via Seabourn Venture
“The top draw for this type of expedition cruise is Seabourn’s strong focus on seeing and exploring the High Arctic’s off-the-beaten-path locations,” Conner says. “The ability for us to sail atop the Arctic Circle, and see the Norwegian fjords, glaciers, sea ice, Arctic wildlife, and the Midnight Sun — and all of that on one itinerary — was simply incredible.”
“We also traveled in luxurious comfort and style,” Burgess emphasizes. Launched in 2022, the 557-foot-long Seabourn Venture is an ultra-luxury small ship. It’s also PC6 rated, so this nimble polar vessel can safely navigate in highly remote areas.
Another plus? “This luxurious ship offers a high guest-to-crew ratio,” Pavlus’ Conner adds. “As we experienced, guests can expect top-notch, friendly, professional service at every level.”
Travelers will also stay in well-appointed, sumptuous suites and discover enriching Arctic-focused programming. And gastronomically speaking, cruisers will also find tasty ways to sip and savor, which we’ll cover with tips from Burgess and Conner in our upcoming Part 2 blog.
2. Top 10 Arctic: Polar Bears, Walruses and Birds!
Both Pavlus team members loved their voyage’s wildlife spotting opportunities. In some cases, those unfolded just outside the ship.
“Throughout the voyage, regardless of timing – day or night – the ship’s bridge team or expedition team members would announce when wildlife was spotted nearby,” explains Conner.
Four Polar Bears!
“We were able to observe four polar bears, many Arctic dolphins and several pods of fin whales at a moment’s notice,” Conner says. “For me, that was thrilling.”
“While the polar bears were only visible while we were on the ship, I really enjoyed seeing a mom with her cubs,” Burgess adds. She also loved seeing fluffy reindeer up close at a Sami village in North Cape on the Norwegian mainland.
If any mammals, birds or marine life are spotted while the ship is sailing, guests can quickly head onto their private balcony or an open deck. The wildlife might be viewable on land, in the water or lounging on nearby ice floes.
Mast-Mounted Camera
In addition, “on both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, there’s a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge, ” adds Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
“Those cameras are capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead,” she says. Guests can watch the camera action from both monitors throughout the ship and also on their suite’s TV screen.
During a voyage with the potential for wildlife spotting, “it’s always cool when you get surprised,” acknowledges Burgess. “We had a lovely, close-up farewell memory with some Atlantic dolphins.”
Seabourn Venture: Zodiac Expeditions
During their Arctic cruise, the Pavlus colleagues became “true explorers.” Guests typically head out once or twice daily for Zodiac rides into the wild.
Seabourn Venture carries a fleet of 24 Zodiacs atop the ship (see photo above). Each of those heavy-duty, motorized, rubberized watercraft accommodates eight to 10 guests. Some larger ones can carry 14 to 16 people.
As needed, crew members lower those by crane into the water. One at a time, the Zodiacs are positioned adjacent to the ship. Guests board there, assisted by crew or expedition team members.
Each Zodiac then sets out across the water for adventure. Most Seabourn Zodiac outings are at no charge; they’re included in the cruise fare.
Good to know? Seabourn Venture’s guests on polar expeditions will receive both warm parkas and aluminum water bottles. On expedition outings, Conner and Burgess donned the parkas and brought along their bottles — staying both warm and hydrated.
Watching Glaciers “Calve”
What’s to see on a Zodiac ride? It varies by location, of course. But generally, Conner and Burgess sailed along picturesque fjords and viewed tundra and glaciers close up. One top highlight was watching the “calving” of glaciers.
Glaciers are essentially slow-moving rivers of ice! First, the women heard a booming, cracking noise. That was their first hint that some glacial ice was splitting from a glacier. Just a second or two later, they then watched as large chunks or multiple pieces crashed into the ocean.
“Zodiac cruising through the mist and fog was also absolutely surreal,” Conner says. As for wildlife, on their expedition outings, the Pavlus team members spotted everything from Guillemot birds to fur seals and even Arctic foxes which scampered across the Arctic landscape.
Close-Up Encounter with Walruses
At times, “we also journeyed close to shore, landed, hopped out of the Zodiac and walked or hiked across the permafrost,” Conner says. During one of those expeditions, “we had a particularly close encounter with a trio of walruses.”
Burgess chimes in: “It was so much fun to see both the guests and the expedition guides giddy with excitement over the wildlife coming up to us unprompted.”
Often those large marine mammals are stand-offish with human visitors. But Burgess reports that “the walruses were very curious about our Zodiacs and made quite the fuss about us all on shore!”
3. Top 10 Arctic: Exploring with a Skilled Expedition Team
If you opt to sail on Seabourn Venture, you’ll travel with a dedicated 24-person expedition team. This highly skilled team is typically composed of an expedition leader plus naturalists, wildlife experts, geologists, marine biologists or other scientific specialists.
Expedition team members both pilot the Zodiacs and offer expert commentary. They also lead guests on beach walks, mountain hikes and other shoreside expeditions.
A Fleet of Kayaks Too
Seabourn Venture also carries a fleet of kayaks. In select locations, dependent on weather and sea conditions, guests can choose a guided kayak expedition, typically for an added fee.
But if you see those kayak outings offered, book as quickly as possible. They fill up fast. “I originally signed up for one kayaking experience, which was a $200 optional fee and needed to be reserved pre-trip,” explains Burgess.
“However, I was unable to participate due to the safety gear not being able to fit comfortably. But everyone was very kind and helpful.” She adds that Seabourn “immediately refunded me the excursion fee in the form of an onboard credit. And since there was an extensive waiting list for this excursion, I luckily made someone else’s day.”
Seabourn Venture: Lectures, Recaps & Camaraderie
Throughout any Arctic expedition voyage, the ship’s expedition team members will conduct enrichment lectures about the region’s flora, fauna, geology and any indigenous culture/heritage. Those talks typically unfold in the ship’s Discovery Center, and at times elsewhere around the ship.
In addition, each evening before dinner, guests gather in that Discovery Center for a daily expedition briefing. The goal is to “recap” the highlights of the day’s activities, and also unveil what’s planned for the next day.
“Our Pavlus guests often tell us that as any expedition cruise progresses, they begin bonding with some fellow guests over their shared expedition adventures,” says Pavlus Travel’s Steudle. “By the end of the cruise, many report feeling strong camaraderie and sense of community.”
4. Top 10 Arctic: Seabourn Venture – Spacious Suites
During their Seabourn Venture cruise, Conner and Burgess stayed in #813, a Veranda Suite (Category V4). Spanning 355 square feet including a private veranda, it offers a living room area, separate bedroom area, walk-in closet, well-equipped bathroom and more.
“It’s perfect for two adults to move about comfortably,” says Conner. And upon arrival, all Seabourn expedition guests are welcomed with a bottle of bubbly and treats placed on their suite’s cocktail table.
One unique suite element? “The decor throughout the ship is themed about explorers and adventurers, even in the suites,” Burgess tells The Meandering Traveler. “So, it was a fun, subtle way to feel that this cruise style was different from a normal cruise.”
Seabourn Venture’s Veranda Suite offers a queen-sized bed; it can be split into two twins, if desired. After their arrival on board, Conner put in a call to guest services to ask that they separate the beds. The request was quickly addressed while the Pavlus duo enjoyed their dinner.
Comfy and Spacious
Since Conner needed to do a bit of remote work in the suite, “I also enjoyed the suite’s workspace options. Those included both a writing desk/makeup vanity area (see photo below) and a high, adjustable coffee table.”
Bathroom Features
In the bathroom, the marble vanity has an elongated sink with two separate faucet areas. That works well for two people needing to wash up at the same time.
Another plus? This suite’s bathroom offers BOTH a large bathtub/shower combination and a separate, stand-alone shower. (See photos of both the sink area and the bathtub/shower combination below.)
Both women appreciated this suite’s robust storage space. Given the trip’s length of nearly two weeks, “our extra-large walk-in closet was very helpful,” says Conner.
After a day of exploring ashore, Conner and Burgess also liked their suite’s separate warming closet. It was a great space to place wet/damp parkas or pants for drying out. In addition, the women could put on toasty warm parkas if setting out on an early morning expedition during cool weather,
Seabourn Venture: More Suite Features
Other Veranda Suite features include an interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and mini-fridge; hairdryer; 110-volt and 220-volt outlets and plugs; and fluffy robes and slippers for guest use.
Quipping that she felt “indulgent,” Burgess says, “I often wore the slippers down to the Launch Bay to switch into my Muck boots,” as she readied for the day’s adventure.
Some personalized suite features? Seabourn also provides guests with personalized stationery. Plus, adult guests receive a bottle of wine or spirits to enjoy in their suite.
Land of the Midnight Sun
As High Arctic cruises typically unfold in summertime, one facet is sunlight ’round the clock. “But because we sailed during the Midnight Sun season, it was really relaxing at the end of the day to sit on the balcony or in the little salon inside with the door open,” Burgess stresses.
“We’d unwind to the sights of the mountains every evening.” That said, the Midnight Sun wasn’t disruptive for sleep.
Conner explains that blackout curtains covering the balcony’s sliding glass doors were a helpful touch. With those curtains pulled, “we slept well and didn’t see the sun at night for the two weeks we were in Norway,” she adds.
5. Top 10 Arctic: Crafting Your Polar Adventure
On a small-ship expedition cruise, guests can easily craft their own daily schedule — creating or choosing their own adventures. At times, that can be as simple as taking a brief pause in hiking at the top of a hill — and simply “soaking in” gorgeous scenic views (such as what Conner is doing in the photo above).
In addition, “the app that Seabourn provides is very clever and helpful,” says Burgess, who found it “easy to navigate.” When it comes to helping to decide what to do “on expedition,” she also mentions the daily expedition briefings, upcoming events listed on the Seabourn HDTV screen, and the line’s Daily Herald (available electronically or as a paper copy).
For instance, guests might choose to take a Zodiac ride along a particular fjord in the morning, followed by a light lunch back aboard. In the afternoon, they might head out for a kayak adventure or a hike ashore.
Expedition, Fitness or Spa Relaxation
Alternatively, they might go on a morning Zodiac ride and then instead of another afternoon outing, simply enjoy a luxurious spa treatment. Seabourn Venture has a fabulous “Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil” facility (see one spa treatment room above).
In addition, a Mindful Living coach will offer yoga and Pilates classes during the voyage. Fitness buffs can maintain their exercise regimen at the ship’s well-equipped fitness center.
Prefer to be more of a couch potato during one lazy afternoon? No problem. There’s an excellent in-suite info-entertainment system, according to Burgess. Guests can select from top movies, documentaries and more on the suite’s large HDTV screen.
Seabourn Venture: Mesmerizing Views
Certainly, the outside scenery can be totally mesmerizing too. To learn more about the region of sailing, guests might head out to the Discovery Center for a lecture about the region’s geology or indigenous marine life.
Then again, many guests might simply desire to relax or socialize. Cocktails, dinner and evening entertainment await. One pre-dinner cocktail spot with live music is the cheery Club (see photo below).
Good Advice? Go with the Flow
One good tip for any expedition cruise is to realize that it is an adventure. Much of the route is determined day-by-day, based on weather and sea conditions. So, consider an expedition itinerary more as a “guideline,” not a hard-and-fast rule that you will visit this or that spot.
The navigational route or particular spot to go ashore may change, based on local conditions. Conner and Burgess both advise potential Arctic travelers to “just go with the flow.”
Expedition Cruising: Be Flexible
In fact, what’s to come on any given day could even be a more unique experience than what was originally planned. For instance, “on our cruise, the captain was able to confirm that there was breaking sea ice close enough to reach one day,” says Conner.
“So, the ship moved farther north – past the 81 Degree Parallel mark. We were able to view the breaking sea ice that enveloped the ship.” (See photo below.)
In addition, “we had the opportunity to go down to the mooring stations within the ship’s crew areas,” she explains. “There, we could observe the ice from different angles, which was fascinating.”
6. Top 10 Arctic: Taking a Polar Plunge
One Arctic rite of passage? It’s the famed “polar plunge — leaping from the ship into the Arctic’s cold water. It’s voluntary, of course.
But leaping off Seabourn Venture into the Arctic’s cold water is a “must do” activity for many travelers including Burgess and Conner. The plunge action is well-directed by the ship’s onboard and expedition team members, positioned on the ship and a nearby Zodiac.
All guests who jump from ship to sea must wear a safety harness. For many guests, it’s pure Arctic fun and a rite of passage at the end of the Earth!
For the brave plungers and others just preferring to plunge-watch, “Seabourn creates a fun party with dance music, ‘liquid courage’ before the jump, and celebratory cocktails to warm up after the dip,” says Burgess. “It’s invigorating for all.”
Many guests who plunge can’t wait to post their shots on Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites. Now that’s more reliably accomplished even at the ends of the Earth, thanks to Seabourn Venture’s new Starlink Internet service.
More to Come: Seabourn Venture Arctic Highlights
Stay tuned next week for our second installment about Conner’s and Burgess’ expedition to Svalbard on Seabourn Venture. Look for more about the expedition ship’s onboard service, key public spaces, Seabourn signature experiences, and dining.
As food certainly fuels active adventure travelers, Conner and Burgess will provide lots of firsthand, in-depth feedback about Seabourn Venture’s dining experiences.
We’ll also talk about one enclave of civilization on Svalbard — Longyearbyen. With 2,400 or so residents, it’s the world’s most northerly town.
And of course, we’ll lay out some of the Svalbard voyages for 2025 and 2026.
One High Arctic Itinerary
To whet your appetite for an Arctic adventure, check out Seabourn Venture’s 13-day “Spectacular Svalbard & Greenland” sailing. Seabourn Venture will depart May 18, 2025, from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K. Here’s a look at the full itinerary.
At press time, cruise fares for this sailing started at $13, 999 per person, double occupancy.
Don’t want to wait to book your own “journey to adventure”? Desire to chat about all the Seabourn or other expedition possibilities? Your skilled personal travel planner is just a phone call away (see the Pavlus Travel contact information below).
Next year, you could be exploring the remote High Arctic region firsthand. You might get views of walruses, foxes, birds, musk ox, whales, and yes, even polar bears. Certainly, Conner and Burgess enjoyed their “bucket list” journey to adventure!
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