Vikingfjord
Highlights
- Intimate, small-group expeditions with a maximum of just 12 guests—offering unrivaled access and a personal connection to the polar environment.
- Certified climate-neutral sailings with a strong sustainability ethos and low-impact, human-scale exploration at the heart of every voyage.
- Led by expert guides and photographers with deep regional knowledge, providing immersive wildlife encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities.
The Vikingfjord is unlike any other polar vessel. With capacity for just 12 guests, this beautifully refitted expedition ship offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar regions in the most personal and exclusive way possible. Where larger cruise ships can only observe from afar, Vikingfjord brings you ashore into the very heart of the landscape—quietly, responsibly, and without a crowd in sight. The result is a more authentic, immersive expedition where you’re not just a passenger, but a true participant in the voyage.
Styled in a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic with warm wood finishes and panoramic windows, Vikingfjord’s interiors are understated, comfortable, and cozy—perfectly suited to the elemental beauty outside. All guest cabins are ensuite and above deck, offering natural light and calming spaces to relax between landings. Social spaces onboard are communal and welcoming, encouraging connection with your fellow travelers and crew. The ambiance is that of a private expedition rather than a cruise—quiet mornings with coffee in hand, binoculars at the ready; evenings of shared stories, laughter, and learning around the dinner table.
Expeditions aboard Vikingfjord sail to the Arctic and Antarctica, focusing on off-the-beaten-path routes and slow travel that allows for a deeper engagement with the environment. In Svalbard, explore ice-covered fjords and tundra where polar bears, walrus, and Arctic fox roam free. In Antarctica, sail acros...
Specifications
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Guests12
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Staff & Crew8
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Guide & Crew to Guest Ratios1:6
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Guest to Space Ratio1:50
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Number of Decks3
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Number of Cabins9
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Zodiacs & Loading Bays2
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Year Built1974 (upgraded 2023)
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Ice Class1B
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Length137.1 ft (41.8 m)
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Beam32.8 ft (10.0 m)
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Draft12.6 ft (3.9 m)
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Cruising Speed10 kn
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StabilizersNo
Amenities
About the Vikingfjord
The Vikingfjord is unlike any other polar vessel. With capacity for just 12 guests, this beautifully refitted expedition ship offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar regions in the most personal and exclusive way possible. Where larger cruise ships can only observe from afar, Vikingfjord brings you ashore into the very heart of the landscape—quietly, responsibly, and without a crowd in sight. The result is a more authentic, immersive expedition where you’re not just a passenger, but a true participant in the voyage.
Styled in a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic with warm wood finishes and panoramic windows, Vikingfjord’s interiors are understated, comfortable, and cozy—perfectly suited to the elemental beauty outside. All guest cabins are ensuite and above deck, offering natural light and calming spaces to relax between landings. Social spaces onboard are communal and welcoming, encouraging connection with your fellow travelers and crew. The ambiance is that of a private expedition rather than a cruise—quiet mornings with coffee in hand, binoculars at the ready; evenings of shared stories, laughter, and learning around the dinner table.
Expeditions aboard Vikingfjord sail to the Arctic and Antarctica, focusing on off-the-beaten-path routes and slow travel that allows for a deeper engagement with the environment. In Svalbard, explore ice-covered fjords and tundra where polar bears, walrus, and Arctic fox roam free. In Antarctica, sail across the legendary Drake Passage to reach the untouched shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating among towering icebergs, penguin colonies, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Every voyage is flexible, with the itinerary shaped by weather, wildlife, and ice conditions to maximize experiences and landings.
There are no large crowds, no waiting in lines, and no time limits on shore. Instead, you’ll land by Zodiac in small groups, often with no one else around, guided by seasoned polar explorers, photographers, and naturalists who tailor each landing to the group’s interests. Optional workshops in wildlife photography and polar ecology, along with informal lectures, enrich the journey with knowledge and meaning.
At the core of Vikingfjord’s philosophy is a deep commitment to sustainability. The vessel operates under a 100% Climate Neutral certification, with ultra-low emissions and zero single-use plastics. Small-scale travel means minimal environmental impact, and all voyages adhere strictly to IAATO and AECO guidelines. Rather than simply offsetting emissions, Secret Atlas aims to actively protect the polar regions through responsible tourism, education, and support of local conservation efforts.
Cabins
Itineraries
Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni
Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise
Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Dean Tatooles
Svalbard Summer Solstice: Micro Cruise
Northeast Greenland National Park Micro Cruise Fly / Sail
Departure Dates
Special Departures
Piet van den Bemd is an expert photographer known for his adventurous spirit, keen eye for detail, and deeply personal approach to his work and guests. What sets him apart is his ability to blend technical expertise with a strong sense of curiosity, encouraging clients to embrace the unknown and explore new perspect...
Dean will be onboard to coach photography on a selected number of photo tours. He is a professional nature and wildlife photographer with a career spanning over 20 years. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and from the High Arctic to south of the Antarctic Circle, giving him diverse experience in...
With over 30 years of experience in wildlife travel and photography, Paul Goldstein has dedicated his career to exploring the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from the plains of Africa to t...
An accomplished and published photographer with more than 30 years of leading photography adventure trips, Randy readily shares his craft and substantial knowledge with photographers of all types and skill levels. He provides guidance in composition as well as the technical aspects of photography to help clients imp...
Piet van den Bemd is an expert photographer known for his adventurous spirit, keen eye for detail, and deeply personal approach to his work and guests. What sets him apart is his ability to blend technical expertise with a strong sense of curiosity, encouraging clients to embrace the unknown and explore new perspectives while having fun.
Impact
Piet’s footage and photos have been used in various nature documentaries, newspapers, and scientific articles. He particularly enjoys giving public talks on his photography, nature conservation, and the polar regions have become second nature for Piet. His goal as a photographer is to share stories, create awareness, and inspire people to make a change.
Style
Piet’s openness and enthusiasm for adventure make his approach to both teaching and photography deeply engaging and transformative. His photography is as much about the experience as it is about the final image – it’s about being present, embracing unpredictability, and connecting deeply with the world around him. He believes that the best photography often comes from moments of spontaneity and personal connection, rather than rigidly following rules or conventions.
Itineraries with Special Departure
Dean will be onboard to coach photography on a selected number of photo tours. He is a professional nature and wildlife photographer with a career spanning over 20 years. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and from the High Arctic to south of the Antarctic Circle, giving him diverse experience in all environmental conditions.
Impact
Dean is currently finishing his first book, entitled Modern Day Explorer: A Photographic Journey Through the Lens of Dean J. Tatooles. Divided into seven chapters, it showcases each continent and will share stories of his journeys alongside his images. In addition to photography, Dean was a blogger for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and remains today an avid wildlife and environmental conservationist.
Style
Dean prides himself on making the technique of photography less daunting and more user-friendly and fun. In addition to easy-to-follow lectures, his approach is hands-on and he most enjoys working with guests in the field. Dean makes it a goal to get anyone who will listen off the automatic settings and outside their comfort zone. But, most of all, having fun doing it.
Languages:
English
Spanish
Itineraries with Special Departure
With over 30 years of experience in wildlife travel and photography, Paul Goldstein has dedicated his career to exploring the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from the plains of Africa to the icy frontiers of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Having led more than 25 polar expeditions, he is renowned for his deep respect for nature, ethical approach to wildlife observation, and passion for small-ship exploration that allows for truly immersive experiences.
A storyteller at heart, Paul Goldstein continues to inspire travelers and photographers alike through his commitment to authentic adventure, conservation, and the thrill of discovery that comes with every encounter in the wild.
- Expertise: With 40 years of experience across all seven continents, Paul is a legend of wildlife photography. In particular, predators. And even more in particular, polar bears.
- Impact: Paul’s a firebrand conservationist, raising money and lecturing all over the world for projects supporting endangered animals and local communities.
- Style: Getting you out of your comfort zone!
Itineraries with Special Departure
An accomplished and published photographer with more than 30 years of leading photography adventure trips, Randy readily shares his craft and substantial knowledge with photographers of all types and skill levels. He provides guidance in composition as well as the technical aspects of photography to help clients improve and enhance their skills. Randy has a knack for translating even the most complex technical aspects of photography, as well as the intricate components of cameras, into simple concepts that are easy to understand.
Impact
Randy’s photography skills have earned him multiple awards, most recently two Honourable Mentions in the 2024 International Monochrome competition. He was a semi-finalist for the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year; his photographs have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Africa Geographic, and Northwest Magazine; and his images grace the covers of numerous books, including Understanding Elephants and The Braided River.
Style
Randy uses his engineering background, coupled with an artistic eye and years of teaching, to help both experienced and novice photographers improve their ability to take eye-catching and memorable photographs. He focuses on drawing the viewer into the image – sharing the feeling of the moment – to capture the excitement of being on location and taking the photograph.
Itineraries with Special Departure
Related Cruises
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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated polar specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Arctic or Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:
Listen & Match
We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.
Reserve & Relax
Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.
Prepare & Travel
Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime polar expedition cruise.