Spitsbergen: Magdalenefjord and Smeerenburg · May 2027
Traditional sailing, hands on
What makes the voyage of the Segelschoner Meander to the Arctic special?
From Longyearbyen to Liefdefjord in 10 nights - calling at Kongsfjord, Krossfjord, Magdalenefjord, Smeerenburg and 1 more stops. The exact itinerary is determined by the expedition team on the ground - flexibility is inherent to this voyage.
Spring in the Arctic: the pack ice retreats, wildlife stirs to life - one of the most intense nature experiences on earth.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
What is the route of the sailing voyage aboard the Segelschoner Meander to the Arctic?
10 nights from Longyearbyen to Liefdefjord, including Kongsfjord, Krossfjord, Magdalenefjord.
Longyearbyen
10 nights
Liefdefjord
Typical route (may vary with wind and weather):
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Longyearbyen · Embarkation
Longyearbyen on Svalbard is the world's northernmost town with a permanent civilian population (78° N). The former coal-mining settlement is today the gateway to the Arctic - dog sledding, winter aurora, midnight sun in summer and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
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Kongsfjord
Deeply cut fjord on the west coast of Svalbard, with the international research settlement of Ny-Ålesund on its southern shore. Three mighty glaciers meet at the head of the fjord, while Brünnich's guillemots nest on the surrounding cliffs.
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Krossfjord
Northward-running side arm of the Kongsfjord on the north-west coast of Svalbard. The 30-kilometre fjord ends at the calving face of the Lilliehöök Glacier, with thousands of black-legged kittiwakes nesting on the slopes.
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Magdalenefjord
On the north-western coast of Spitsbergen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, Magdalenefjord cuts eight kilometres inland. Steep mountains, several glacier tongues such as the Waggonwaybreen and a historic 17th-century whalers' burial site shape this classic port of call for Arctic expedition voyages.
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Smeerenburg (Spitsbergen)
On the island of Amsterdamøya in north-west Spitsbergen lie the remains of the former 17th-century Dutch whaling settlement of Smeerenburg. Blubber ovens and whale bones bear witness to the Arctic whaling boom of that era.
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Woodfjord
The Woodfjorden cuts deep into the northern coast of Spitsbergen's main island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Red Devonian sandstone cliffs, broad tundra plains and the Monaco Glacier define this Arctic landscape, where polar bears and walruses are frequently sighted.
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Liefdefjord · Disembarkation
Fjord in the north-west of Svalbard, dominated by the mighty Monaco Glacier, which calves into the sea along a five-kilometre face. Arctic foxes roam the slopes, and polar bears are often spotted on ice floes within the fjord.
The stops shown are options from which the captain will choose according to wind and weather. The route of a sailing voyage may change without giving rise to mutual claims.
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | -13 | -13 | -13 | -9 | -2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | -4 | -8 | -11 |
| Sea °C | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 20 | 23 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Svalbard (Longyearbyen)
What are the highlights of the sailing voyage aboard the Segelschoner Meander to the Arctic?
Highlights of this route: Longyearbyen · Kongsfjord · Krossfjord
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen on Svalbard is the world's northernmost town with a permanent civilian population (78° N).
Kongsfjord
Deeply cut fjord on the west coast of Svalbard, with the international research settlement of Ny-Ålesund on its southern shore.
Krossfjord
Northward-running side arm of the Kongsfjord on the north-west coast of Svalbard.
Magdalenefjord
On the north-western coast of Spitsbergen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, Magdalenefjord cuts eight kilometres inland.
Smeerenburg
On the island of Amsterdamøya in north-west Spitsbergen lie the remains of the former 17th-century Dutch whaling settlement of Smeerenburg.
Woodfjord
The Woodfjorden cuts deep into the northern coast of Spitsbergen's main island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
Destination
What does the Segelschoner Meander offer?
The Schooner Meander is a historic expedition ship with real character. Built in 1946 at a Hamburg shipyard and converted into a comfortable sailing ship in 1995, this two-masted staysail schooner with an ice-strengthened hull is specifically equipped for Arctic expeditions. Over her long career she has weathered storms of up to Beaufort force 11 in the Drake Passage.
Impressions of the Segelschoner Meander
What cabins does the Segelschoner Meander offer?
Standard
Cosy double cabin with a bunk bed and its own washbasin in the cabin. Two standard cabins each share a separate shower and WC.
Comfort
Double cabin with a private bathroom (shower and WC) as well as a washbasin. More privacy for discerning guests, with only two comfort cabins on board.
What does the deck plan of the Segelschoner Meander look like?
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Segelschoner Meander?
On board
- Cabin in booked category
- Full board
- Onboard program
- Port fees
Not included
- Travel to/from ship
- Shore excursions
- Beverages
- Gratuities and personal expenses
This voyage on other dates
Similar route, different departure
- 16.05.2027 – 26.05.2027 from € 6.195 view →
- 16.05.2027 – 26.05.2027 this page
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Segelschoner Meander to the Arctic?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 6.195 p.p.
How many guests sail on the Segelschoner Meander?
A maximum of 12 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time for a sailing voyage to the Arctic?
The best time to sail this route is June to August (midnight sun, open fjords).
