Cruise the Svalbard Archipelago

Expedition voyages depart from Longyearbyen, served by flights from Oslo and Tromsø. Some ships on longer expeditions call at Longyearbyen but have different embarkation ports; it’s possible to sail to Svalbard from Reykjavik or even Dover.

Once in Svalbard, there are no set itineraries; experienced captains will choose a route depending on wind, ice and reported wildlife sightings.

Some cruise lines provide expedition parkas but you’ll need thermals. Boots are provided and all equipment will go through strict biosecurity cleaning to avoid importing alien species to this fragile place.

The season runs from May to September, when the days are long and ice conditions are easiest to navigate. In September, you stand a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, as the sky is getting dark as winter approaches.