Tell us about your company:
Selar is reinventing polar exploration with a new model of sustainable expedition cruising. Co-founded by Arctic captain and ice specialist Sophie Galvagnon, we offer an alternative to traditional cruise ships—smaller, more sustainable, and designed for true adventure.
Our innovative sailing ship, powered by wind and solar energy, carries only 36 passengers, creating an intimate, low-impact experience in the Arctic. Focusing on disconnection on board, we foster deep human connection and a total immersion in the wilderness.
Selar is not about observation from a distance—it’s about being part of the expedition, close to the crew. Whether it’s ski touring in remote fjords, freediving under the ice, or meeting polar bears, we push the boundaries of exploration.
More than just a voyage, Selar is a call to adventure—for those who seek the raw beauty of the world’s last frontiers.
What are your unique selling points?
Selar is not a traditional expedition cruise—it’s a new breed of adventure travel.
1. A low carbon expedition: Our 70m ship is powered by wind and solar energy, drastically reducing emissions (90% less than other ships of the region), and embrace the elements for a near-silent, low-carbon experience.
2. Fewer people, bigger experiences: We take only 36 passengers, ensuring personalized, immersive journeys—far from the “small” expedition ships carrying 100+ guests.
3. Outdoor adventure: This is not a scenic cruise—it’s an expedition with no set itinerary. We follow the elements and the fauna, offering low carbon activities every day : guests can ski-tour untouched slopes, kayak through ice fields, freedive under the Arctic sky, or bivouac on the ice.
4. Disconnection for full connection: We believe in the luxury of presence. By cutting digital distractions, we create space for meaningful encounters and strong bonds—between guests, guides, and the landscapes.
5. New conscious and understated luxury: The interiors have been designed by a franco-Swedish designer and art curator, who has created refined sanctuaries, with a focus on sustainable materials. Nothing is standardized- lots of furniture are vintage, bringing an added soul to the ship. The spaces have been thoughtfully designed to foster moments of connection..
Selar is not about ticking destinations off a list—it’s about experiencing them, fully.
What is your most popular itinerary/destination?
“Rise of the White Kingdom” was the first expedition to sell out—and for good reason. Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Svalbard. As the Arctic awakens, wildlife stirs: polar bears, walruses, the ice cap shifting beneath the endless sky. And all of it bathed in soft pink and orange hues, a dream for photography lovers.
While most Arctic cruises focus on passive wildlife watching, we take a different approach. Guests don’t just observe the ice from a ship—they step into it. This means: kayaking or paddleboarding in total silence, hiking across frozen landscapes, discovering ice caves, trying Nordic skiing and pulka like the early explorers—or even braving a polar plunge. Everyone can spend up to six hours ashore per day.
With only 36 passengers, we move nimbly, adapting to nature’s rhythm rather than imposing our own. Stripped of unnecessary luxuries, the real indulgence is feeling fully alive in one of the most extreme, untamed landscapes on Earth.
This is Arctic exploration as it was meant to be.
What is new for 2025/26?
In 2025, we’re pushing Arctic adventure further with ambassador-led expeditions featuring Arthur Guérin, Loury Lag, and Caroline Côté—three explorers redefining the limits of exploration.
• Arthur Guérin, world champion free diver, will lead guests into cold-water immersion in the Norwegian fjords, breathwork, and the rare chance to swim alongside orcas—an experience like no other.
• Loury Lag, extreme explorer, will challenge guests with a 48-hour survival expedition in Svalbard, testing resilience, self-sufficiency, and adaptation to the Arctic wilderness.
• Caroline Côté, endurance athlete and polar explorer, will introduce guests to exploration training in Svalbard—a softer yet deeply immersive initiation into Arctic adventure.
We are proud to partner with some of the boldest explorers of our time—our North Stars—who embody our vision of adventure and connection to nature. A unique opportunity to push your limits alongside them.
Sophie Galvagnon, CEO
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