Secret Atlas, the expedition cruise operator specializing in small-ship polar voyages, has unveiled two new micro-cruises to East Greenland designed specifically for Northern Lights photography. The itineraries, limited to 12 guests each, will operate in the latter half of September 2025, a period when the aurora borealis is most active and the full moon provides ideal lighting conditions for long-exposure shots.
Intimate Expeditions Aboard Ice-Strengthened Vessels
The cruises will be conducted aboard the ice-strengthened vessels Freya and Vikingfjord, both capable of navigating deep into the narrow fjords of Scoresbysund, one of the world's largest and most remote fjord systems. This stable platform allows photographers to set up tripods and capture sharp, long-exposure images without the vibration common on larger ships. Departures are scheduled from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with a charter flight from Keflavik Airport to Constable Point in Scoresbysund.
Guests will receive hands-on, one-to-one photography tuition from renowned polar photographers Randy Hanna and Virgil Reglioni. Hanna will lead the September 21 and 28 departures, while Reglioni will guide the September 28 sailing. Both experts have extensive experience in Arctic conditions and will coach participants on composition, exposure settings, and post-processing techniques specific to aurora photography.
Pricing and Inclusions
The tour with Randy Hanna is priced from $13,400 per person, and the tour with Virgil Reglioni from $12,800 per person. Both packages include the charter flight from Keflavik to Constable Point, overnight hotel accommodation in Iceland, and a welcome dinner upon return. The itineraries also promise wildlife encounters with musk ox, Arctic foxes, and potentially polar bears and narwhals, adding a natural-history dimension to the photography focus.
Secret Atlas positions these micro-cruises as a premium, intimate alternative to larger expedition ships. The company has previously operated similar small-group voyages in Svalbard and Greenland, and this launch extends its portfolio into the autumn aurora season. For travel advisors, the product offers a high-value niche for clients seeking exclusive, expert-led experiences in remote destinations.
Bookings are now open. The limited capacity of 12 guests per departure means early reservation is recommended. For context, other operators such as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Atlas Ocean Voyages have also expanded into remote polar waters, but Secret Atlas differentiates itself through its micro-cruise model and dedicated photography focus.
This launch aligns with growing demand for experiential travel in the luxury segment, particularly among photographers and adventure travelers. The combination of a full moon, prime aurora season, and expert tuition creates a compelling proposition for agents targeting high-net-worth clients interested in polar exploration and visual storytelling.
For further details, travel professionals can contact Secret Atlas directly or visit their trade portal. The company has not yet announced future departures beyond September 2025, but the success of these initial voyages may lead to expanded programming in subsequent years.
