EMBARK on an unparalleled journey with Kosher Travelers aboard the world’s only all-kosher expedition ship. EXPERIENCE the ultimate ARCTIC expedition aboard the M/V Sea Spirit, guided by OUR distinguished team of award-winning experts.
Since its discovery by the Dutch in 1596, Svalbard has stood as a benchmark for extreme adventure and extraordinary wildlife, attracting explorers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
From the mighty polar bear, the world’s largest land predator to massive walrus with impressive tusks, and whales roaming the vast Arctic oceans, this is a land of giants unlike any other, where every encounter feels both rare and powerful.
Everything here is truly unique: the sun never sets during our stay, bathing the landscape in continuous light; snow can fall even at the height of summer; and ancient glaciers are constantly carving and reshaping the dramatic fjords, creating a raw and ever-changing Arctic wilderness.
Watch this video: M/v Sea Spirit video tour – Poseidon Expeditions polar cruise ship (youtube.com)
With over 50 years of combined experience across various industries, David and Chana Walles achieved their dream of Aliyah in 2008 by acquiring the established Eddie’s Travel & Tourism Ltd. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, they each hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management. This tourism power couple is dedicated to making kosher travel both enjoyable and high quality, ensuring Jewish travellers do not have to compromise on their vacation or lifestyle. David and Chana are committed to perfecting every detail of your trip and are excited to personally host you on this expedition.
The M/V Sea Spirit carries 109 guests and 72 crew, with Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilisers for a smoother sailing, an Open Bridge policy so you can visit the Captain and officers, and public spaces including a Club Lounge, Bistro, Library, Gym and Presentation Lounge.
A complimentary photography programme runs throughout the voyage. An expert expedition photographer leads onboard masterclasses and guides you during landings, and at the end of the journey you receive a professionally curated slideshow plus a selection of images to keep.
The world’s largest land predator, males reaching 1,500 pounds and females around 700 pounds. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt and survive, and Svalbard is considered one of the best places in the world to see them. Where possible, the Zodiacs are lowered for a closer view.
These enormous marine mammals can weigh over 2,000 pounds and feed mainly on clams, taking as many as 4,000 in a single dive using powerful suction. Their tusks are used in combat with other males, as a defence against polar bears, and to help them climb onto sea ice.
A small, hardy survivor of Svalbard’s harsh conditions, with the most insulating fur in the animal kingdom. Landings are planned at favourite beaches where Arctic foxes den beneath the bird cliffs, feeding their pups.
Svalbard is home to millions of birds that migrate here to mate and raise their young, including little auks, seagulls, kittiwakes, barnacle geese, Arctic terns, red throated loons and puffins.
Yes. All flights to Longyearbyen operate via Norway, usually connecting through Oslo or Tromso. Kosher Travelers provides recommendations for where to stay, eat and pray in Oslo, guidance on which flight to book, and a Zoom “meet the group” session before sailing.
From late May through early September, with June and July the peak season for the midnight sun, ideal sea ice conditions and the best chances of spotting whales and polar bears.
Yes. Cover must include travel to the polar regions, with evacuation and repatriation cover to a minimum of $200,000 per person. Cancellation, health and luggage cover is strongly encouraged too.
As early as possible. Cabin categories are limited, and booking ahead gives the best chance of your preferred suite and dates.
Yes, the M/V Sea Spirit has Wi-Fi included in the cruise package.
Yes. The supportive, inclusive atmosphere on board makes it easy to meet like-minded travellers and form lasting friendships.
Arctic summer temperatures average around +10C/50F, ranging from +2C to +18C. The ship’s cabins are kept at a constant, comfortable 22C.
Up in the high Arctic is a magical wonderland, filled with exotic wildlife and landscapes.!
Since its discovery by the Dutch in 1596, Svalbard has stood as a benchmark for extreme adventure and extraordinary wildlife, attracting explorers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
From the mighty polar bear, the world’s largest land predator to massive walrus with impressive tusks, and whales roaming the vast Arctic oceans, this is a land of giants unlike any other, where every encounter feels both rare and powerful.
Everything here is truly unique: the sun never sets during our stay, bathing the landscape in continuous light; snow can fall even at the height of summer; and ancient glaciers are constantly carving and reshaping the dramatic fjords, creating a raw and ever-changing Arctic wilderness.
ARCTIC EXPEDITION – SVALBARD & THE POLAR ICE EDGE
DAY 1 | LONGYEARBYEN – PRIVATE EMBARKATION
Arrive in the enchanting Arctic outpost of Longyearbyen before boarding the refined M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and begin your journey beneath the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun.
DAYS 2–9 | EXPLORING THE HIGH ARCTIC
An extraordinary voyage through the untouched wilderness of Svalbard:
DAY 10 | LONGYEARBYEN – DISEMBARKATION
Conclude your expedition with a seamless transfer following breakfast, departing with unforgettable memories of the High Arctic.
Not included
All prices are per person in a double cabin
If guest cancels their reservation the following cancellation fees apply:
We have been going to the Hacienda Forest-view Hotel with Kosher Travelers for the past 6 years. It is the perfect place for a family getaway. The central lawn, which allows for parents to keep an eye out for even the youngest of kids, provides a great space to run free, including during meal times, letting the parents sit back and enjoy their meal. The play areas include mini-golf, ping pong, a huge chessboard, a well-stocked kids club, the pool with plenty of shady areas and comfy chairs, a spa so the adults can remember they are adults, and top-notch location for trips and activities, highlight just some of the first-rate amenities the hotel offers. Our extended family, from Israel, New Jersey, and Florida, ranging from 6 to over 70, all have the right combination of rest and activities to choose from. The food, rooms, and service are all top rate, and when combined with Eddie’s Kosher Travel’s program of activities, I highly recommend the Hacienda Forest-view Hotel for your next family vacation so that you actually feel like you are on vacation. Forest-view Hotel for your next family vacation so that you actually feel like you are on vacation.
Dear David;
I just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazingly wonderful India tour. Your ability to weave together a trip of eye-opening interest, educational intrigue and adventurous expedition is unique and distinctive. Your attention to detail, administrative and organizational prowess and logistical coordination made the excursion as flawless as it was fabulous.
Your vigilance and professionalism are greatly appreciated and graciously accepted.
We hope to, once again, join you in the future for yet another Kosher Travelers exploit.
Johnny Krug, India Jan 2023
On behalf of Effie and myself and Chaim and Leslie and family and Yaakov and Shanna and family— many many thanks for a beautiful Yom Tov!
You truly are an amazing host and hostess! You care about your guests’ experience and we felt your warmth and genuine concern the entire time!
You are not afraid of feedback–which shows how committed you are to providing the ultimate Yom Tov!
We had a fantastic time!
It is depressing to read about how many programs run out of food, matzah, had too many guests, and a variety of other complaints. Kudos to you for making sure we were not lacking anything!!
We never felt like there wouldn’t be enough–the tea room was constantly being refilled–the food in the dining room was constantly being refilled–the desserts were over the top delicious and plentiful– there was matzah–there was everything we needed for the seder! There were so many delicious dishes and meats and salads and fish! This takes a lot of work and organization and planning to get everything you need to the hotel and more!
We thank you for that! We even had omelets the day we left–this is the gold standard!!
We save all year for this treat and to take the kids for an incredible vacation and you made it superb!
The hotel staff could not have been nicer—they did an amazing job keeping the hotel pristine!
Yashar Koach for arranging such a fabulous Pesach and letting us stay for an incredible bonus Shabbos! The icing on the cake!
Wishing you both Hatzlachah Rabbah and may Hashem shower you with tons of brachos and nachas!
This week’s JPOST article “Celebrity style on the Baltic seas” (September 25) struck a familiar chord, since we too have recently returned from a pampering Mediterranean cruise.
However, we sailed on a cruise operated by Kosher Travelers, with gourmet kosher cuisine, alongside daily prayer minyanim and shiurim, a proper Shabbat atmosphere, and excursions on shore with outstanding Jewish
content.
For the religious traveler, this facilitates the finest form – intellectually, culturally and spiritually – of high-end tourism.
For more information see www.koshertravelers.com
We enjoyed the Mediterranean tour so much that we already booked another cruise next summer to the Baltics!
Hi David and Chana. I don’t underestimate the huge (understatement!) amount of work that goes into making sure things look smooth on the surface of an event like this. You are both consummate pros and we have huge respect for your professionalism. Your kids are a true credit to you, especially Ariel who we dealt with the most. He has inherited your calm veneer and can-do approach to any challenge thrown his way. Nothing flusters him – he is polite and charming at all times, and his calm is contagious, even when challenges do inevitably pop up. Thank you for making Pesach so special for mum and our family. We made beautiful, precious memories together, which we will look back on for years to come.
Shabat shalom to you all back in Rhodes. ❤️
We have been spending many wonderful Pesach Chagim vacations with Kosher Travelers and our experience at Ramat Rachel for Pesach 2019 was excellent. The location in Jerusalem was ideal for touring both north and south, of course, within the city. The rooms were spacious and comfortable with panoramic views of the hills of Jerusalem. The food was good and plentiful. The tefillot and learning sessions were excellent. The athletic facilities and pool were exceptional. Our children enjoyed the gym and pool very much and the family had an excellent Pesach.
This really was the best Pesach program [The Elysium, Rhodes] we have ever been to and we were extremely appreciative of everything.
David & Chana, Shelley, Yossi, Dina, Ariel and all at Team Kosher Travelers!
As we approach our first Shabbos after Rhodes, our nearly 30 BA’H family members are looking around for our monster table on the PR level and can’t quite understand why the spread of delicacies isn’t quite what it was this time last week. Or the week before…
It’s therefore an appropriate time to thank you all for the most positive, relaxing, fun filled and meaningful holiday we have ever experienced as a family.
From start to finish, it has been an absolute pleasure to deal with you all. The logistics of our booking were not the easiest and, throughout, you helped find solutions that made things work.
We were overwhelmed when we arrived and equally overwhelmed when we reluctantly left! The attention to detail was unparalleled throughout; the location was beautiful and the class with which you all operated was something hugely impressive.
We chose Pesach to celebrate a momentous occasion in Sue & Alfred’s lives and you helped us fulfil that celebration in style and love. And for that and a fabulous 12 days and nights, we will be forever grateful to you all.
Keep doing what you do and with the usual smiles on your faces; it is a unique and superb example to your industry.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and with love and thanks always
I was also at Kosher Travelers in Rhodes. Great program. David and Chana Walles came over to each of us personally and introduced themselves on first day- they were extremely welcoming and accommodating. Food great and plentiful. Staff amazing. Good camp and entertainment. Beautiful hotel with nice grounds and stunning trails in the area. Very well organized luxury program. I would definitely book with Kosher Travelers again.
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