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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Five reasons to choose an X-Bow ship in Svalbard
- For comfort and stability, these modern X-Bow ships are hard to beat. The cutting-edge, aerodynamic design makes for smoother sailing, while ice-strengthened hulls allow confident navigation in polar waters. Less time in transit means more time exploring
- If you're looking to combine the intimacy of a smaller ship with the amenities of a larger one – like a gym, hot tub, sauna and more – these vessels hit this sweet spot
- Most itineraries on X-Bow ships also include convenient charter flights, making travel to and from Svalbard refreshingly hassle free and seamless
- Across the small fleet of X-Bows operating in Svalbard each summer, you’ll find an exciting range of itineraries and a wide choice of departure dates
- Cabin categories are just as varied, with most offering private balconies where you can relax and search for wildlife between landings
Swoop says
Watching from the bridge as my X-Bow effortlessly sliced its way into the pack ice like a hot knife through butter, the extraordinary capabilities of these ships was really driven home for me. Awesome!
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our top cruises on X-Bow ships
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters all…
- 15 Days
- $23,595
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
- $9,761
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
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
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
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
Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…
- 15 Days
- $14,181
Sylvia Earle navigates ice
Sylvia Earle's Rockhopper restaurant
Kayaking from the Greg Mortimer
Lecture lounge on the Greg Mortimer
National Geographic Endurance in the Arctic
National Geographic Endurance's lounge igloo and pool
National Geographic Resolution in the Arctic
National Geographic Resolution's yoga studio
The Ocean Albatros in Svalbard
The Ocean Albatros's library
The Ocean Explorer ship in Arctic waters
Ocean Explorer's sauna
Planning guide to X-Bow ships
What to consider when choosing an X-Bow ship
Kayaking from the Greg Mortimer
- At first glance, these ships may appear similar, but there are some key differences to be aware of. These range from guest capacity (130-200 passengers) to what’s covered in the fare, as well as the onboard amenities and individual ship layouts
- Because of the variables, prices can vary significantly between ships and itineraries. It’s worth paying close attention to the finer points when deciding which is right for you
- One feature all X-Bow ships have in common is exceptional stability, thanks to the unique design – which slices through waves rather than riding over them – and retractable underwater ‘wings’ that reduce side-to-side roll by more than 85%
- All X-Bows operating in Svalbard offer optional kayaking and/or paddling excursions – a fantastic way to explore the Arctic up close
Swoop says
With firsthand experience aboard every X-Bow ship, the Swoop team is well placed to guide you through the details and differences to help you choose the right fit.
Who do X-Bow ships suit?
The great strength of X-Bows is their broad appeal, whether you’re attracted to their stability, comfortable balcony cabins or wellness facilities such as saunas.
These ships work equally well whether you're:
- Travelling solo
- Exploring as a couple
- Joining with friends or family as part of a group
The Greg Mortimer in Palanderbukta
Discover more about Svalbard
Svalbard Micro Ships
These gutsy little 12-guest micro ships are perfect for exploring Svalbard’s waters. They’re also ideal for travellers seeking an intimate, highly personalised experience with …
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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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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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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.