5 reasons to choose an expedition ship in Svalbard

  1. For the authenticity and romance of travelling as the earlier explorers did aboard a traditional working ship, now lovingly converted. Expect fine lines, polished brass and classic wood features that evoke a begone era
  2. Typically, the price point is more competitive on these older, more characterful ships, so they should appeal to the wallets of those on a budget
  3. If you don’t need hot tubs, saunas or gourmet food, the pared-back offering on these vessels feels fantastically refreshing
  4. Svalbard takes centre stage when sailing on these expedition ships with fewer onboard distractions compared to their fancier counterparts
  5. With more opportunities for shared dining and the chance of spending longer time on land, there’s a real sense of camaraderie on board these vessels

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

From their working roots to their rich history, sailing on an expedition ship feels like a genuine privilege – and one that adds more depth and a real sense of adventure to your overall enjoyment of Svalbard.

Nardus Erasmus Polar Consultant

Our top cruises on expedition ships

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Kingdom of the Ice Bear

Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsoya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,450
Svalbard In-Depth

Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…

  • 10 Days
  • $6,943
Svalbard Basecamp Adventure

Using the ship as your comfortable ‘basecamp’ and travelling slower to enable more time for exploring each location – on foot, by kayak and through the lens of your camera – this is an ideal trip for the active traveller seeking quality…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,450
Svalbard Explorer

Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of three small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…

  • 12 Days
  • $8,790
Quest for the Ice Bear

Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard a choice of three truly exceptional small expedition ships. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about…

  • 9 Days
  • $6,990

Planning guide to expedition ships

What to consider when choosing an expedition ship

Svalbard Expedition Ships
  • One standout feature we appreciate on these traditional ships is their capacious outer decks – perfect for wildlife spotting and ensuring everyone has space when something special is sighted
  • Cabins are comfortable, well-appointed and have en suites, but you won’t find step-out balconies or floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. That said, the outer deck is just steps away and offers the same views – and then some
  • Cabins on these older vessels tend to be a little smaller than on their modern counterparts, but this does vary from ship to ship
  • Like many vessels in Svalbard, expedition ships offer kayaking and / or paddling as optional activities, a rewarding way to explore 
  • These expedition ships often attract a younger crowd than the luxury and X-Bow options, attracted by the stripped-back style, keen price points and strong sense of onboard camaraderie

Who do expedition ships suit?

Out on the Plancius' deck in the Arctic

Out on the Plancius' deck

These ships have universal appeal and work well for almost anyone, but they’re especially ideal for:

  • Travellers seeking an authentic ship full of character and charm over the more modern, cookie-cutter-style vessels
  • Guests who don't want to pay for amenities they won't use and are happy with a no-frills, fairly priced offering
  • Budget-conscious explorers looking to experience Svalbard without breaking the bank

Discover more about Svalbard

Svalbard Micro Ships

Svalbard Micro Ships

These gutsy little 12-guest micro ships are perfect for exploring Svalbard’s waters. They’re also ideal for travellers seeking an intimate, highly personalised experience with …

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Svalbard Luxury Ships

Whether luxury for you means exceptional service, world-class dining, top-tier guides, an extensive wine list or relaxing spa treatments, these ships have you covered. With …

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The National Geographic Endurance in Iceland

Svalbard X-Bow Ships

First introduced to Svalbard in 2019, these futuristic X-Bow ships with their state-of-the-art technology, exceptional stability, comfortably appointed cabins and generous …

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When to visit Svalbard

When to visit Svalbard

While Svalbard may be an almost year round destination, the changing weather, number of daylight hours, amount of ice and snow conditions through the year all have a marked effect …

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Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?

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Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.