Noorderlicht

Exploring the Arctic Circle and the wilderness of Svalbard with expedition vessel Noorderlicht is an experience of a lifetime. This breathtaking landscape is certainly best explored from the water, from the comfort of your own tall ship. With a small group of up to 12 guests, the atmosphere is much more intimate than on a small-ship cruise.

Getting Involved

Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing on Noorderlicht. Although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, when the opportunities arise, it is all hands on deck to hoist the sails manually. Some time is inevitably spent under motor, and if there is a particular location to reach, the crew may decide to continue underway while guests sleep. Guests can also take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew. 

Climbing the masts while anchored by a three-mile-wide glacier is undoubtedly a highlight, and guests can also climb out onto the bowsprit to help prepare the sails.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy, and nautical atmosphere. There are spacious cushioned seating and dining areas in the upper and lower deck saloons, providing enough space for 12 guests to enjoy meals, compare photos, or simply relax and read books. There is a small onboard library filled with informative literature about the wildlife, history, and geology of Svalbard. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits; the coffee pot is always on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, with an honesty tab. 

The sleeping area is located on the lower deck, with 10 twin cabins. All cabins have bunk berths, plenty of built-in storage, a washbasin, a mirror and charging ports. All bedding and towels are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own. There are four communal toilets/showers throughout the ship, which are cleaned daily when guests are on shore landings. Each bathroom has dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for guests to use.

A typical day

Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee as you watch the mist rise over dramatic landscapes. Noorderlicht’s summer voyages in Svalbard all take place in the midnight sun, which means 24/7 daylight. Our ship’s cook serves a continental breakfast, followed usually by the first shore landing around 9 a.m. Shore landings are always dependent on the weather – if it’s too misty with poor visibility, the risk of a polar bear sneaking around is too significant to ignore! The plans are always flexible, and the guides will constantly update guests throughout the day. 

After the first shore landing (always tailored to the needs and wishes of the group), it’ll be back aboard for a hearty lunch, usually as the boat travels to the next anchorage. The afternoons are usually a relaxed affair: reading, napping, chatting, and just observing the elemental beauty surrounding you. 

Noorderlicht aims to do two shore landings a day. They are not mandatory, and if you wish to remain aboard, that’s fine, too! The second landing is usually in the late afternoon, before dinner. 

Dining Aboard

If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good food aboard! Although the Arctic region imposes limitations on the availability and quality of food on board, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. 

Breakfast is served at 8 am, a continental breakfast with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat and vegetables, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit. The cook aims to serve lunch around 1 pm, although this will always be flexible depending on the time spent ashore. Coffee, teas and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day, and everyone is responsible for keeping the coffee pot topped up and the kettle hot! Fresh fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day. Dinner is usually served at about 7.30 pm. The cook encourages any guests with dietary needs to pop into the galley and have a quick chat with him on the first day.

Your safety 

Noorderlicht sails in Svalbard with a rotation crew: a Captain, first mate, cook, deckhand, and engineer. To meet the strict regulations for operating in Svalbard, she also has two registered guides on every voyage. This ensures the culture, environment, and, most importantly, the safety of our guests and crew are maintained. Our guides are authorised for Svalbard Guide Training (SGO) and many of our guides are educated as Arctic Nature Guides (ANG).