Como is taking its wellness-centric brand of hospitality to the high seas with the debut of its first cruise – an Arctic expedition led by an Emmy-nominated photographer. Olivia Palamountain reports

Como Hotels and Resorts is launching an 11-day Arctic expedition to the Svalbard Archipelago, combining wildlife encounters with wellness experiences aboard a converted Norwegian weather ship.

The journey, setting sail on July 30, 2025, has been developed in partnership with Natural World Safaris and will be led by Emmy-nominated director and National Geographic photographer Andy Mann.

The expedition begins in the Norwegian town of Longyearbyen where guests will board the M/S Polarfront, a ship housing eight suites with large portholes and en-suite bathrooms, plus a sauna and hot tub for use during calmer seas. The programme includes spotting polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer in their natural habitat, plus zodiac safaris led by expedition guides.

Guests will also have the chance to listen to experts delivering lectures and workshops covering photography, wildlife, sustainability, and Arctic culture and history.Como is also bringing its signature brand of wellness and cuisine to the Arctic cruise, with an onboard Como Shambhala therapist providing treatments and a menu featuring East-West fusion cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

The expedition aims to provide what Como describes as "unrivalled access" to one of the world's most remote regions, featuring fjords and snow-covered islands.