Freya
MV Freya is a classic expedition ship. The sturdy, ice-strengthened 1A hull makes her perfect for exploring the Arctic waters.
Interior
Exterior
Deck
Films
Watch
Set sail under the midnight sun, for unforgettable wildlife encounters in Europe’s last great wilderness.
See the High Arctic archipelago’s famous wildlife against a pristine backdrop of fairytale fjords, calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Witnessing this endlessly rich habitat – home to reindeer, whales, Arctic foxes, polar bears, and much more – illuminated by the midnight sun is, simply, one of the greatest shows in nature.
See Svalbard come alive with wildlife.
On this summer expedition, explore the last stop before the North Pole, home to some of the most magnificent creatures and most stunning scenery on the planet, all lit up by the midnight sun.
The warmth of the sun invites migratory species back to Svalbard and encourages resident animals to come out from their wintery hiding places, making summer the best season to spot whales, seabirds, walruses, and polar bears in their natural habitat.
Summer is when Svalbard is at its most accessible, meaning we can adventure further north, marvelling at the glacial landscape of Northwest Spitsbergen and scouting the ice edge for unique wildlife encounters.
Head out on Zodiac cruises and hikes amid the Arctic majesty of picturesque fjords, mountains, and icebergs. Search for walrus haulouts on remote beaches, and scour the sea ice for polar bears. This is the Arctic experience you’ve been searching for.
Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
The ice opens up, making this the best time to reach Svalbard’s remotest and wildest reaches
Breathtaking landscape of majestic glaciers, stark mountains, and fjords, lit up by the midnight sun
"I felt like I was a part of a Discovery Channel programme. What you see and experience is beyond your wildest imagination."
— Annie, Secret Atlas guest in Svalbard
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!
So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
Your home-from-home in the Arctic.
MV Freya is a classic expedition ship. The sturdy, ice-strengthened 1A hull makes her perfect for exploring the Arctic waters.
Watch
A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.
Watch
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
Expert guide team
Lectures and tutorials
Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Polar bear protection guides for shore landings
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
Bedding and towels
Highly experienced captain and cook
Rubber boots for shore landings
Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Flights and transfers from airport to hotel
Travel and cancellation insurance
Any additional expenses such as museum entry
Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:
Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability
To get the most from a Secret Atlas expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).
All our Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruises depart from and return to the town of Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen, please see our guide below.
Unlike larger vessels with higher passenger capacities, our voyages are personal and unique in their approach. Travelling with a small group of guests means more time exploring, more flexibility, and less time waiting to board Zodiacs and go ashore.
Our small expedition vessels will get you closer to nature and more immersed in the landscape than larger ships, offering you a more transportative and transformative experience with no crowds or queuing.
Guests are not permitted to use drones during the expedition. In any case a drone is being used during your expedition, it will be for professional use only by a member of the Secret Atlas team with the required permissions.
Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.
In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.
At Secret Atlas, our Expedition Micro Cruise concept is built around conscious, responsible travel. These new rules align perfectly with our mission to explore with care and leave a minimal footprint.
We understand you may have questions about how these changes could affect your journey. To help, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the updated regulations. And of course, if you’d like to chat through the details, our team is always here to help.
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Plan a private charter with us.
The Signature Twin cabins aboard Freya are comfortable and cosy, just like the rest of the vessel.
The colour scheme of dark blues and golden wood notes, seen elsewhere on the ship, creates a warming atmosphere.
There is an air of eccentricity harking back to expeditions of the past in the design elements and artwork adorning the walls – but the rooms are appointed with modern conveniences.
The master suite aboard Freya is spacious, charmingly appointed, and has a pleasingly cosy, warming design style. With an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with plenty of storage space, it’s as comfortable as it is attractive.
The ship’s characterful look – with dark blue walls, varnished wood detailing, and plenty of light – is well-represented in the penthouse suite, providing a cabin-in-the-woods feeling of warmth. There’s a dash of expeditionary eccentricity to many of the design details – we’re big fans!
It’s just what you want to return home to after an active day of exploration.
The top choice for solo travellers, Signature Singles aboard Freya boast an ensuite toilet and shower room and plenty of storage space.
You need somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day of adventuring in the wilderness, and with Freya’s quintessentially warm aesthetic – scattered here and there with characterful design details and artworks – you have just that.
A window lets in plenty of light, gearing you up for another day in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
The Signature Twin cabins aboard Freya are comfortable and cosy, just like the rest of the vessel.
The colour scheme of dark blues and golden wood notes, seen elsewhere on the ship, creates a warming atmosphere.
There is an air of eccentricity harking back to expeditions of the past in the design elements and artwork adorning the walls – but the rooms are appointed with modern conveniences.
The master suite aboard Freya is spacious, charmingly appointed, and has a pleasingly cosy, warming design style. With an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with plenty of storage space, it’s as comfortable as it is attractive.
The ship’s characterful look – with dark blue walls, varnished wood detailing, and plenty of light – is well-represented in the penthouse suite, providing a cabin-in-the-woods feeling of warmth. There’s a dash of expeditionary eccentricity to many of the design details – we’re big fans!
It’s just what you want to return home to after an active day of exploration.
The top choice for solo travellers, Signature Singles aboard Freya boast an ensuite toilet and shower room and plenty of storage space.
You need somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day of adventuring in the wilderness, and with Freya’s quintessentially warm aesthetic – scattered here and there with characterful design details and artworks – you have just that.
A window lets in plenty of light, gearing you up for another day in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
We use cookies to provide a better online experience. Please let us know if you agree to them. You can read our Privacy Policy for more information.
We will be exclusively sharing with you our best-kept secrets. You'll receive first-hand expert advice and inspiring stories from our team of explorers, plus our latest news and offers.
We'll send no more than two emails per week. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy.
Just enter a few details to receive your brochure.