Svalbard 2027

 A solar-powered sailing ship | 36 passengers | Community | Midnight sun | High Arctic

← Back to all expeditions

A Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, roughly midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
Svalbard is one of the last true wildernesses left on this planet.
You don't visit it so much as step across a threshold.
Svalbard exists entirely on its own terms, indifferent to the human world you left behind.
For twelve days, we will immerse ourselves in this expansive, wild place.
We'll sail in late July, when the odds of seeing wildlife are highest and the light never fully leaves the sky.
Here's everything you need to know:

And what better way to do it than with another LGBTQ+ woman at the helm?

The first female captain of an exclusively polar vessel.

Captain Sophie Galvagnon, on a solar-powered ship she designed and built from her vision and love for this place.

None of this happens without the right vessel and the right captain. Enter Captain Arctic:

The world's first solar-and-wind-powered polar ship.

Built specifically for this kind of travel:
small enough to go where the ice allows,
quiet enough not to disturb what we've come to see,
and powered almost entirely by renewables.

For Captain Sophie and myself, this is a dream collaboration.
We hope you'll join us to transform our dream into a reality.

Additional sustainability features:

  • Heated via a pellet boiler using recycled wooden waste pellets
  • Fresh water is generated through reverse osmosis
  • First vessel in the region equipped to collect plastic waste
  • Collaboration with Clean Up Svalbard to remove plastic from the shores of Svalbard
  • On-board science lab
  • Renewable biofuels, only used as-needed
  • 'Almost zero emissions:' will save 90% CO2 compared to the average cruise ship in the region

If you're still reading, something in you is already saying yes.
The FAQ below covers the practical questions.

If you're curious about anything else, please reach out. I read every submission, and I love knowing who's out there, dreaming about adventures like this.

Ready to book?
Reserve your place:

 


 

Some links and expedition recommendations on this site may earn me a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend trips and operators I genuinely stand behind.
Who is this trip for?

Any travelers who genuinely share the spirit of this voyage.

This trip is for people who travel to be changed by a place, not just to see it. Who find the natural world moving rather than merely scenic. People who want to see the northern ice and keep a hopeful eye out for polar wildlife with others with a shared spirit of understanding.
How physically demanding is this expedition?

Less than you might expect from the word "expedition." This is mindful adventure, not an endurance test. Shore landings involve uneven terrain and zodiac boarding, and some days will have longer hikes available for those who want them. But every activity has options, and nothing is mandatory.

The polar plunge (a dip in Arctic waters) is entirely optional, but genuinely exhilarating.

Some activities may not be suitable for people with certain heart conditions. If you have any health concerns, mention them when you reach out and we'll have an honest conversation.

The ship is your warm, beautifully designed base. You can always relax aboard.
What does "no fixed itinerary" actually mean?

It means the ship goes where conditions, wildlife, and curiosity lead— not where a pre-printed schedule says we should be.

Captain Sophie has been sailing this coastline for over a decade and knows when to push further north, when to anchor in a fjord for an extra afternoon, and when a polar bear sighting mandates changing plans entirely.

In practice this means every day is genuinely different and surprising. It also means I can't tell you exactly where we'll be on day six— and that's precisely the point.

If predictability is what you need from a trip, this probably isn't the right one.
Why is there no WiFi?

Because the Arctic deserves your full attention.

Selar's philosophy (and honestly, mine too) is that disconnection is part of the experience, not an inconvenience.

WiFi is available in a quiet area of the ship. The crew can also send telegrams on your behalf to loved ones. Beyond that, you're off the grid. Most people find this an unexpected gift of the trip.
What's included in the price?

Almost everything. The €20,350 per person covers all daily shore activities and guided excursions, kayaking, zodiacs, SUPs, snowshoes, fishing gear, three delicious meals a day, wine and beer with meals, hot drinks throughout the day, the Longyearbyen airport transfer, sauna, fitness room, and all onboard facilities.

What's not included: flights to and from Longyearbyen, and premium wines and spirits from the ship's cellar, which are available at an additional cost.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?

A 10% deposit secures your cabin at the time of booking. 30% is due 12 months before departure, and the remaining 60% is due 4 months before we sail.

You can cancel until 12 months before departure— no questions, full refund. This is a significant financial commitment and Selar has built the policy to reflect that.
What is the ship like?

The Captain Arctic is a 70-meter solar sailing ship built by Selar specifically for polar expedition travel.

It runs on 35-meter solar sails and clean electric propulsion— 90% less CO2 than conventional ships in the region.

It generates its own fresh water through reverse osmosis and operates a zero-waste policy at sea.

On board: a restaurant, lounge, bar, library, exploration room, fitness room, sauna, Norwegian cold tub, and outdoor decks. The interiors were designed by Franco-Swedish designer Joséphine Fossey with sustainable materials and a minimalist, considered aesthetic. It holds a maximum of 36 guests.
Who is Captain Sophie Galvagnon?

Sophie is the captain and CEO of Selar Expeditions, and she's been sailing the Arctic for over a decade. She designed and built the Captain Arctic out of frustration with conventional polar cruises that stuck to safe, pre-set itineraries and missed the essence of what real exploration feels like.

No fixed routes. A passionate crew. The spirit of genuine adventure.
I'm interested but not sure I can commit yet. What should I do?

Fill in the expedition interest form, or my general trip interest form if Svalbard 2027 isn't the right fit but you want to travel with me in the future.

There's no commitment involved in either. I'll reply personally with everything you need to make the decision, and you can take the time you need.

Cabins are going to people I hear from first. If this trip has been calling to you, now is the right time to say so.
I have a question that isn't answered here.

Email me: sarah [at] the-vagabondist.com. I love talking about this trip and I'll write back myself.