Svalbard Cruises
Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard distils the best of the Arctic into one remarkable archipelago. In high summer, largely ice-free coastlines reveal calving …
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What will I do off the ship on a Svalbard cruise?
- Zodiac cruising along the ice edge in search of wildlife both above and below water level
- Walking the tundra with expert guides to learn about Svalbard's flora, fauna and geology
- Exploring places of historical interest such as old whaling and trapping stations
- Pushing deep into the pack ice north of Svalbard, looking for the majestic ice bear
- Optional extras may include kayaking in peace through the ice, and the polar plunge
Our most popular Svalbard cruises
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
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
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
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
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
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
For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…
- 10 Days
- $14,420
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
Circumnavigate the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, cruising as far as 80° North to reach the edge of the pack ice. This voyage includes an impressive eight days of off-ship exploring, with ample opportunities to spot remarkable Arctic wildlife…
- 10 Days
- $6,971
For guests seeking a seamless, luxury, all-inclusive Svalbard travel experience, this is the ideal option. Travelling aboard an outstanding expedition ship with a choice of dining options and very well appointed suites, spend six full days exploring Svalbard’s spectacular coastline…
- 10 Days
- $16,400
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
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
- $10,828
Spring travel in Svalbard is a real treat, particularly on board a 12-guest micro ship. Revel in being one of the earliest visitors with the whole archipelago largely to yourselves. Explore iced fjords, a landscape still shrouded in snow, and…
- 8-10 Days
- $12,500
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 Days
- $18,695
An intimate summer expedition circumnavigating Spitsbergen on a 12-guest micro ship. Feel connection to nature, with a sense of solitude and scale, which is harder to find on larger ships. Explore rarely-visited islands, glaciers and the polar desert in search…
- 12 Days
- $21,500
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…
- 15 Days
- $14,081
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of two 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
- $12,090
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
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend seven…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
If you’re looking for an in-depth Svalbard voyage to optimise wildlife encounters and provide a really immersive experience, while not wanting the budget to run away from you, this is a good option. What this cosy 128-guest ship may not…
- 11 Days
- $7,849
This extraordinarily varied two-centre combination Arctic voyage not only consistently overdelivers, but it's also sensibly priced for all you will experience. Travelling onboard an elegant, sturdy older ship, any shortcomings it may have in the luxury amenities department are more…
- 15 Days
- $9,949
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
What our customers think of Svalbard cruises
Top landing sites on Svalbard
Monacobreen
Monacobreen sits right at the head of Liefdefjorden and is one of Svalbard’s most memorable glacier fronts. Named after the Duke of Monaco, its broad wall of blue ice regularly calves with a spectacular and thunderous impact.
It is an excellent spot for rare gulls like ivory and Sabine’s gulls, which glide over the floes or rest on the ice.
When conditions allow, Zodiac cruising among the bergy bits is magical, with crackling ice, shifting colours and close-up views of the glacier face.
The combination of wildlife, serenity and explosive drama captures the essence of an Arctic expedition.
A zodiac cruises beside Monaco glacier
Alkefjellet
Alkefjellet is one of Svalbard’s most exhilarating wildlife spectacles. Sheer dolerite cliffs rise straight from the water, hosting more than 100,000 Brünnich’s guillemots packed onto narrow ledges.
From a Zodiac or kayak, you drift beneath a living wall of birds, surrounded by constant calls and the rush of wings.
Arctic foxes sometimes appear along the shoreline, adding tension as they wait for fallen chicks or eggs.
The scale, noise and energy make Alkefjellet an unforgettable highlight of any expedition.
The cliffs at Alkefjellet
Phippsoya
One of the northernmost islands of the Svalbard archipelago, at a latitude of 81° north of the equatorial plane, Phippsoya is only 540 nautical miles from the North Pole.
Due to its proximity to the permanent pack ice, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar bear sightings and has certainly lived up to expectation over the years.
Whether you’re fortunate with bear sightings or not, navigating through heavy ice is a thrilling experience and you really do get a sense of being off the map.
Being so northerly it’s worth noting that access to Phippsoya can’t be guaranteed, even during the summer months, particularly earlier in the season (May to early July).
Phippsoya, Spitsbergen
Swoop says
When you're travelling by ice-strengthened ship with a flexible itinerary to make the most of local ice and wildlife conditions, expedition cruising couldn’t be more different to a traditional cruise.
Bourbonhamna
Bourbonhamna goes by many names, including Bamsebu (‘Teddy Bear Hut’) and Fleur de Lys Hamna.
Well known for beluga whales which can often be sighted transiting the narrow sound, it’s a stunning setting and a popular landing site.
While the massive piles of beluga whale bones often capture people’s attention, an old hunting cabin and other historic artefacts make for interesting diversions as you walk the tundra.
It's also a good place to see reindeer which often inhabit the area in good numbers.
Piles of whale bones at Bourbonhamna
Poolepynten
Poolepynten is a prime location in Svalbard for spotting walrus colonies. It's a low-lying gravel headland, located on the sheltered east side of Prins Karls Forland.
After landing here on the beach, your expert guides will lead quiet walks to observe walrus colonies from a safe distance – an ideal photographic opportunity.
Walruses were hunted to near extinction on Svalbard until they gained protected status in 1952, after which males began returning to places like Poolepynten where the population grew.
Polar bears can sometimes be seen here scavenging dead walrus.
Walrus colony
Ny-Ålesund
The is the world’s northernmost permanent civilian settlement. It started life as a coal mining town in 1916. The mine operated until 1963 but was closed after an explosion killed 21 miners.
The place is now an international Arctic research station which is home to scientists from around the world. They are involved in studies including atmospheric science and pollution, glaciology and marine ecosystems.
A landing here usually includes a visit the museum, post office, and also to the airship mast to which Roald Amundsen tethered his craft for his 1926 North Pole expedition.
Post Office at Ny-Alesund
Plan your trip to Svalbard
Svalbard 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 …
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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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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 Landing Sites: FAQs
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How much time do passengers actually spend ashore during a Svalbard cruise?
Typically most landings will last approximately 1 to 2 hours, but there are a number of variables which will influence this, including the nature of the landing site, the weather and each ship’s style of exploring.
Tip: For visitors looking to maximise their time on land, we recommend considering the smallest Svalbard micro ships which can spend up to 7 to 8 hours a day off ship.
Plus the small number of guests affords a level of spontaneity, and the chance of a third outing, that larger ships simply aren’t able to.
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Are shore excursions included?
Yes, they are. Shore excursions, or ‘landings’ as they’re typically called, are the backbone of your Svalbard cruise and you can expect to go ashore at least once a day for 1 to 2 hours.
You'll visit a place of historic interest, enjoy a hike, gain elevation to appreciate the awesome landscape and also to look out for wildlife opportunities (typically reindeer, walrus and Arctic fox).
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Are there zodiacs?
Yes, zodiacs – the inflatable rubber boats which carry approx 10-12 guests – play a critical role in every Svalbard cruise, by ‘uber-ing’ guests between the ship and shore, and doing ‘zodiac cruises’ where you explore the surrounding area with your driver-guide, looking for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings.
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Does the itinerary guarantee particular destinations?
Typically not. Due to the dynamic variables of ice and weather in particular, a key feature of any Svalbard expedition cruise is the need to adapt to the ever changing local conditions, so ships are careful not to overcommit to particular destinations.
The good news in Svalbard is that there are so many different places, and distances aren’t vast, so if conditions change, there are always multiple alternative options close by (which may prove to be even better than Plan A).
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In Svalbard, are there historians, naturalists or Indigenous cultural experts onboard?
Yes, all of the above are onboard and are part of the Expedition Team. And these experts - each a specialist in their own particular field – are the backbone of the ship’s team, as they are your accompanying guides, interpreters and presenters.
While each expedition team is different, and the individuals rotate around, you can definitely expect there to be a polar historian, glaciologist, local community guide, ornithologist and cetacean specialist on your voyage.
Expedition teams are each led by an Expedition Leader and there are typically between 13-30 guides in an expedition team, depending on the size of the ship and number of guests.
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How much does ice/weather affect the route?
Yes, very much so. Ice and weather conditions are THE most significant two influences on the ultimate route your voyage will take. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will be in constant communication, assessing the shifting conditions.
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Will a smaller ship provide better wildlife viewing and landings?
Yes, we think so. In our experience, smaller ships have a higher chance of better wildlife sightings because:
- Relative to a larger ship they are quieter through the water and less likely to disturb the skittish Arctic wildlife
- The scale of larger ships can make wildlife sightings harder: you're higher up and therefore further from the wildlife (although elevation can also be an advantage, depending on how far away the wildlife is), and it takes longer to access the outer viewing decks when wildlife is spotted
- Choosing a larger ship doesn’t necessarily come with correspondingly larger outer decks which are capable of accommodating everyone when wildlife is spotted; smaller ships typically give everyone ample space so there’s no jockeying for a good view when that polar bear finals shows
When it comes to landings, this is where having fewer guests on board carries a distinct advantage as it means:
- Getting everyone off the ship at the beginning of a shore excursion takes much less time, and avoids precious time wasted (and frustrations) waiting to get ashore
- And less time spent ferrying everyone to and then back from a landing translates into having more time to spend on land, which in our book can mean a more satisfying overall experience by not feeling rushed and having the time you need
- Fewer people combined with a high guide-to-guest ratio also means that the group sizes once you get on land will be smaller, and you’ll have more opportunity for 1-2-1 time with the experts.
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Are polar bears a danger to Svalbard cruise passengers? How are passengers protected when going ashore?
As an apex predator, polar bears need to be taken seriously when travelling in Svalbard, but with safety being a primary consideration on every Svalbard cruise, and strict adherence to protocols, they don’t pose a danger to cruise passengers.
In January 2025, Svalbard introduced a minimum distance of 500 metres (1,640 feet) to polar bears, reducing to 300 metres on July 1st each year, and this law is strictly enforced. So it's only in very exceptional circumstances that polar bears pose any threat. Plus, the elevation and dynamic of an expedition ship means they’re a very safe environment in which to explore polar bear country.
On a landing excursion, before any guests go ashore, the expedition team will undertake a careful scout of the surrounding area for any bears. During the landing excursion, ‘bear guards’ will also be posted at high points to keep a close eye. As a precaution, members of the expedition team accompanying passengers on land will carry a rifle, as well as ‘bear bangers’ which are used in the first instance as a deterrent.
Ready 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.
