The Svalbard Line – North

Both MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol sail The Svalbard Line, and your ship depends on your departure date. Life on board is both relaxed and informal. You can expect comfortable cabins, panoramic lounges with large windows, a choice of restaurants, and plenty of quiet corners to take in the views.

The Svalbard Line sails between May and September. Summer in Svalbard means the Midnight Sun, with endless daylight and more time to explore. Early summer offers migratory birdlife and melting ice, while late summer is better for spotting whales.

The Svalbard Line is an all-inclusive cruise. Breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner are included, as well as unlimited selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Learn more about dining on board

During your voyage, our Expedition Team brings the story of the Norwegian coast and Svalbard to life through daily themes, lectures and on-deck guiding. Many are local Norwegians who share personal stories and insights about culture, wildlife and history along the route.

Highlights include a Canon-certified photography programme to help you capture Arctic scenery and the Northern Lights, as well as informal evening gatherings with the team. Topics vary by day, from fjords and birdlife to polar bears and life in the Arctic.

Both ships also have a sauna and a fitness room open to all guests.

No, excursions are not included in the price of the voyage. These can be booked for an additional cost - either when you book your voyage, in the My Booking portal, or with the Expedition Team on board.

Find out more about our excursions

No, Svalbard is part of Norway and does not require a special visa to visit. A valid passport or EU/Schengen travel ID is required for those travelling on The Svalbard Line. You will not be permitted to disembark the ship while it is docked in Svalbard without one.

For more information on visas and travel documents, please see our Travel to Norway page.

Svalbard is home to rare Arctic wildlife. It's one of the few places in the world where polar bears can be observed in their natural habitat, and your chances of seeing one are good – but not guaranteed. You might also see Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, whales and all kinds of birdlife, including puffins, guillemots and Arctic terns.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, though coverage can be limited as we cross the Barents Sea to Svalbard. Note that in the area around Ny-Ålesund, all electronic communications are forbidden as it is an area of radio silence, meaning there will be several hours without Wi-Fi or any mobile phone connectivity.

Both routes sail between Bergen and Longyearbyen, but the experience differs depending on direction.

• Northbound (Bergen-Longyearbyen): Choose this itinerary if you want to visit Åndalsnes, Reine, Tromsø and the North Cape. You'll disembark in Longyearbyen, when the ship docks at 13:00.

• Southbound (Bergen-Longyearbyen): Opt for this route if you want to spend longer in Svalbard and visit the remote settlement of Ny-Ålesund. After leaving Svalbard, you’ll enjoy short stays in the Lofoten Islands, Bessaker and Ålesund, and enjoy a scenic sailing into Hjørundfjord.

Norwegian, English and French are the official onboard languages. Some members of the Expedition Team, reception staff and service crew also speak German.

Most of our excursions are guided in two or three languages. Please contact the Expedition Team on board for further information.

Yes. We have a variety of options available with flights, transfers and hotels. For peace of mind, when you book the whole package directly with Hurtigruten, you’ll have access to assistance 24/7 including while you are travelling. Find out more:

• Travelling to Norway

• Arrival and departure information