EVENT: CLIA EXPEDITION SUMMIT

WHERE: LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD, ARCTIC

WHEN: 16^th-20^th JULY 2025

An epic 4 days in Svalbard, where we visited not 1, but 6 expedition ships!

Below is a summary of each ship:

1. Sylvia Earle (AE Expeditions) £££

‘Small ships-big adventures’

• X-Bow design
• 130 guests
• Expedition team ration of 1:7
• B-Corp & carbon neutral
• Onboard Science-centre
• Full board Plus
• 2 dining options, 2 bars, heated outdoor pool, 2 jacuzzis, gym & sauna.
• Complimentary Star Link Wifi.

Winter: Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, Costa Rica, Patagonia

Summer: Svalbard, Greenland, Scotland, Iceland, Norway

Part of the renowned Aurora Expeditions, AE Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian-owned company founded by Greg Mortimer. AE Expeditions is deeply committed to environmentally responsible travel. They are 100% climate-neutral and certified B-Corp.

We loved the design of this expedition ship. It had a real Australian feel with calming colours throughout, a real comfortable home from home. There are plenty of places to relax onboard…we loved the large outdoor spaces to maximise wildlife viewing from all angles. There are good solo options on AE expeditions too…10 cabins per sailing with no solo supplement! A wonderful range of activities…scuba diving, skiing and snorkelling in Antarctica.

2. Ocean Albatros (Albatros Expeditions) ££

• X-Bow design
• 199 guests
• Hydraulic Viewing platforms on the bow-these were a little bit special!
• Full board Plus
• Triple cabins and single cabins available
• Full board Plus
• All excursions included
• 2 dining options, gym & sauna, hot tub.

Winter: Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia

Summer: Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland

This ship has the same hull as Sylvia Earle, with its X-bow.  It has a Scandinavian design throughout. All excursions are included, which is a lovely touch. This has a slightly slower price-point...if you are travelling solo, you could share a triple cabin with others, to help keep the cost down. Albatros focuses on the Polar Regions. This ship was on a private charter in Svalbard when we visited!  Albatros has an onboard lecture programme and a citizen science programme is in development. We felt very at home on this ship! Albatros & Polar Latitudes are soon joining forces.

3. Swan Hellenic's SH Diana ££+

'See what others don't'

• Relaxed luxury-boutique yacht style expedition ship.

• Beautiful cabins & design

• 192ppl

• All-Inclusive & Wi-Fi

• Citizen Science Programme

• Unusual Destinations

• All-Inclusive 

• 3 restaurants & room service

• SPA & beauty salon & gym

• Outdoor heated infinity pool

Winter: Antarctica

Summer: Arctic

Wow! SH Diana has more of a private yacht feel, she is absolutely beautiful. If you want to sail to faraway destinations in style, and be on an all-inclusive board-this is the ship for you!  The cabins are wonderful-calming neutral tones and textures, floor to ceiling windows & lovely touches with an espresso machine and snacks...I loved how the cabins had holographic fire places. Imagine lying in bed with your freshly brewed coffee, the curtains are open-you're sailing past giant icebergs and there's a warm glow from the fireplace. Where do I sign up!

The all-inclusive package also includes 24hr room service, beverages, shore excursions, expedition gear & wi-fi. 

Swan Hellenic don't just visit the polar regions! They have lots of wonderfully curated itineraries, including-The Seychelles, The West Coast of Africa, The Amazon.

4. Ponant's Le Lyrial £££

• Luxurious Design (glass, metal, soft furnishings)

• Refined French Elegance

• 244ppl

• Full Board & beverages. 24hr room service.

• Panoramic Views

• Zodiac excursions included

• 2 restaurants & 2 lounges/bars

• Guest speakers

• Hammam, hair salon, fitness studio, outdoor pool

Winter: Antarctica

Summer: Arctic

Visit the most extraordinary places on Earth, without sacrificing comfort or style! If you are into fine-dining and gourmet cuisine, Ponant Explorations is your perfect fit.  Sustainability is at the heart of Ponant's values. All services are conducted in both French & English.