Sustainable Adventure Holidays in Svalbard

Description
Gallery
FAQ

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner, taking guests on sustainable adventure holidays in Svalbard.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature.

In the early 90s, she was refitted to become a charter vessel, and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths : 12
Number of bathrooms : 4
Cabin configuration : 6 x Twin Cabin
Smoking policy : On deck only

Particulars

Port of Registration : Enkhuizen
Year built : 1910/1993
Length overall : 151'/46.2m
Draft : 10'5"/3.2m
Sail Area : 550mSQ
Number of Sails : 7
Rig : Schooner
Crew : 4 (plus 2 guides)

Noorderlicht tall ship sailing with floating ice Svalbard summer

Noorderlicht from Ashore Guests Excursion Summer

Noorderlicht-sailing-norway-svalbard-anchor

Noorderlicht Guests wildlife watching people

Noorderlicht Guest pulling ropes onboard tall ship Svalbard

Noorderlicht onboard interior view of twin bunk cabin

Noorderlicht guests onboard being served dinner

Noorderlicht onboard saloon set up for dinner

Noorderlicht onboard interior twin bunk cabin

Noorderlicht anchored with guest hiking Svalbard Summer

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol and soft drink are not included.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.
Are there any added extras?
There is an honesty bar for alcohol and soft drinks. You can pay your honesty tab by card but tips are left in cash.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
6 x twin bunk cabins with shared bathrooms.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, each cabin has a deck hatch for light and ventilation. We recommend bringing an eye mask during the summer months for the midnight sun.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet.
Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding and towels are provided.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
Please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Noorderlicht does not have laundry for guests unless you are taking part in the 16day circumnavigation, where you will be able to wash underwear/small items if needed.
Is there heating on board?
Most definitely! The generator runs continuously so the boat is fully heated.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew.
What language is spoken onboard?
Dutch/English
Is there Wi-Fi?
There is no wifi on-board and there will be times when you are out of range when sailing in Svalbard. When you're in range to local towns, you should be able to pick up 4/5G so please make sure you have the appropriate data roaming set up on your mobile phone.
Can I charge my phone/camera?
Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's
Are life jackets provided?
Yes, life-jackets are provided and there are safety demonstrations once you board.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Noorderlicht is always at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are waterproofs provided?
Noorderlicht does not have waterproofs for guests so please bring your own.
Do I need sailing experience?
Absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
Noorderlicht does not have any water toys.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.