What lies beneath one of the most remote and least explored regions on Earth? While many expedition cruises showcase wildlife and landscapes above the Arctic waterline, Expedition Micro Cruise specialist Secret Atlas is increasingly contributing to our understanding of what exists below it.
During a recent Svalbard expedition with 12 guests onboard, marine scientist Dr Paige Maroni and subsea engineer Tim MacDonald joined Secret Atlas to deploy remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology to investigate Arctic seafloor ecosystems that have rarely, if ever, been surveyed. A 2026 honouree of The Explorers Club 50, Dr Maroni’s research has led to remarkable discoveries, including previously unidentified underwater species which can be seen in Secret Atlas’s exclusive film, Under the Arctic.
The unique Expedition Micro Cruise model makes this possible. Operating aboard MV Vikingfjord and MV Freya, ice-strengthened expedition vessels carrying just 12 guests, Secret Atlas can access remote fjords and rarely visited waterways that larger ships cannot reach, resulting in groundbreaking findings.
And unlike traditional research voyages, Secret Atlas integrates science directly into the guest experience. Scientists brief guests in the ship’s lounge before deployments while submersibles are launched and recovered from the deck. Footage from beneath the Arctic surface is reviewed and discussed live, allowing travellers to see scientific discovery as it happens and become among the first people in the world to witness these remote underwater habitats.
Michele D’Agostino, Secret Atlas Co-Founder said, “What makes our Expedition Micro Cruises different is that guests don’t just visit the Arctic, they become part of a journey of exploration and learning. Our scientists and expedition team work alongside guests throughout the voyage, sharing the realities of conducting research in one of the world’s most remote environments. By bringing travellers closer to the scientific process, we create a deeper connection to the Arctic and greater understanding of why polar research matters.”
Secret Atlas is offering guests the chance to join Dr Paige Maroni on an Expedition Micro Cruise to Greenland in September 2026 and gain behind-the-scenes insight into Arctic research while witnessing scientific discovery in real time.
