Svalbard

Set a few hundred miles from the North Pole, the islands of Svalbard are a silent wilderness of pristine fjords and jagged mountains. Sailing on an expedition cruise here in summer increases your chances of maybe spotting polar bears along the shores. Free from winter’s snow, the tundra should also be painted with patches of colourful arctic flora.

You can circumnavigate the entire archipelago on an epic 12-day expedition or choose from itineraries focusing on the largest island of Spitsbergen as well as sailings over a long weekend. Some of our Svalbard expeditions also include days exploring Iceland and the island of Jan Mayen.

Made up of the Old Norse words svalr meaning "cold" and barð meaning "edge”, Svalbard lives up to its name in the winter. Summer, however, has the last branch of the Gulf Stream warming its shores, bestowing the islands with average temperatures of around 5-7°C, which is relatively warm compared to their latitude.

This sunshine season stretches from mid-February until the end of October. Days grow gradually longer until they peak from mid-April through to late August with 24-hour daylight. During this time, Svalbard becomes the domain of the Midnight Sun phenomenon where the sun never sets, even at midnight.

Nearly two-thirds of Svalbard’s land surface is protected as nature reserves, national parks, and bird sanctuaries. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox roam the valleys and tundra, while walrus and whales inhabit the seas. Polar bears prowl the shores on the hunt for bearded, harbour and ringed seals.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, come summertime, the west coast of Spitsbergen is the northernmost ice-free area in the world, attracting flocks of migratory birds. These are among the largest nesting sites in the North Atlantic, showcasing some 30 different species including gulls and kittiwakes, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Pink-footed Geese, Little Auks, King Eider and Atlantic Puffins.

Svalbard’s coastline features some of the world’s most dramatic fjords. Admire the reflection of snow-capped mountains mirrored on Magdalene fjord’s glassy surface. Enjoy Isfjord’s immense U-shaped valleys rich in wildlife and flora. Hornsund and Bellsund astound equally with frosted mountains, glaciers, and striking geological features.

Longyearbyen is the largest town in Svalbard with around 2,000 residents. It boasts coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and there’s even a chocolate factory, Thai supermarket, and micro-brewery. Most who live here work in hotels and outdoor adventure companies but there are scientists and engineers as well, associated with various projects such as the nearby Global Seed Vault.

Further south along Isfjord is Barentsburg, a Russian coal mining town with less than 500 hardy souls. Ny-Ålesund also began with coal mining but is now a research station for a team of international scientists. It is also the world’s northernmost settlement and was the starting point for a few historic North Pole attempts.

All along the coast, including Spitsbergen’s North West Corner, you’ll find signs of Svalbard’s first explorers such as graves, whale blubber ovens, and Russian Pomor trapper cabins.

Svalbard is a prime annual breeding spot for 41 species of seabird. Parts of the archipelago have been identified as Important Bird Areas for breeding populations of Barnacle and Brent geese, Common Eiders, and Black Guillemots. Watch out for Arctic Terns nesting on the ground, as parents might attack in defence of their nest if you get too close.

The waters of the Svalbard archipelago are home to many whale species. Beluga and minke whales are most common, but humpback and fin whales are also regularly seen. You might even be able to see the mighty blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. This ocean giant can blow water up to 10 metres into the air!

On your adventure, you might be lucky enough to spot the apex animal of the Arctic, the polar bear. In summer, these aquatic bears can often be found in front of glaciers, hunting seals on the ice. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these majestic mammals with your own eyes, it’ll surely be a highlight of your trip.

Whenever weather and sea conditions allow, we’ll attempt landings via our expedition boats. Sites might include isolated settlements or a scenic beach with cultural artifacts from Svalbard’s early explorers. Once ashore, the Expedition Team will guide you on where to go and what to see.

Join the Expedition Team on guided tours and hikes handpicked by them based on their deep and extensive knowledge of Svalbard. Safe in their capable hands, you’ll see spectacular fjords, mountains and glaciers at a time when the Midnight Sun is in the sky and Arctic flowers are in bloom.

Svalbard is a unique habitat for birdlife and mammals, including Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and then polar bears at the top of the food chain. Our Expedition Team will guide you on how you can observe the wildlife you might encounter with the least amount of impact on their fragile ecosystem. Our guides are equipped with rifles and signal guns to ward off any animals that get too close and to ensure everyone’s safety.

Featuring guest lecturers and scientists, our Expedition Team will enhance your knowledge of Svalbard with specialist lectures. Topics may include Svalbard’s flora and fauna, climate, cultural artefacts, geology, and exploration history. Informal talks and impromptu guiding may also take place out on deck or ashore.

For the brave and bold, there is an option to dive into the Arctic Ocean at the end of one of the landings. A plunge into the icy-cold water for a few seconds will undoubtedly get your blood pumping. Only a few guests on each expedition ever take up the challenge. Will you?

During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center, a treasure trove of information on Svalbard and other destinations. There are advanced microscopes and other science equipment available. You can also get involved in various Citizen Science projects that ask you to document wildlife you see or make specific observations of the environment.

If the weather and ice conditions allow, kayaking is a great way to get close to Arctic nature. Enjoy the feeling of gliding through the water in serene silence while admiring the sight of glaciers and mountains dappled in summer’s grass and flowers.

As part of your expedition cruise experience, you’ll be accompanied by a professional onboard photographer. They’ll be on hand with advice on how to get the most out of the many incredible photo opportunities on your Svalbard adventure, whatever your equipment and skill level.