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 …
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Five reasons to choose a micro ship in Svalbard
- Travelling with only 12 people feels like you’re on your own private ship and allows for a greater degree of personalisation around your interests than on a larger vessel
- With so few fellow travellers on board, a micro ship is perfect if you're looking for an intimate Svalbard experience exploring alongside like-minded people
- As getting 12 people off the ship is much quicker than 100+, you benefit from greater spontaneity and the ability to quickly react and maximise opportunities
- Micro ships excel at helping you spend as much time off the vessel as possible – up to 6+ hours a day – which is ideal for those wanting more time on land
- A shallower draught and permission to access landing sites with a limit of only 39 people mean micro ships are able to access places larger vessels can't
Swoop says
These micro ships are particularly well suited to photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who value a flexible itinerary, the ability to react quickly to opportunities, and extended time on land.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our top cruises on micro ships
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
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
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional micro expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and…
- 9 Days
- $9,690
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
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
Join a 12-guest micro cruise to explore Scoresbysund in autumn. Witness the Northern Lights illuminating the fjords and discover a wild, pristine landscape on hikes across the autumnal tundra. Spot iconic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares, and…
- 9 Days
- $18,995
Embark on this epic fly and cruise 11- or 12-day expedition into the wildest, least visited corner of Greenland, which combines the labyrinthine Scoresbysund fjord system with the vast Northeast Greenland National Park. By day, navigate spectacular fjords and pass…
- 11-12 Days
- $21,995
MS Sjøveien's bow
MS Sjøveien's dining area
MS Stockholm's bow
MS Stockholm's dining room
Balto in the Arctic
Balto's lounge
Balto's bar area
Explorer navigates the ice
Explorer's Lounge
MV Freya parked in Arctic ice
The Lounge – a place to gather with fellow explorers and crew
The saloon-style dining room and bar
Vikingfjord in Svalbard
Observation lounge – a perfect spot to relax after a zodiac excursion
Dining room with clean, Sandi-styling
On-deck hot tub with fantastic views
Planning guide to micro ships
What to consider when choosing a micro ship
Looking out from the bridge on M/S Stockholm
- With capacity for only 12 guests, these ships canfill up quickly, so you'll need to book ahead to secure your preferred dates and cabin category
- With their polished brass and lovingly maintained wooden features, each of these ships has great character and an appealing and convivial atmosphere on board
- Typically, there’s a choice of 2-5 different cabin categories to choose from, and a range of comfort levels across different vessels
- For all their benefits, micro ships have certain limitations. Specifically, cabins don’t have balconies like on more modern, larger ships; kayaking isn’t typically offered as an optional activity; and you'll need to bring your own parka jacket
- While these micro ships offer good value for money, they aren’t the lowest priced because of the small number of people on board to cover the operating costs
- These older ships typically travel at lower average cruising speeds than their larger, more modern competitors, but in Svalbard, where distances between places of interest are typically fairly short, this isn’t a disadvantage
Who do micro ships suit?
From experience, we know that micro ships particularly appeal to:
- Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate the extended time on land and the spontaneity of a micro ship to quickly be able to respond to and maximise wildlife sightings
- Anyone who enjoys the heightened intimacy, conviviality and more personalised overall experience of travelling as part of a small group
What our customers think of Svalbard Micro Ships
Discover more about Svalbard
Svalbard Expedition Ships
The great allure of expedition ships lies in their original working roots, classic lines, no-frills style and authenticity. Travelling on one is an experience in its own right. …
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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 …
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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 …
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.