Svalbard Wildlife
At the height of summer when wildlife populations and activity are peaking on Svalbard, there are few other parts of the Arctic which offer the same combination of easy access and …
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Five reasons to choose an introductory cruise to Svalbard
- These shorter voyages offer a perfectly well-rounded introduction to this archipelago's rich wildlife, landscapes and history
- Our introductory trips give plenty of bang for your buck while delivering the high notes. Particularly as distances are short, which optimises your time to explore
- Our customers regularly cite how an introductory trip gave them broad exposure to the different sides of Svalbard, especially during the twice-daily guided off-ship excursions
- A big drawcard of these introductory Svalbard cruises is their shorter length, perfect if you're restricted on time
- These trips also offer the widest choice of both ship and departure dates, so it's easier to find exactly the right one
Our most popular introductory Svalbard voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $8,590
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
- $11,590
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
Experience the Arctic’s legendary wildlife aboard an intimate micro expedition ship, amidst a pristine backdrop of calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With an unmatched sense of ‘expedition’ and a deeper connection to nature, you build your own adventure, searching for…
- 10 Days
- $17,500
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
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…
- 11 Days
- $6,000
For a stellar introduction to all Svalbard has to offer, travel on board a modern X-Bow ship with a maximum of just 130 guests while accompanied by one of the best expedition teams in the business. Complimentary charter flights and…
- 8 Days
- $14,895
May is springtime in Svalbard and for those travellers looking for pristine, fairytale snowy landscapes, icy fjords and a world – and wildlife – re-awakening after the long winter slumber, it’s a magical time. Travelling onboard a small ship with…
- 9 Days
- $7,690
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
- 8 Days
- $5,527
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
- 8 Days
- $6,049
Guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience ,and travelling onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship, this short eight-day voyage is ideal for the Arctic traveller who is looking for…
- 11 Days
- $18,352
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
- 9 Days
- $7,975
For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…
- 8 Days
- $10,911
Swoop says
For a first-time visit to Svalbard without breaking the bank, these 7-10 day introductory cruises are ideal.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Photograph walrus haul-outs
Polar bears explore Svalbard
Cruising through the ice
Walk alongside Svalbard's historical relics
A shore landing at Blomstrandbreen
Witness reindeer close-up
Hike in scenic surrounds
Zodiacs glide around the ice
Exploring a landing site in Svalbard
Ice in the water
Hiking in Kongsbreen
Cruise next to glaciers
Planning your introductory trip to Svalbard
How much does a 7-10 day Svalbard cruise cost?
Our shorter trips are priced between USD $7,500 to $15,000+ per person, based on sharing a twin cabin. They're some of the most affordable ways to explore the Arctic by ship.
Explore frozen shores
When and how can I cruise to Svalbard?
Trips operate in the main Arctic season between May and August. As the most popular length of Svalbard cruises, our introductory voyages have the widest selection of ships and departure dates.
You can select between a variety of vessels. From small, expedition-style yachts to more luxurious options, there’s a ship for every traveller.
A walrus haul-out
Who should choose a 7-10 day cruise to Svalbard?
This type of Arctic cruise is ideal for:
- First-time visitors to Svalbard looking for a complete but shorter experience
- Budget-conscious travellers who want to explore Svalbard without committing to a longer itinerary
- Time-limited adventurers with just a week or so to spare
Bear sightings can happen anywhere in Svalbard
Swoop says
A 7–10 day Svalbard cruise is the perfect way to experience it all: long enough to get under the skin of the Arctic, but short enough to fit into a busy schedule. Having travelled this route ourselves, we’ll help you choose the itinerary that gets you closest to the action.
Explore longer cruises to Svalbard
Discover more about Svalbard cruises
Getting to Svalbard
In spite of Svalbard being geographically closer to the North Pole than to Norway, it's surprisingly straightforward to get there. There are regular daily scheduled flights between…
Discover MoreSvalbard Ship Guide
In the absence of hotels, exploring Svalbard by ship provides unparalleled access to the archipelago's remote coastlines and icy fjords. Due to its popularity, Svalbard offers the …
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.
