Svalbard

Why Svalbard Is One of the Best Arctic Destinations

The Svalbard archipelago is located halfway between North Cape and the North Pole itself, yet flights from Norway or Finland reach the township of Longyearbyen in just a few hours. This makes it a Svalbard cruise most accessible and affordable way to travel to the Arctic! It is also regarded as one of the premier places to observe Arctic wildlife such as polar bears. On our ice-strengthened expedition ships we sail out and explore the wildly beautiful Spitsbergen coastline, in search of bears roaming the pack ice or for seals and walruses. Under 24-hour daylight between May and August, Svalbard comes alive with visiting and endemic wildlife. Vast colonies of seabirds soar and circle over spectacular cliff breeding grounds. 

Wildlife & Natural Highlights

• Polar Bears & Arctic Mammals: Svalbard is one of the few places where polar bears can still be spotted. You may also see walrus lounging on ice floes, Arctic fox, and reindeer on tundra islands.
• Seabird Colonies & Cliff Breeding Grounds: Cliffs like Alkefjellet host vast colonies of Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes and other seabirds, generating dramatic natural spectacles. 
• Glaciers, Icebergs & Fjords: Expect towering tidewater glaciers, sculpted icebergs drifting in fjords, and dynamic glacier melting fronts in summer light.

Typical Itineraries & Expedition Routes

• North Svalbard / Polar Ice Edge Exploration: For many, the ultimate goal is to reach the polar ice edge, where sea ice dominates and the wild Arctic reigns. These itineraries push beyond regular fjord cruising into pack ice country.
• Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen: Some voyages circumnavigate Spitsbergen, visiting both the western and eastern coasts, exploring remote bays and rarely seen islands. 
• Western & Eastern Fjord Systems: These are the “classic” routes: exploring Isfjorden, Kongsfjorden, Hornsund, Raudfjorden, and fjords on both sides of Spitsbergen. They allow dramatic glacier fronts, wildlife viewing, and varied landings.
• Special Expeditions to Kvitøya, Ice Edge & Pack Ice: Some extended or premium voyages target Kvitøya (White Island) or push into seldom-visited eastern marginal islands, or chase the pack ice in mid-summer.

Ships, Logistics & Accessibility

Only expedition vessels with robust ice capability and nimble navigation can safely cruise Svalbard. We work with ships that balance safety and comfort. The Departure Port is Longyearbyen, Norway - All Svalbard cruises depart from Longyearbyen — your Arctic gateway. From there, embarkation is straightforward. 

Season & Timing: Midnight Sun Period!

Cruise season runs May through September, with 24-hour daylight in peak summer. This abundance of light enables flexible schedule and extended exploration.