Greg Mortimer
With a futuristic design set to redefine expedition cruising, the Greg Mortimer is purpose built for an average of 132 guests to travel through the ice in comfort.
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Things to consider
Choosing the right ship to travel aboard is a key decision when planning your Svalbard adventure. To help you get started, here are a few key tips on what to consider:
- To be guaranteed the best chance of bear sightings you need to choose a ship capable of muscling into the pack ice, the true realm of the polar bear. Pick a ship with a high ice rating
- Few people pay attention to a ship's draft, but it can make a real difference in Svalbard as ships with shallower drafts will be able to access areas others can't.
- Quieter ships often get good wildlife sightings compared to noisier ones as Arctic wildlife tend to be skittish
- Kayaking is a fantastic optional add-on which gets rave reviews, but its not offered by all Svalbard ships, so choose carefully
Swoop says
Whether you're heading north to catch of glimpse of the ice bear, experience the pack ice or to sail Svalbard's sheltered waters, there's a wide enough choice of ship to suit every kind of traveller.
Svalbard comfort & adventure ships
These spacious expedition vessels offer a wider range of cabin options – with top-tier accommodation often featuring private balconies – and place more emphasis on hotel-style service. You’ll still enjoy daily landings and plenty of adventure along the way.
M/S Quest
Purpose built to navigate ice-choked waters of Greenland this brilliant little ship makes and incredible platform for her 50 passengers to explore the Arctic from.
Discover MorePlancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 116 guests.
Discover MoreSea Spirit
A purpose built expedition ship with elegant style and spacious cabins for her 114 guests to travel in style.
Discover MoreOrtelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard won reputation for navigating some of the Polar region's most challenging waters carrying just 108 guests.
Discover MoreExpedition
Renovated in 2017, this compact and traditionally styled ship offers a cosy home-from-home feel for your Antarctic expedition.
Discover MoreOcean Explorer
Specially engineered for polar expeditions, this refined 138-passenger ship combines innovative design with state-of-the-art technology.
Discover MoreSylvia Earle
This state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, she similarly boasts stylish lines …
Discover MoreUltramarine
Elegant lines, contemporary styling, onboard helicopters, spacious balconied cabins and a wide range of adventure activities; this ship is Ultra by name and ultra by nature. …
Discover MoreHondius
Hondius is custom-made for polar exploration and carries up to 170 guests in a range of cabins. Large deck space for viewing and comfortable observation loungers plus the …
Discover MoreOcean Albatros
The modern Ocean Albatros offers spacious cabins and inviting communal areas, creating a comfortable home base for your Arctic adventure.
Discover MoreSH Diana
SH Diana lends a modern edge to relaxed elegance – perfect for travellers who value style and comfort without fuss.
Discover MoreSH Vega
Effortlessly stylish with a laidback Scandinavian feel, this 152-passenger expedition ship offers contemporary boutique charm.
Discover MoreRoald Amundsen
Potential could be this ship's middle name. Few can compete with it's ability to traverse the full Northwest Passage and carry out landings with specialist guides.
Discover MoreMS Fram
Fully refurbished for the 2020 season, the MS Fram combines advanced technology with a wide choice of cabins, green credentials, and a new Science Centre.
Discover MoreExploris One
Renowned for its intimate size, high comfort level and expeditionary credentials, Exploris One's reputation is well earned.
Discover MoreLuxury
Right at the pinnacle of luxury, these super-yacht-style ships offer impeccable service and all the high-end amenities you’d expect. Yet despite the elegance, you’ll still be bundling up for daily off-ship adventures as you explore the icy reaches of the north.
National Geographic Resolution
Purpose-built for polar exploration, this slick European-designed ship combines an ice-strengthened hull with cutting-edge X-Bow technology.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Endurance
Constructed in Europe and purpose-designed for polar travel, this modern ship features an advanced X-Bow stabilising design and an ice-strengthened hull.
Discover MoreSilver Cloud
After a multi-million dollar refit in 2017 this luxury vessel has become the last word in luxury for 296 adventurers, with fine dining and butler service to boot.
Discover MoreSilver Endeavour
Built in Germany in 2019, Silver Endeavour ushers in a new era of mega-yacht-style expedition cruising.
Discover MoreLe Commandant Charcot
Travel in luxurious surroundings on board this purpose built ice breaker. Designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel while maximising the expedition approach.
Discover MoreLe Boreal, Le Soleal and L'Austral
Purpose built expedition ships with state of the art luxury and 5* service for their 264 guests traveling in serious comfort.
Discover MoreSilver Wind
A refined choice for travellers seeking comfort and adventure, this 274-passenger ship was carefully refitted for polar exploration in 2021.
Discover MoreMicro ships
These hardy vessels, often former research ships, are built for reaching the most remote corners of the map. Life on board often prioritises function, with a no-nonsense style that gives the vessel plenty of character. Yet the real highlight are the landings – that’s where expeditions on these ships truly come to life.
Polarfront
Recently refurbished to a very high standard the 12 passengers will find a hot tub and sauna to enhance their Arctic experience.
Discover MoreM/S Sjøveien
Wooden decks, spacious cabins, a wood fired hot tub and amazing food, this 12 passenger ship has everything you could need during an expedition through the ice.
Discover MoreM/S Stockholm
With cabins for just 12 passengers this incredibly tough little ship was built for navigating Svalbard's icy waters and has spent over 20 years doing just that.
Discover MoreBalto
Refurbished in 2025, Balto blends relaxed luxury with rugged polar capabilities. It carries just 12 guests in exceptional comfort.
Discover MoreExplorer
Originally built as an oceanographic research vessel, Explorer is an A1 ice-class polar yacht designed for easy navigation through high seas and pack ice.
Discover MoreSailing
Gliding almost silently through Arctic waters is a rare and unforgettable experience, and this schooner gives you the chance to do just that.
Rembrandt van Rijn
A beautiful three-masted schooner evoking a bygone era when sail power ruled the waves, with comfortable cabins for 33.
Discover MoreA selection of our favourite Svalbard trips
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
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
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…
- 12 Days
- $16,795
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsoya, 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
- $4,450
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 Svalbard on this extraordinary journey onboard a 12 passenger vessel. Ideally suited to photographers these late season voyages experience amazing light. Your expedition guides plan to take you to Ny Ålesund, the Hinlopen Strait, Bird Mountain and Edgeøya capturing…
- 10 Days
- $9,717
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
Plan your trip
Svalbard Cruises
North of the Arctic Circle and halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords are largely ice-free during high summer providing incredible …
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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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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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Arctic Cruise Ships
We partner with selected ice-strengthened Arctic expedition vessels from small yachts and nimble little ships with convivial atmospheres, to larger Russian research boats and …
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.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.
