Ultimate Svalbard Cruise

What Awaits You

Embark on the Ultimate Svalbard luxury cruise, a captivating round trip voyage departing from the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen, on the island of Spitsbergen. This comprehensive 11-day adventure leads you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago, including remote islands such as Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya, before returning to Longyearbyen. Throughout this extended journey, you'll have the chance to visit intriguing locales such as The North Pole Expeditions Museum in Longyearbyen, which chronicles early polar explorations. As you navigate the pristine Arctic waters, keep an eye out for mesmerizing wildlife like polar bears, ringed seals and walruses. Your luxury cruise experience includes a variety of activities to engage and enrich. Optional kayaking with the Swan Hellenic Expedition Team offers a unique perspective on the stunning Arctic landscapes. As you're enveloped in the natural wonders of Svalbard, take delight in the diverse flora flourishing under the midnight sun, creating unforgettable memories on this extraordinary voyage.

Expedition highlights

High-latitude coasts where glaciers, fjords, and shifting light set the pace, and wildlife watching is part of the day from deck and shore.

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Eternety Fjord, Greenland

Ice Fjords

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Longyearbyen

Two Days in the Polar Capital

Time to explore Longyearbyen — the Svalbard Museum, the North Pole Expeditions Museum, dog sledding history, and the world's northernmost town on its own terms.

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Kvitøya

Explore the remote island where Swedish explorer S.A. Andrée and his crew perished after their ill-fated 1897 balloon expedition to the North Pole.

Cruising in Search of the Ice Pack

A full day navigating north toward the pack ice — where polar bears roam and the high Arctic frontier feels genuinely close.

Polar Wildlife Watching

Spy on polar bears, walruses, whales and arctic foxes in their natural habitat.

Northeast Svalbard's Uninhabited Coast

Two full days exploring Storøya, Phippsøya, and the islands of the northeast — terrain rarely visited and largely unchanged since the first whalers charted it centuries ago

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

As you navigate the Arctic waters, keep an eye out for mesmerizing wildlife like polar bears, ringed seals, and walruses. Your luxury cruise experience includes various activities to engage and enrich. Optional kayaking with the Swan Hellenic Expedition Team offers a unique perspective on the stunning Arctic landscapes. As you're enveloped in the natural wonders of Svalbard, take delight in the diverse flora burgeoning under the midnight sun, creating unforgettable memories on this extraordinary voyage

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Longyearbyen

It's home to the North Pole Expeditions Museum, chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out

Days 2-10

Svalbard

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals, and arctic fox

Days 10-11

Longyearbyen

Your Arctic voyage ends back in Longyearbyen, having experienced a unique glimpse into the barren lands and wildlife of this remote area. Learn more about the island's early explorers, the challenges of living in the Arctic, and the diverse wildlife you might have encountered on your cruise at the Svalbard Museum. Or even send a postcard from the world's northernmost post office before your journey home

Guest Reviews

Each Swan Hellenic journey is designed to inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and create lasting memories. Our guests' experiences bring to life the spirit of cultural discovery and exploration that defines our voyages.

What elevates Swan Hellenic above competitors is the expedition team and the dedication to immersive travel. The expert lecturers, naturalists, and guides are world-class, offering fascinating lectures and ensuring safe, intimate excursions.

Rachel TaylorAustralia

Everything was absolutely perfect! There was not a single thing to complain about. It was incredibly fun, and that fantastic atmosphere was maintained by the entire crew from the very first to the very last minute of our stay!

Alexander KorneevFinland

A terrific expedition trip! Small number of guests, very attentive staff, very interesting ports of call. Excursions were varied & fun!

Katie BrownCanada

I highly recommend Swan Hellenic! Every single aspect of my cruise was outstanding. The food was fantastic and the ship is awesome. The crew supported my every need in an excellent manner.

Robbie AsherUnited States

From the captain to the expedition guides, from the service staff to housekeeping. 100 out of 100 points!

Annette ClavinDenmark

Journal

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