ABOUT THE TRIP
Our ship is designed for a human-scale experience, fostering group cohesion with the crew and offering genuine immersion in the Arctic environment.Being just 36 passengers allows everyone to go ashore simultaneously (no rotation system), so we can explore the Arctic for an average of 6 hours per day.To balance adventure and comfort, the ship has private cabins as well as communal spaces and open access to exterior decks, providing everyone with sufficient space.
Every season offers unique wonders. The choice will depend on your preferences and expectations; the main experiences of each expedition, specific to the season, are detailed in the expedition descriptions. Our experts are available to help you choose the expedition of your dreams by phone (or email).
The best time to see the Northern Lights is in winter, during our expeditions in northern Norway from November to February, when the polar night is very present. There are no polar bears here, but we will search for whales and orcas.Polar bears can be seen in Svalbard and Greenland on our expeditions to these regions from March to October.
The stay is all-inclusive. This covers activities and associated equipment, guides, meals, and even wine and beer with meals.You won't need your bank card onboard, except for special requests like wine à la carte or champagne from our cellar.Transportation (flights, trains, buses) is not included, but airport-port transfers are covered by Selar. Our partner travel agency can help you organize this part.
Our motto is "no set itineraries." The special feature of our expeditions is that the route adapts to the elements, the weather conditions, the passengers' desires, and real-time tips on wildlife presence. This flexibility allows us to live the true adventure.
Teens aged 12 and over can travel with Selar.We believe that the expeditions are not suitable for younger children, and there is no dedicated crew to supervise them.However, feel free to contact us to discuss this further, especially for private charters.Please note that some expeditions may be reserved for adults only, which will be specified in the expedition description.
We do our best to maximize our chances, and our field experts are trained for this, but nature remains sovereign, and we cannot force the elements. Nevertheless, the probabilities are high on each of our journeys.
Most expeditions are open to everyone, as exploration is above all a mindset. However, some expeditions are more thematic (ski touring or swimming with orcas) and may require good physical condition and a certain level of skiing ability. This will be specified in the expedition description. However, the advantage of being only 36 passengers is that we can form groups by level and be flexible to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
The coldest temperatures occur during the polar winter in Svalbard, with an average maximum temperature of -15°C (thanks to the Gulf Stream, which gives the archipelago a milder climate than other regions at the same latitude).During other seasons, the minimum is around -10°C and the maximum around +15°C. Our experts will advise you on the proper gear, and the ship can always provide extra equipment in case of need.Also, our flexibility allows us to bring you back on board or shorten an outing for those who feel too cold and need a hot chocolate in our lounge!
Our ship is large and wide (70 meters long / 14 meters wide) and equipped with a keel and anti-roll fins for increased stability. It is rare for guests to experience seasickness. If it happens, we have equipment to help alleviate it. Additionally, having a flexible itinerary allows us to avoid bad weather as much as possible.
Local regulations and our company policy do not allow any pets on board.
Our voyages are suitable for both French and English speakers. In the case of private charters or groups with multiple cabins, we can provide guides who speak another language upon request.
Not necessarily! Some unusual dinners will be part of your expedition. Remember, every day is unique!
Usual meal times are:Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.Lunch: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner: 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.However, these times may vary depending on the day’s adventures and wildlife observations! The crew will always inform you in advance.Meals are served in large communal tables, allowing interaction with expedition leaders, scientists, and artists onboard.
There are 4 guides for each expedition. This makes it possible to create groups of different levels or desires each day, and to maintain a very exclusive and personalized experience.
We work as much as possible with local partners. While fresh produce is limited in these regions, we've developed methods for food preservation and transformation to ensure ethical, high-quality, and flavorful dining.
The water onboard is drinkable, so bring your reusable bottles to refill at the various fountains!
Yes, the cabins and the entire ship are heated with a recycled wood boiler.
Cabins can be configured with either a double bed or two single beds, depending on your choice. Each cabin is designed for two people. If you wish to travel alone, please contact us to arrange cabin privatization.
The ship is equipped for Wi-Fi, but our concept is to offer the luxury of disconnection. The adventure cannot reach its full immersive and disconnecting potential with internet access. We provide a messaging service, like telegrams, so you can stay in touch with loved ones, and we have an emergency line if needed. However, we intentionally do not offer internet access outside of this framework. Digital detox is part of the concept. Feel free to contact us for particular demands.
The ship is equipped with European outlets (220V / 50Hz). Please bring an adapter if your devices require different power.
Smoking is not allowed inside the ship. A designated smoking area with an ashtray is located on the sail deck. We are particularly vigilant and preventive due to fire risk. The purity of the areas we visit and the isolation also create an ideal environment for those looking to quit smoking.
GEAR
Expedition descriptions provide some guidelines, and our experts will give you advice before the trip to help you pack.
Most cameras are resistant to the cold, but we recommend bringing a spare battery when going ashore. However, we encourage you to enjoy the moment and the observations through your own eyes rather than through a screen. Our photographer guides will capture these unique moments for you, and you'll receive them digitally at the end of the trip.
GETTING THERE
Flights are not included, but we can guide you to suitable airlines or our partner agencies. Some destinations can also be reached by train, boat, or bus if you have the time.
No worries! Our guides will know your flight times and meet you directly at the arrival airport to transfer you to the ship. Transfers are included.
SUSTAINABILITY
Selar offers sustainable expeditions because:The ship is close to zero emissions, using renewable energy.The ship is silent, which minimizes impact on marine wildlife.The ship releases no polluting waste.The ship is not an icebreaker and does not damage the ice.Selar funds scientific programs and pollution cleanup efforts, providing a greater purpose beyond tourism.With only 36 passengers, wildlife observation is controlled and non-intrusive.The small group size also helps preserve the local flora from trampling.
ADMIN
You have two options:
- Pay 100% at the time of booking.
- Pay a 40% deposit when booking, with the remaining 60% balance due 4 months before the expedition departure date.
You can cancel free of charge up to one year before the departure date.
If the client cancels between 1 year and 4 months before the departure, the 40% deposit will not be refunded.
If the client cancels less than 4 months before departure, 100% of the expedition cost will be charged.
Our ship is ideal for private charters with family or friends! This option allows for unparalleled customization in these regions according to your desires, interests, and expectations. Don't hesitate to contact us.