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 and fjords reveal …
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What will I do on a Svalbard cruise?
Typically two off-ship excursions a day are arranged, lasting around two to three hours each, subject to ice conditions and wildlife sightings which are influencing factors.
- Zodiac cruising along the glaciers edge searching for wildlife
- Walking the tundra learning about Svalbard's flora and fauna
- Going ashore to explore old whaling and trapping stations
- Pushing deep into the pack ice looking for the ice bear
- Optional extras may include kayaking in peace through the ice, snorkelling and diving for the brave, and the polar plunge.
Introductory Svalbard voyages
As the name suggests these shorter trips (6-10 days) offer an excellent introduction to the Svalbard, with daily off-ship excursions and good opportunities for wildlife sightings.
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
- $4,500
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
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
- $6,000
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
- $13,895
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
- $6,890
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
- $6,290
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
- $5,495
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
- $7,895
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
- $4,312
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
- $12,869
In-depth Svalbard voyages
These longer trips (11-13 days) not only improve your chances of wildlife sightings, but the later departures also offer the opportunity to do a full circumnavigate of Spitsbergen.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $18,695
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
- $12,471
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
- $11,790
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…
- 11 Days
- $7,267
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
- $9,290
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
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 charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
- 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
- $6,374
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
- $8,999
Set sail on this in-depth exploration of Svalbard aboard a state-of-the-art super yacht. No other trip combines such comfort with so many days exploring this Arctic archipelago. Wildlife sightings, and your chance of seeing polar bears, will be maximised by…
- 13 Days
- -
Svalbard landing sites - Swoop Arctic
Top landing sites on Svalbard
Monacobreen
Monacobreen sits at the head of Liefdefjorden and is one of Svalbard’s most memorable glacier fronts. Named for the Duke of Monaco, its broad wall of blue ice regularly calves with 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.
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.
Phippsoya
One of the northernmost islands of the Svalbard archipelago, at a latitude of 81° degrees 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 - early July).
Phippsoya, Spitsbergen
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 inhabit the area in good numbers.
Plan your trip
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
Svalbard is geographically closer to the North Pole than to Norway. Surprising then, that getting there is quite so straightforward, with regular flights from Norway to …
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Spitsbergen & Longyearbyen
The largest and only permanently populated of Svalbard’s islands, Spitsbergen is where all the activity and life happens. The beating heart of Spitsbergen itself is the town of …
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Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.
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.
