Svalbard Cruises
Duration: 6 – 15 days
Svalbard offers a well rounded Arctic experience with high chances for wildlife, picturesque fjords and large glaciers. With ice strengthened hulls, ships can get into the pack ice on the north and/or east side of Spitsbergen searching for polar bears in their natural habitat. We offer a variety of Svalbard cruises on ships ranging in size from 12 to 200 guests.
Top Reasons to Book a Svalbard Cruise
- Seeing Arctic wildlife in its natural environment
- Scenic Arctic landscapes and icescapes
- A wide selection of departures from late April – August
- No multi-day open sea crossings required
- Typically the shortest and most economical Arctic voyage
Highlights
Wildlife
Svalbard is a protected archipelago and widely known as the “Wildlife Capital” of the Arctic. Bring along your binoculars & long lenses to search for polar bears roaming the sea ice, walruses hauled out on shore, arctic foxes & reindeer grazing the tundra, birds nesting on cliffs and whales swimming alongside the ship.
Sea Ice
Most Svalbard cruises will get spend some time sailing into or along the young pack ice to search for wildlife. Watching the ship navigate the ice and searching for polar bears out on deck is a unique experience with fantastic photo opportunities.
Tundra Hikes
Svalbard cruises offer a range of tundra hikes from short to long walks. Take in the stunning mountain and fjord views. Learn about local wildflowers and wildlife while exploring the tundra with expert guides.
Top Svalbard Cruises in 2026
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Dates: June 2026 (11 Days)
Ultramarine, Premium Ship, 199 Guests
Around Spitsbergen
Dates: July 2026 (10 Days)
Ortelius, Expedition Ship, 108 Guests
Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
Dates: June – July, 2026 (12 Days)
Sea Spirit, Premium Ship, 114 Guests
Svalbard Circumnavigation
Dates: June – July 2026 (10 Days)
Ocean Albatros, Premium Ship, 175 Guests
Top Svalbard Cruises in 2027
Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Wildlife
Dates: April – June, 2027 (10 Days)
National Geographic Endurance, Luxury Ship, 138 Guests
Svalbard Odyssey
Dates: June – July, 2027 (11 Days)
Sylvia Earle, Premium Ship, 130 Guests
Svalbard in Summer
Dates: June – July, 2027 (11 Days)
Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
North Spitsbergen Basecamp
Dates: June 2027 (8 Days)
Ortelius, Expedition Ship, 108 Guests
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
Dates: July 2027 (14 Days)
Sea Spirit, Premium Ship, 114 Guests
Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun
Dates: May – August, 2027 (8 Days)
Ocean Albatros, Premium Ship, 175 Guests
Choose Your Perfect Svalbard Cruise
We offer a selection of Svalbard cruises on vessels ranging from intimate 12-guest yachts to expedition ships accommodating up to 200 passengers. Whether you seek a small-group adventure or a more luxurious Arctic experience, we have the perfect voyage for you.
Start Your Arctic Journey Today!
Explore our available Svalbard cruises and experience the magic of the High Arctic firsthand.
Svalbard Cruises FAQ’s
Where do Svalbard cruises begin and end?
Most voyages begin and/or end in Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is located on Spitsbergen and is accessible by flights from Oslo, Tromso or charter flights from Helisinki. The scheduled domestic flights between Oslo/Tromso and Longyearbyen are operated on SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) or Norwegian Airlines.
When is the best time for a Svalbard cruise?
Voyages operate from April – August each season. In the springtime (April – May) there will be more sea ice and snow, perfect for photographing the pristine polar landscapes. June and July is the peak of summer with birds nesting on the cliffs and wildflowers blooming on shore. August will have the least amount of sea ice allowing access to more remote locations and the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen.
Are there good hiking opportunities?
Yes, all Svalbard cruises offer the chance to hike the scenic tundra. Typically there are different lengths of hikes offered from short walks to longer treks.
Are you guaranteed to see polar bears on all Svalbard cruises?
While there are excellent chances for seeing wildlife, no specific wildlife sightings can be guaranteed in advance. Polar bears and other arctic wildlife are nomadic and skittish. The expedition staff will do their best to spot the wildlife, but to avoid disappointment, it’s best to go with an open mind and not set specific wildlife expectations in advance.
What are the rules regarding polar bear viewing in Svalbard?
There are requirement to keep a minimum distance from polar bears. The minimum distance is 500 meters from March 1 – June 30 and 300 meters from July 1 – February 28. We recommend traveling with a good pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens.
