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 …
Discover More
Five reasons to choose an expedition ship in Svalbard
- 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
- Typically, the price point is more competitive on these older, more characterful ships, so they should appeal to the wallets of those looking for good value
- If you don’t need hot tubs, saunas or gourmet food, the pared-back offering on these ships feels homely and more than well-appointed
- Svalbard takes centre stage when sailing on these expedition ships, with fewer onboard distractions compared to their fancier counterparts
- 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
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 Arctic Sales Specialist
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.
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, 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
- $4,800
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
- $6,250
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
- $4,800
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
- 12 Days
- $9,390
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife…
- 9 Days
- $6,990
Beginning deep inside the High Arctic and finishing in subarctic Iceland, we like this voyage for its diversity, sense of journey and extended time exploring East Greenland. Zodiac cruising among towering icebergs, glimpsing the Northern Lights and tracking musk oxen…
- 20 Days
- $10,000
Ortelius in Svalbard
Ortelius' observation lounge
Out on the Plancius' deck
The Plancius' observation lounge
Expedition ship in the Arctic
Expedition's Clipper Club Bar
M/S Quest
The bow of the MS Quest
Panorama lounge on M/S Quest
Planning guide to expedition ships
What to consider when choosing an expedition ship
Watching for wildlife from the deck
- 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
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 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 …
Discover More
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 …
Discover More
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 …
Discover MoreReady to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.