MS Virgo
Svalbard
MS Virgo – Small 12-Guest Expedition Ship in Svalbard
MS Virgo is a 12-guest expedition ship operating in Svalbard. Built in 1976, she previously served as a buoy‑laying vessel for the Swedish Maritime Authority before being acquired and fully rebuilt for Arctic photo expeditions in 2021-2022.
The refit was shaped by the WildPhoto team’s many years of experience leading photography tours in Arctic waters, including adaptations for operation in low temperatures. MS Virgo is now fully equipped for photo expeditions in Svalbard from mid‑March to mid‑October.
Choose MS Virgo for your next Svalbard photo expedition – a comfortable small expedition vessel designed for photographers!
Why Choose aSmall-Group Expedition Ship
- Travel together with only 12 guests onboard
- More space and better opportunities for photographers
- More flexibility regarding timing and light
Highlights
MS Virgo is a specialised expedition vessel designed for small groups of up to 12 guests in Svalbard. With upgraded and newly built cabins, a modern lounge, and an improved ventilation system, she offers a high standard of comfort.
Combined with her ice-strengthened hull, powerful engines, and experienced crew, these features allow access to remote parts of the archipelago, including the pack ice.
Below, you can learn more about the key advantages of travelling on MS Virgo.
Ice class
Exploring the Pack Ice
- Ice‑strengthened hull (Ice Class B) for safe navigation
- Powerful engine for navigating pack ice and ice floes
- Low decks on both sides for close‑to‑water wildlife photography
- It is possible to walk around the outer deck, which is ideal for photography
2 Zodiacs
Getting Low and Close
- Plenty of space for photography – maximum 6 guests in each Zodiac
- Skilled drivers experienced in wildlife‑friendly positioning
- Excellent opportunities for low‑angle wildlife photography
9 cabins
Comfort and Privacy
- All cabins newly built or refitted in 2022
- Private en‑suite bathrooms in all cabins
- Air quality control for temperature adjustment
- Four 220V European 2‑pin power sockets
- Mirror, hairdryer, toiletries, and towels
- Rubber boots and flotation suit (stored in the mud room)
Lounge
Observation and Social Space
- Spacious lounge with panoramic windows on Deck 2
- Ideal for wildlife observation, lectures, and presentations
- Tables with power sockets.
- Quick access to the outer deck when photographic opportunities appear.
Dining
Fresh meals onboard
- Three delicious meals are served daily in the dining room on Deck 1
- Breakfast is buffet-style, while lunch and dinner combine buffet service with plated dishes
- Meal times are flexible, allowing us to focus on wildlife encounters and photography
- Dietary requirements can be accommodated
