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Cruises Svalbard : Offers and promotions 2026 - 2027

24 cruises found

Spitsbergen cruises: how to choose the right one

A Spitsbergen cruise unfolds in light unlike anywhere else: the ship glides among silent fjords, glacier fronts, bare mountains and distant sea ice while spotters scan the coast for walruses, reindeer and polar bears.

From Longyearbyen, the voyage may lead to Ny-Ålesund, the great glaciers of Kongsfjord, traces of early polar expeditions or the wilder reaches of northern and eastern Svalbard.

This is an expedition destination rather than a series of traditional port calls, sought out for its isolation, Zodiac outings, Arctic silence and the comfort of a ship designed for observing the polar world.

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Svalbard

Itinerary : Hamburg, Stavanger, Nordfjord, Bergen, Hamburg

MSC Cruises
MSC Preziosa
On-board meals included
MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Hamburg

10/04/2026

from

US$ 761

Kids Sail Free up to 12 years
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Bergen, Andalsnes, Traena, Reine, Tromso, Honningsvag, Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Tromso, Trondheim, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen

Hurtigruten
MS Trollfjord
On-board meals included
MS Trollfjord

9 other departures

MS Trollfjord

15 d

Inside Stateroom

Bergen

08/30/2027

from

US$ 4,909

Expedition Cruiser
Explore the North Pole or the South Pole
On-board meals included

Other departures:

01 Sep 2026

10-24 May 2027

07-21 Jun 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Bergen, Andalsnes, Traena, Reine, Tromso, Honningsvag, Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Tromso, Trondheim, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen

Hurtigruten
MS Midnatsol
On-board meals included
MS Midnatsol

8 other departures

MS Midnatsol

15 d

Inside Stateroom

Bergen

09/06/2027

from

US$ 5,027

Expedition Cruiser
Explore the North Pole or the South Pole
On-board meals included

Other departures:

25 Aug 2026

08 Sep 2026

17-31 May 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Bergen, Andalsnes, Traena, Reine, Tromso, Honningsvag, Ny alesund, Longyearbyen, Tromso, Trondheim, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen, Alesund, Spitzberg, Bergen

Hurtigruten
MS Midnatsol
On-board meals included
MS Midnatsol

1 other departures

MS Midnatsol

15 d

Inside Stateroom

Bergen

06/28/2027

from

US$ 5,382

Expedition Cruiser
Explore the North Pole or the South Pole
On-board meals included

Other departures:

14 Jun 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Hornsund, Calypsobyen, Magdalena Fjord, Smeerenburgfjord, Ny alesund, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

3 other departures

MS Fram

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

05/18/2027

from

US$ 8,745

On-board meals included

Other departures:

25 May 2027

01-08 Jun 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Svalbard - Norway, Longyearbyen

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
HANSEATIC nature
On-board meals included
HANSEATIC nature

HANSEATIC nature

11 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

07/28/2028

from

US$ 9,764

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Lyrial
On-board meals included
Le Lyrial

4 other departures

Le Lyrial

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

07/07/2028

from

US$ 11,325

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

30 Jun 2028

14-21-28 Jul 2028

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Ny alesund, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Lyrial
On-board meals included
Le Lyrial

3 other departures

Le Lyrial

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

06/23/2028

from

US$ 11,325

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

02-09-16 Jun 2028

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, South Spitsbergen National Park, Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden, Raudfjorden, Ny alesund, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Lyrial
On-board meals included
Le Lyrial

4 other departures

Le Lyrial

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

06/19/2027

from

US$ 11,500

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

12-26 Jun 2027

03-10 Jul 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Freemansundet, Hornsund, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

MS Fram

10 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

06/27/2027

from

US$ 11,812

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Freemansundet, Hornsund, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

MS Fram

10 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

07/18/2027

from

US$ 12,195

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Boltoden, Gnalodden, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

MS Fram

13 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

06/15/2027

from

US$ 14,879

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden, Alkefjellet, Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, Isfjorden (Svalbard), Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Lyrial
On-board meals included
Le Lyrial

Le Lyrial

8 d

Balcony Stateroom

Longyearbyen

07/17/2027

from

US$ 15,215

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Ny alesund, Brasvellbreen, Boltoden, Gnalodden, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

MS Fram

13 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Longyearbyen

07/06/2027

from

US$ 15,262

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, Svalbard Northern, Svalbard Southern, Longyearbyen, Svalbard Northern, Svalbard Southern, Longyearbyen

Silversea
Silver Endeavour
On-board meals included
Silver Endeavour

Silver Endeavour

8 d

Suite

Longyearbyen

06/06/2027

from

US$ 18,700

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Isafjodhur, Jan Mayen, Longyearbyen, Exploring Svalbard, San Juan, Patreksfjordur, Reykjavik

Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Pursuit
On-board meals included
Seabourn Pursuit

1 other departures

Seabourn Pursuit

17 d

Suite

Reykjavik

07/24/2028

from

US$ 26,972

On-board meals included

Other departures:

26 Jun 2028

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, St Pierre and Miquelon, North Pole, Longyearbyen, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

4 other departures

Le Commandant Charcot

13 d

Balcony Stateroom

Longyearbyen

09/10/2028

from

US$ 39,145

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

12-24 Jul 2028

17-29 Aug 2028

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, St Pierre and Miquelon, North Pole, Ny alesund, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

3 other departures

Le Commandant Charcot

13 d

Balcony Stateroom

Longyearbyen

08/20/2027

from

US$ 41,302

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

27 Jul 2027

08 Aug 2027

01 Sep 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, St Pierre and Miquelon, North Pole, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Spitsbergen, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

16 d

Balcony Stateroom

Longyearbyen

08/27/2026

from

US$ 52,258

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Tromso, Svalbard - Norway, Longyearbyen

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
HANSEATIC nature
On-board meals included
HANSEATIC nature

1 other departures

HANSEATIC nature

11 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Tromso

07/18/2028

from

US$ 9,764

On-board meals included

Other departures:

12 Jul 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Hamburg, Esbjerg, Haugesund, Ifjaerland, Andalsnes, Svartisen, Svolvaer, Tromso, Honningsvag, Hornsund, Ny alesund, Longyearbyen

HX-Expeditions
MS Fram
On-board meals included
MS Fram

MS Fram

16 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Hamburg

05/03/2027

from

US$ 11,057

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Dynjandi, Djupavik, Husavik, Svalbard Northern, Longyearbyen

Silversea
Silver Endeavour
On-board meals included
Silver Endeavour

Silver Endeavour

12 d

Suite

Reykjavik

07/31/2027

from

US$ 26,400

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Blosseville Coast, Ittoqqortoormiit, North Pole, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

17 d

Balcony Stateroom

Reykjavik

06/26/2028

from

US$ 56,623

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Blosseville Coast, Ittoqqortoormiit, North Pole, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

18 d

Balcony Stateroom

Reykjavik

07/10/2027

from

US$ 57,238

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Tips for choosing your Spitsbergen cruise

1. Choose your region

  • Longyearbyen & Isfjorden : The most accessible gateway, with a former mining town, the Svalbard Museum, Adventfjorden, tundra scenery and, on some itineraries, former settlements such as Pyramiden.
  • Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund : A major area for polar history and scientific research, with glaciers, the mountains of Kongsfjord and Ny-Ålesund's singular atmosphere.
  • Northwestern Spitsbergen : The best choice for sweeping fjords, glacier fronts, former whaling sites, Zodiac outings and sightings of walruses or seabirds.
  • Northern and eastern Svalbard : A more expedition-focused experience shaped by ice and weather, with remote areas, bird cliffs, vast mineral landscapes and a true edge-of-the-world feeling.

2. Choose your cruise style

  • Accessible polar expeditions (Hurtigruten, HX-Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions) : A good option for a first Spitsbergen cruise, with naturalist guides, Zodiac outings, lectures, wildlife watching and routes adapted to Arctic conditions.
  • Premium & luxury expeditions (Ponant, Silversea, Seabourn Cruise Line, Swan Hellenic) : Ideal for combining polar exploration with intimate ships, upscale surroundings, refined dining, personalized service and onboard comfort after Arctic outings.
  • Escorted polar voyages (Grands Espaces, Voyages d’Exception, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) : Designed for travelers seeking a more cultural or nature-focused perspective on Spitsbergen, with expert guidance, lecturers, observation and an expedition pace.

Top experiences on a Spitsbergen cruise

Longyearbyen and Isfjorden are your introduction to Spitsbergen: an Arctic town set among mountains, tundra, former mines and an open fjord.
Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen

Take time to explore the former mining town, its museum and its streets set against bare mountains.
Adventfjorden

Adventfjorden

Enjoy a cruise or Zodiac outing in soft Arctic light, with Longyearbyen as the backdrop.
Pyramiden

Pyramiden

Explore this former Soviet mining town, frozen in time in a haunting setting beside Billefjorden.
Adventfjorden

Adventfjorden

Take in the scenery from the ship or shore while learning about the mountains, birds and tundra.
Pyramiden

Pyramiden

Discover an abandoned town with a vivid story, from communal buildings and a statue to the former cafeteria and polar silence.
Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen

Start at the Svalbard Museum to understand Arctic life, mining, wildlife and the territory's safety rules.
Pyramiden

Pyramiden

Experience the call as an extraordinary urban exploration amid Soviet heritage, mountains and a sense of abandonment.
Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen

Combine the museum, a walk through town and a stop at a local venue to experience the atmosphere of a remote Arctic community.
Adventfjorden

Adventfjorden

Leave time on the outer decks to enjoy the first changing light, seabirds and the terrain around the fjord.
Kongsfjord adds a distinctly polar dimension to the voyage, with its research base, glaciers, jagged peaks and history of major expeditions northward.
Ny-Ålesund

Ny-Ålesund

Walk through one of the world's northernmost settlements, among research stations, a historic airship mast and Arctic silence.
Kongsfjorden

Kongsfjorden

Admire the fjord's mountains, glaciers and cold waters from the deck or on a guided outing.
Lilliehookbreen

Lilliehookbreen

Approach a spectacular glacier front, with walls of ice and cracks that can sometimes be heard in the silence.
Kongsfjorden

Kongsfjorden

Watch the birds, mountains and traces of ice to gain a firsthand understanding of an Arctic fjord landscape.
Lilliehookbreen

Lilliehookbreen

Make the approach to the glacier a visual highlight, from the ship or by Zodiac when conditions allow.
Ny-Ålesund

Ny-Ålesund

Mail a postcard from this remote outpost and explain to children the role of the scientists who work here.
Lilliehookbreen

Lilliehookbreen

Share a memorable observation session facing the glacier, with cold light, drifting ice and an impressive sense of scale.
Ny-Ålesund

Ny-Ålesund

Take time to photograph the colorful houses, research facilities and landmarks associated with polar expeditions.
Kongsfjorden

Kongsfjorden

Alternate between watching from the deck, taking a Zodiac outing and looking for wildlife along the fjord's shores.
Northwestern Spitsbergen brings together classic expedition scenery: deep fjords, former hunting sites, bird colonies and shores frequented by walruses.
Magdalenefjorden

Magdalenefjorden

Sail through one of Spitsbergen's most photogenic fjords, framed by glaciers, mountains and pebble beaches.
Smeerenburg

Smeerenburg

Discover traces of the former whaling industry in a wide-open Arctic setting.
Poolepynten

Poolepynten

Observe walruses from a respectful distance as they rest on the beach—an elemental and powerful Arctic scene.
Smeerenburg

Smeerenburg

Use the visible remains to tell the story of whalers and life in the High Arctic long ago.
Poolepynten

Poolepynten

Observe walruses with the guides while respecting the animals' space and pace.
Magdalenefjorden

Magdalenefjorden

Enjoy a compelling landscape of glaciers and mountains, with scenic cruising from the ship.
Poolepynten

Poolepynten

Share a rare walrus-watching experience shaped by patience, binoculars and silence along the shore.
Magdalenefjorden

Magdalenefjorden

Keep cameras ready for glaciers, reflections, birds and changing light on the mountains.
Smeerenburg

Smeerenburg

Explore this historic site as an edge-of-the-world stop where human history feels tiny against the landscape.
Routes to the north and east depend most heavily on the ice, but they also deliver the strongest sense of expedition.
Hinlopenstretet

Hinlopenstretet

Sail through a more remote passage among sea ice, cliffs and cold light, constantly watching for wildlife.
Alkefjellet

Alkefjellet

See cliffs covered with seabirds in constant motion above the water.
Edgeøya

Edgeøya

Discover a wilder area of tundra, remote beaches and vast open landscapes.
Alkefjellet

Alkefjellet

Watch thousands of birds crowd the cliffs, an impressive scene even without a long walk.
Edgeøya

Edgeøya

Look for tundra, reindeer or animal tracks when landing conditions allow.
Hinlopenstretet

Hinlopenstretet

Follow the guides' explanations to understand the ice, currents and the ship's route choices.
Edgeøya

Edgeøya

Join a guided landing in a more remote area and experience the rare feeling of being far from any town.
Hinlopenstretet

Hinlopenstretet

Experience the sailing as a true polar search, with binoculars, outer decks and a route adjusted to the ice.
Alkefjellet

Alkefjellet

If conditions allow, take a Zodiac outing below the cliffs amid bird calls and sheer rock walls.

Best times to take a Spitsbergen cruise

May–June

Weather & swimming

Lingering ice and continuous daylight. The scenery remains very white, the midnight sun has arrived and routes often seek out areas of sea ice.

Expert advice

A good time for a distinctly polar atmosphere and a true early-season feel. Routes remain highly dependent on the ice.

July–August

Weather & swimming

More open water and active wildlife. Fjords are more accessible, bird colonies are bustling and the chances of a circumnavigation increase when conditions allow.

Expert advice

The most versatile season for a first Spitsbergen cruise, offering a good balance of sailing, Zodiac outings, landings and wildlife watching.

September

Weather & swimming

A quieter atmosphere and lower light. Days grow shorter, colors become more nuanced and the tundra can take on warmer tones.

Expert advice

Appealing to travelers drawn to photography, low-angle light and an atmosphere unlike the height of summer.

November–April & October

Weather & swimming

More of a land-based than maritime experience. Expect polar night, northern lights, colder temperatures and activities centered on Longyearbyen and land excursions.

Expert advice

Consider this period for a winter polar stay, but not for a traditional expedition cruise around Spitsbergen.

SeasonWeather & swimmingExpert advice
May–June
Lingering ice and continuous daylight. The scenery remains very white, the midnight sun has arrived and routes often seek out areas of sea ice.A good time for a distinctly polar atmosphere and a true early-season feel. Routes remain highly dependent on the ice.
July–August
More open water and active wildlife. Fjords are more accessible, bird colonies are bustling and the chances of a circumnavigation increase when conditions allow.
The most versatile season for a first Spitsbergen cruise, offering a good balance of sailing, Zodiac outings, landings and wildlife watching.
September
A quieter atmosphere and lower light. Days grow shorter, colors become more nuanced and the tundra can take on warmer tones.
Appealing to travelers drawn to photography, low-angle light and an atmosphere unlike the height of summer.
November–April & October
More of a land-based than maritime experience. Expect polar night, northern lights, colder temperatures and activities centered on Longyearbyen and land excursions.Consider this period for a winter polar stay, but not for a traditional expedition cruise around Spitsbergen.

Hot spots on a Spitsbergen cruise

In Spitsbergen, hot spots always depend on the weather, ice and the expedition leader's decisions. That flexibility is precisely the voyage's strength: a planned route may change to follow the light, reach an accessible glacier front or pursue a wildlife sighting.

In Kongsfjorden

In Kongsfjorden

The mountains, glaciers and cold waters offer one of the most complete portraits of Spitsbergen.

In Magdalenefjorden

In Magdalenefjorden

Glacier fronts, beaches, peaks and scenic sailing come together in a highly photogenic setting.

In Lilliehookbreen

In Lilliehookbreen

The glacier front offers a powerful observation experience, especially when the ship or Zodiacs can approach.

In Kongsfjorden

In Kongsfjorden

The mountains, glaciers and cold waters offer one of the most complete portraits of Spitsbergen.

In Magdalenefjorden

In Magdalenefjorden

Glacier fronts, beaches, peaks and scenic sailing come together in a highly photogenic setting.

In Lilliehookbreen

In Lilliehookbreen

The glacier front offers a powerful observation experience, especially when the ship or Zodiacs can approach.

In Poolepynten

In Poolepynten

Walruses are among the most anticipated sightings, always observed from a distance and under expert supervision.

In Alkefjellet

In Alkefjellet

The bird cliffs present a spectacular picture of Arctic life in summer.

In pack ice areas

In pack ice areas

Searching for polar bears remains one of the voyage's main themes, without guarantees and always at a respectful distance.

In Poolepynten

In Poolepynten

Walruses are among the most anticipated sightings, always observed from a distance and under expert supervision.

In Alkefjellet

In Alkefjellet

The bird cliffs present a spectacular picture of Arctic life in summer.

In pack ice areas

In pack ice areas

Searching for polar bears remains one of the voyage's main themes, without guarantees and always at a respectful distance.

In Longyearbyen

In Longyearbyen

The Svalbard Museum, former mines and Arctic-town atmosphere provide an introduction to the territory.

In Ny-Ålesund

In Ny-Ålesund

The research stations and history of expeditions toward the North Pole add real depth to the voyage.

In Pyramiden or Barentsburg

In Pyramiden or Barentsburg

The mining and Soviet legacy reveals a more human, political and unexpected side of Spitsbergen.

In Longyearbyen

In Longyearbyen

The Svalbard Museum, former mines and Arctic-town atmosphere provide an introduction to the territory.

In Ny-Ålesund

In Ny-Ålesund

The research stations and history of expeditions toward the North Pole add real depth to the voyage.

In Pyramiden or Barentsburg

In Pyramiden or Barentsburg

The mining and Soviet legacy reveals a more human, political and unexpected side of Spitsbergen.

From the deck under the midnight sun

From the deck under the midnight sun

Low-angle light transforms the fjords, glaciers and mountains for hours at a time.

Facing the Kongsfjord glaciers

Facing the Kongsfjord glaciers

Reflections, drifting ice and blue-tinged walls create unforgettable images.

At former mining sites

At former mining sites

Isolated buildings, mountains and Arctic silence create strikingly unusual scenes.

From the deck under the midnight sun

From the deck under the midnight sun

Low-angle light transforms the fjords, glaciers and mountains for hours at a time.

Facing the Kongsfjord glaciers

Facing the Kongsfjord glaciers

Reflections, drifting ice and blue-tinged walls create unforgettable images.

At former mining sites

At former mining sites

Isolated buildings, mountains and Arctic silence create strikingly unusual scenes.

What our customers loved:

Spitsbergen cruise highlights

Sail under the midnight sun among fjords and glaciers

Travelers often remember the continuous daylight as one of Spitsbergen's defining features. The landscape remains visible late into the night, glaciers change color with the sun's angle and the ship's deck becomes a prime observation platform.

Approach glacier fronts by Zodiac

Zodiac outings bring a new sense of scale to Spitsbergen's fjords. Travelers appreciate the silence, drifting ice, blue-tinged walls and the chance to approach the landscape while remaining within the expedition's safety framework.

Watch walruses, reindeer and seabirds with naturalist guides

Polar wildlife features prominently in travelers' feedback because it requires patience and close observation. Walruses on a beach, reindeer on the tundra, guillemots on a cliff or polar bear tracks give the voyage a special intensity.

Hidden gems off the beaten path

Explore Pyramiden, a mining town frozen in time in the Arctic

Pyramiden stays with travelers because of its almost unreal atmosphere. Communal buildings, the former cafeteria, mining facilities and silence around the fjord provide a vivid window into Spitsbergen's human history.

Mail a postcard from Ny-Ålesund before entering Kongsfjord

In Ny-Ålesund, this simple gesture feels different because it takes place in a remote research settlement at the edge of the inhabited world. Travelers enjoy the contrast between an everyday act, polar history and the great landscapes of Kongsfjord.

Look for walruses along Poolepynten's quiet shore

Poolepynten often stands out as a powerful sighting precisely because it is so restrained. You approach from a distance, lower your voice, watch the animals gathered on the beach and gain a deeper appreciation for the slow rhythm of Arctic wildlife.

Learn more about your Svalbard cruise

Discovering the Far North

Between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea lies the Svalbard archipelago. Spitzberg, an island with a surface area of almost 40,000 km², is one of the islands that make up this Norwegian territory at the gateway to the Far North. Spitzberg means "pointed mountains" in Norwegian. This name perfectly reflects the island's relief, where the landscape is made up of level peaks 1717 meters above sea level. At first glance, Spitzberg looks like a vast, immaculate territory that appears to have never been trodden by man. Yet on closer inspection, you'll discover that this seemingly hostile and inhospitable land is actually inhabited. Longyearbyen, the island's largest city, is even a major settlement. A cruise to Spitzberg is a promise of adventure. Along the way, you'll come close to majestic fjords, polar bears and spectacular sights such as the midnight sun and the northern lights. If you're a thrill-seeker, King's Bay and the Five Glaciers are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, under the watchful eye of a licensed guide. And if you prefer to stay dry, this region of Spitzberg is a veritable birding hotspot, where you can admire a wide variety of birds.

An adventure in the heart of the Arctic

A Spitzberg cruise takes place aboard expedition ships and icebreakers that cut their way through the pack ice to reveal enchanting landscapes where polar animals such as bears and seals have found refuge. The cruise often starts in Longyearbyen, the island's largest town. From here, you'll visit the Russian village of Barentsburg, where you can enjoy a folkloric performance or visit the Pomor Museum. Your Spitzberg adventure continues towards the Monaco Glacier. Along the way, you can observe the eider ducks that come to nest on these islets during the state. If you're lucky, you may cross paths with a polar bear in search of eggs.

If you think a Spitzberg cruise is all about exploring nature, you'd be wrong. It can also be a cultural voyage. All you have to do is stop off in Magdalen Bay to see for yourself. The region, with its long history of exploration, is home to a rich cultural heritage, such as the cemetery of 130 graves dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, or the remains found at Gravneset. The village of Ny-Ålesund is another stop on a Spitzberg cruise. This scientific town, where researchers from different countries work together, is home to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a cold storage facility for the world's food seeds. Other noteworthy infrastructures include the Charles Rabot and Jean Corbel French base, which is worth a visit during a stopover in Ålesund.

Your adventure at sea in Spitzberg is full of surprises. Hot springs are hard to find in the far north, yet the Nordvest-Spitzberg park is home to two hot springs that delight visitors to the island. A cruise to Spitzbergalso takes you to majestic fjords and alpine peaks. You'll call at Isfjord, home to the most important fjords in the Svalbard archipelago. Companies often organize excursions that take you as close as possible to these great U-shaped valleys, carved out of the glaciers ten thousand years ago. Another excursion takes you to Kongsfjord, home to two noteworthy glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsvegen.

When to go to Spitzberg ?

Like all the countries of the Far North, Spitzberg has two distinct seasons: summer, from February to July, and winter, from August to January. Summer temperatures vary considerably. Depending on the time of year you choose to cruise Spitzberg, you can enjoy temperatures as low as -30°C or as high as 27°C. If you want to admire the midnight sun, then it's best to cruise Spitzbergin summer, when the days are much longer than usual. From August onwards, winter sets in on Spitzberg. The north wind blows across the island, bringing clouds that quickly hide the sun. Although the star of the day is more discreet and the days are shorter than in summer, the island is not lacking in charm. Full moons give the glacial landscape a completely different, spectacular and bewitching aspect, making your cruise just as unforgettable as if you'd taken it in summer.