The Svalbard archipelago is the northernmost European territory accessible to a non-professional expedition. Fjords, glaciers and abundant wildlife — polar bears, walruses, migratory birds… — await visitors during the short polar summer. This fascinating land in Europe’s remote north opens to visitors for that brief season.
Since there are no roads, the ship remains the most reasonable alternative to discover the island whose northern end, about 80° North, is just over 800 km from the North Pole.
Spitsbergen is home to Longyearbyen's airport and administrative centre, the starting point for routes exploring the archipelago.
Types of cruise ships
Beyond expensive icebreaker trips and ships carrying over 200 passengers – high-quality journeys where a personal polar experience is harder to achieve – lie two main choices: expedition cruises and motor-sailers equipped for polar waters.
Expedition cruises
Polar-adapted ships carry 100–150 passengers, allowing everyone to land together without taking turns. Several guides make excursions at different physical levels possible.
Classic sailboats
Multi-masted sailing and motor vessels reinforced for Arctic waters, carrying 20 to 40 passengers. Sailing here is a unique experience: their size and manoeuvrability provide access beyond larger ships’ reach and a more personal atmosphere.
The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was built in 1947 as a herring fishing vessel and converted into a three-masted passenger schooner in 1994.
Excursions ashore and by inflatable boat
Weather permitting, we usually land once or twice daily. Outside ports, we go ashore by inflatable boat. Excursions vary from walks near glaciers to easy beach walks among historical remains.
Our guide always carries a rifle when going ashore. The threat from bears is real
Each morning, the tour leader explains the planned excursions. All are guided: walking alone is prohibited because of the real threat from bears. Safety rules must always be followed.
Fascinating talks on the environment and polar exploration are held on board during free time.
What is the best time to travel to the Arctic?
The visiting areas in Spitsbergen are determined by the presence of ice (or pack-ice, the great mass of perpetual ice) around the coast. In the month of June the average temperature ranges between 2 and 6 °C, reaching its highest point in July and descending as autumn approaches. At the beginning of September they are between 0 and 4°C
May and June, Arctic Spring
Ice is plentiful, snow remains firm and the sun barely sets over spectacular white landscapes. Sailing focuses on the north and west coast, as pack ice often blocks access to the island’s west
July and early August
As summer progresses, the snow melts and the Arctic tundra appears. Several cruises target the circumnavigation of the island, reaching the remote east coast at a time when the polar ice is at its minimum.
End of August and September
Expedition ships can still sail north of the island, while sailing vessels stay along the central coast with longer shore excursions. This season’s distinctive light delights photographers.
Polar bears and wildlife
Spitsbergen has a considerable polar bear population, with a good chance of seeing several during the trip; we rarely fail to see at least a couple. Walruses, Arctic foxes, caribou and belugas are also common encounters. Birdwatchers find a paradise of summer migrants, approaching only as closely as the birds allow. Discovering their cliff nests is unforgettable.
✔️ Travel to the Arctic
✔️ See departures and prices
✔️ Price from 2.850€
A classic sailing boat offers a personal, participatory way to discover Arctic landscapes and nature at these latitudes
✔️ Travel to the Arctic
✔️ See departures and prices
✔️ Price from 3.450€
The expedition cruises allow you to discover the nature and wildlife of these islands, with a magnificent programme of tours guided by specialists and a good level of comfort on board. Icebergs, glaciers and good polar bear observation opportunities.