‘Unlike anywhere else on earth’: experiencing the magic of the Arctic with AE Expeditions

Partner Content Expedition cruise

Charlotte Cullinan

31 July 2026

From spotting polar bears to jumping into 3°C water and tucking into a BBQ in the High Arctic, a trip to Svalbard will be unlike anything your travellers have ever experienced. Here, James Atherton, AE Expeditions’ business development manager for the UK and Ireland, shares his highlights from a recent fam to the Arctic.

*James (left) explored the Arctic with a group of agents on a recent fam*

In June, I was lucky enough to host a week-long fam trip to the Arctic, with a small group of fantastic travel agents. We spent a week exploring Svalbard, and it was a truly incredible experience, reminding me why the Arctic is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Welcome to the Arctic

This year marks AE Expeditions’ 35th anniversary, and we’ve become known as pioneers of adventure travel. In the Arctic, this means our purpose-built expedition ships take your travellers into the heart of the destination. From Greenland to Svalbard and Iceland, the Arctic offers unparalleled encounters with the natural world at its most rugged and wild.

Our itinerary was just like the one your travellers would enjoy, and began in Longyearbyen. This tiny Norwegian metropolis is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited town, and we had time to visit the coal mining area, the Svalbard Museum and the famous Global Seed Vault.

*James (right) and the agents travelled onboard the Greg Mortimer*

We were travelling onboard our ship, the Greg Mortimer, which was purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. Our vessels are small enough to go where others simply can’t, and carry a maximum of 130 passengers on our polar expedition voyages.

Our expert team onboard really look after our travellers, and ensure everyone learns the essentials of expedition life. We were taught about biosecurity procedures and had safety briefings, and were all given our kit. AE Expeditions provides everyone with a complimentary polar expedition jacket, (which they keep), and we loan them insulated muck boots for the duration of the voyage.

Spotting wildlife in the Arctic

For many expeditioners, seeing the Arctic’s incredible wildlife is a huge selling point. On our first full day, a bearded seal hauled out on the ice and plenty of seabirds kept everyone entertained. On another, we spotted two polar bears amongst the ice. Over the course of the week we encountered walrus, seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seabirds and, perhaps most unexpectedly, a pod of around twenty beluga whales swimming alongside the ship. The expedition team explained just how special that sighting was, making the moment even more memorable.

One planned afternoon landing took an unexpected turn when a polar bear was spotted exactly where we were due to go ashore. In true expedition style, the team quickly adapted and put Plan B into action. Before long we were heading to an alternative site where we could choose between active hikes, moderate walks or a beachcomber option. As a Certified B Corporation, we believe adventure and responsibility go hand in hand, and offer big adventures that tread lightly. This was a great reminder that in the Arctic, nature always has the final say.

*The group spotted wildlife and scenery from the top deck*

The scenery is also guaranteed to be a highlight. Towering glaciers, snow-covered peaks, endless fjords and floating sea ice – it often felt as though every direction deserved its own postcard.

A choice of landings

I really appreciated the flexibility on our expedition, and it’s important to highlight this to travellers, as they get to choose their own adventure.

On day four we landed at Alicehamna in north-west Svalbard. Some were lucky enough to spot Arctic foxes and reindeer, while others enjoyed learning about the area's history, including a visit to an old trapper's hut weathered by decades of Arctic conditions.

The next day we visited St Jonsfjord, and chose between hiking options ashore and zodiac cruising. The landscapes were stunning, with glaciers and rugged mountains stretching in every direction.

*The group chose from a choice of adventures during landings*

With the sun shining brightly, excitement began building for one of the voyage's most anticipated traditions: the polar plunge. While the conditions looked deceptively warm, the water temperature sat at a brisk 3–4°C, making for a very refreshing experience!

Back onboard, everyone gathered on deck for the Arctic BBQ, enjoying good food, sunshine and spectacular scenery.

I loved that every landing was backed by fascinating stories from the expedition team. From abandoned trapper's huts to centuries-old whaling stations, Svalbard's history is woven into its landscapes. Understanding how people once survived here, and how conservation has transformed the region, added another layer to every place we visited.

Life onboard Greg Mortimer

*There are plenty of spaces to relax onboard*

Of course, the experience doesn't stop when you're back on the ship. We all enjoyed soaking in the jacuzzi while surrounded by ice, listening to expert lectures on photography, sea ice and Arctic wildlife, and visiting the bridge. We even had an inspiring presentation from Sue Stockdale, the first British woman to reach the North Pole.

Adventure with the experts

Looking back over the week, it's incredible to realise just how much we had experienced in only a few days. While the wildlife and scenery were unforgettable, what stood out most was the expedition team. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to adapt to whatever the Arctic presented made every day feel unique. The ship may have taken us to these extraordinary places, but it was the people guiding us through them who truly brought the experience to life.

The Arctic has a way of slowing you down, making you appreciate the wild places that still exist, and reminding you why travel can be so powerful. For me, that's the biggest reason to go. And I already know it won't be my last Arctic expedition.

Even more incentives to book

To help agents secure bookings, AE Expeditions is offering travellers up to 30% savings and up to £2,600pp air credit on selected Arctic, Antarctic and global voyages.

Plus, for every eligible AE Expeditions booking confirmed between 1 July and 31 August 2026, you'll receive a voucher for £100 per passenger. This incentive applies across the operator’s full range of expeditions and all future travel seasons, giving you even more opportunities to earn while helping your travellers discover the world's most remarkable destinations.

Book through your preferred tour operator or AE Expeditions, then email competitions.uk@auroraexpeditions.co.uk to claim your reward. T&Cs apply, see website for more details.