5 reasons to choose an in-depth cruise to Svalbard

  1. It's a simple equation: the more time you can spend in a place, the greater the wildlife-spotting opportunities. Arctic wildlife is generally shy, so patience is necessary
  2. You not only get to experience more and different landing sites, but can also access remoter parts of Svalbard to the far north and east
  3. Having additional time will help you to get under the skin of this unique archipelago, leading to a richer and ultimately more immersive overall experience
  4. For photographers, it's all about maximising time on the ground and the different light conditions – these in-depth cruises deliver both in spades
  5. You can pick an in-depth cruise that circumnavigates Svalbard's Spitsbergen island, as the eastern side is different and there’s a wonderful symmetry to any circular journey

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

If you can spare the time and budget, especially if you're a wildlife enthusiast or photographer, a longer, more in-depth cruise to Svalbard is, hands down, the right one for you to invest in.

Nardus Erasmus Polar Consultant

Our best in-depth cruises to Svalbard

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

North Svalbard Sailing Expedition

Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…

  • 8 or 11 Days
  • $4,200
Svalbard Wildlife In-Depth

Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…

  • 14 or 15 Days
  • $15,088
Into the Polar Bear’s Realm

This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…

  • 10, 11 or 12 Days
  • $8,451
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…

  • 11 or 12 Days
  • $16,795
Extended Svalbard Adventurer

Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…

  • 15 Days
  • $23,495
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
Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

With first-hand knowledge of in-depth cruises to Svalbard, we’ll help you choose the right itinerary, ship and departure date to extend your time. From spotting wildlife to navigating logistics, we remove all the confusion out of booking – so you can focus solely on simply enjoying your Arctic adventure.

Planning your in-depth trip to Svalbard

How much does an 11-14 day Svalbard cruise cost?

Naturally, longer Svalbard cruises of 11 to 14 days typically cost more than the shorter introductory trips, as the price reflects the additional time on board.

Indicative prices for these in-depth voyages generally range from around $10,000 to $18,000 or more per person, based on sharing a twin cabin.

In-Depth Svalbard Cruises

When and how can I cruise to Svalbard?

These extended cruises of 11-14 days in length usually operate between June and August.

For itineraries that aim to circumnavigate Spitsbergen – the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago – departures tend to start in early July, when there’s a better chance that the eastern waters of the Hinlopen Strait are free of ice.

Because in-depth trips to Svalbard are longer and more specialised, there are fewer departure dates and ships available compared to shorter cruises. This means that early booking is highly recommended, helping to make sure we can arrange the best cabin for you on the most suitable vessel. 

The X-Bow ship Ocean Victory in polar waters

An X-Bow ship in polar waters

Who should choose an 11-14 day cruise to Svalbard?

An extended cruise to Svalbard is ideal for: 

  • Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to increase the chances of impromptu animal sightings
  • Photographers seeking more time and opportunities to capture the scenery
  • Those who want to fully experience Svalbard’s varied terrain at a slower pace
In-Depth Svalbard Cruises

Bear sightings can happen anywhere in Svalbard

All our in-depth Svalbard cruises

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

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
Extended Svalbard Adventurer

Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…

  • 15 Days
  • $23,495
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…

  • 11 or 12 Days
  • $16,795
Into the Polar Bear’s Realm

This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…

  • 10, 11 or 12 Days
  • $8,451
Svalbard Wildlife In-Depth

Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…

  • 14 or 15 Days
  • $15,088
North Svalbard Sailing Expedition

Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…

  • 8 or 11 Days
  • $4,200

Discover more about Svalbard cruises

Svalbard Landing Sites

Svalbard Landing Sites

Expedition cruising is all about active exploration - trekking the arctic tundra, watching for wildlife, studying Svalbard’s history or sailing through sea ice, and accompanied …

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Svalbard Ships

The X-Bow ship Ocean Victory in polar waters

In the absence of hotels and infrastructure once you depart Longyearbyen, an expedition ship offers the best means to explore Svalbard's ragged coastline, while acting as both your…

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Svalbard in Summer

A walrus sits on a beach in the Arctic

Svalbard's summer months of June and July are characterised by a frenzy of wildlife activity as every creature capitalises on this narrow window of time. The receding ice also …

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Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

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