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+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip
+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip
Small Expedition Ship

MV Vikingfjord

MV Vikingfjord
MV Vikingfjord
MV Vikingfjord
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MV Vikingfjord

Highlights

  • Small expedition yacht: Carrying just 12 guests, MV Vikingfjord offers a highly personalised experience. Its compact size allows access to narrow fjords, remote landing sites and areas inaccessible to larger expedition vessels.

  • Exceptional guiding team: Expeditions are led by experienced polar guides with backgrounds in marine biology, glaciology and Arctic history. Their insight transforms sightings and landscapes into a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the region.

  • Access to East Greenland: Operates in Scoresbysund and Northeast Greenland National Park, where vast fjord systems, drifting icebergs and isolated Inuit settlements create a powerful sense of scale, remoteness and genuine exploration.

  • In-depth Svalbard exploration: Its range and agility allow flexible routing throughout the Svalbard archipelago, seeking out pack ice, polar bears, walrus haul-outs and rarely visited stretches of coastline far from conventional routes.

  • Comfortable and informal atmosphere: Interiors are warm and welcoming, with comfortable cabins, excellent expedition-style dining and inviting communal spaces. The atmosphere remains relaxed, sociable and firmly focused on the shared experience.

  • Flexible expedition approach: Without rigid schedules, the captain and expedition leader adjust plans continuously in response to wildlife, ice conditions and weather, maximising opportunities for rewarding landings, Zodiac excursions and wildlife encounters.

MV Vikingfjord

Features

  • Constructed: Originally built in 1978 as a Norwegian fishing vessel, MV Vikingfjord has been extensively refitted as a purpose-built expedition yacht, combining proven seakeeping capability with comfortable guest accommodation.

  • Capacity: Accommodates just 12 guests in six cabins, creating an unusually intimate atmosphere and allowing flexible expedition planning, quieter landings and access to remote locations beyond the reach of larger vessels.

  • Guides: Expeditions are led by experienced polar specialists, often with backgrounds in marine biology, glaciology or Arctic history, providing thoughtful interpretation and meaningful context throughout each journey.

  • Crew: Operated by a professional maritime crew and expedition team who prioritise safety, flexibility and guest experience, while maintaining the informal and welcoming character of a privately chartered yacht.

  • Speed: Cruises at approximately 10 knots, allowing efficient passage between regions while maintaining the flexibility to adjust plans in response to wildlife sightings, ice conditions and weather.

  • Ice Class: Built with a reinforced hull suitable for Arctic pack ice conditions, enabling exploration of remote fjords, ice edges and polar environments during the navigable expedition season.

  • Size: Measuring approximately 41 metres in length, Vikingfjord offers excellent stability and manoeuvrability, allowing access to narrow fjords, shallow anchorages and remote landing sites.

  • Dining: Meals are freshly prepared on board and served in an informal communal setting, with hearty, expedition-style cuisine designed to sustain guests during active days exploring ashore.

  • Leisure: Features a traditional wood-fired sauna and outdoor hot tub, offering a restorative way to relax after landings, alongside comfortable indoor lounge areas for briefings and relaxation.

  • Low-impact expedition capability: Its small size reduces environmental impact and landing footprint, allowing responsible exploration of sensitive polar environments while enhancing the overall expedition experience.

Country Highlights

Svalbard

Svalbard

During June and July, MV Vikingfjord operates extensively throughout the Svalbard archipelago, taking advantage of long daylight hours and favourable sea ice conditions. This is the optimal period to explore deep into the fjords and along the shifting ice edge, where polar bears hunt and roam. Walrus haul out along remote shores, while reindeer graze the tundra and Arctic foxes patrol the coastline. Seabird colonies fill the cliffs with movement and sound, and whales, including beluga and minke, are regularly encountered in these cold, productive waters.

Eastern Greenland

East Greenland

During August, MV Vikingfjord typically operates in East Greenland, exploring the vast fjord systems of Scoresbysund and the remote coastline of the Northeast Greenland National Park. Ice conditions allow deeper access into this immense and rarely visited landscape, where towering icebergs drift through silent fjords and glaciers spill into the sea. Musk oxen and Arctic hare roam the tundra, while whales are often seen feeding in sheltered waters. The scale, isolation and shifting light create a powerful sense of true Arctic exploration.

Northern Norway

Lofoten Islands

During May and September, MV Vikingfjord explores the dramatic coastline of Northern Norway, including the islands and fjords of Troms, Senja and the Lofoten archipelago. In May, snow still clings to the mountains, creating striking contrasts with emerging greenery and returning seabirds. By September, early autumn colours soften the landscapes, and wildlife activity intensifies ahead of winter. Sea eagles patrol the coastline, whales are sometimes encountered offshore, and small fishing communities offer insight into life along this remote and beautiful stretch of coast.

Country Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Good to know

What are the cabin options on the MV Vikingfjord?

  • Signature Suite (1 cabin): The most spacious accommodation on board, located on the upper deck with excellent natural light and elevated views. Features a double bed, ensuite bathroom, desk and generous storage.

  • Signature Double (1 cabin): A well-appointed cabin with a fixed double bed, ensuite shower room, window, desk and storage. Ideal for couples seeking comfort and privacy within a compact expedition yacht.

  • Signature Twin (3 cabins): Flexible twin-bedded cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom, window or porthole, desk and storage. Well suited to friends or family travelling together on expedition.

  • Signature Single (1 cabin): Designed for solo travellers, this cabin features a single bed, ensuite bathroom, window or porthole and storage. Compact, comfortable and private between daily excursions.

  • Total guest capacity (6 cabins, 12 guests): The limited number of cabins ensures a highly personalised atmosphere, greater flexibility and access to remote areas beyond the reach of larger expedition vessels.

Are children welcome?

  • Children welcome: Families are welcome on board, with children typically aged ten and above best suited to the expedition environment and active daily exploration.

  • Best for older children: The experience is ideal for curious, engaged young travellers, particularly teenagers with an interest in wildlife, photography or remote landscapes.

  • No dedicated children’s facilities: Life on board centres on exploration, Zodiac landings and wildlife encounters, rather than structured children’s entertainment.

Sustainable travel

  • Low-emissions engine technology: Vikingfjord is fitted with a modern engine and advanced NOx filtration system, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 95% compared to conventional marine engines operating in polar regions.

  • Very small guest capacity: Carrying just 12 guests significantly reduces environmental impact, limiting fuel consumption, minimising wildlife disturbance and ensuring a much lighter footprint when operating in fragile Arctic ecosystems.

  • No heavy fuel oils used: The vessel operates on standard marine diesel rather than heavy fuel oil, reducing the risk of severe environmental damage and lowering overall pollutant emissions in sensitive polar waters.

  • Strict adherence to AECO guidelines: All expeditions follow the environmental standards set by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, ensuring responsible wildlife viewing, controlled landings and careful protection of vulnerable habitats.

  • Supports scientific research and conservation: Vikingfjord regularly participates in scientific initiatives and conservation projects, hosting researchers and contributing to environmental monitoring and a deeper understanding of polar ecosystems.

  • Expedition-led sustainability approach: Its small size allows more precise navigation, fewer landings per site and greater operational flexibility, helping minimise environmental impact while delivering a more thoughtful and responsible expedition experience.

Why we love the Vikingfjord

If you want to be the envy of every other passenger when they see your small ship moored up in a bay that theirs can’t reach, if you want that true expedition feel without sacrificing too many creature comforts and if you want an intimate environment then it’s really hard to look past the Vikingfjord. It’s especially good for full charters or family take overs.

Caroline 130 round
Caroline Maber

Head of Department

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
MV Vikingfjord

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UK: +44 207 384 2332
US: +1 800 409 4233
Caroline Maber
Karen Chapman