Svalbard Cruises
Highlights
- Some of the best odds of seeing polar bears anywhere in the world
- Excellent opportunities to spy other wildlife, including Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, ringed seals, walruses, belugas, and such birds as Arctic terns, barnacle geese, Atlantic puffins, and Arctic skuas
- Stunning scenery: icy peaks, fjords, bird cliffs, pristine tundra, and more
- Experience the Midnight Sun on your summer Svalbard cruise
- Visit Svalbard’s largest town, Longyearbyen, among the world’s northernmost settlements
The Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is one of the world’s wilderness wonderlands, a tableau of jagged peaks and tundra pastures rising from the Arctic Ocean. The scenery alone is breathtaking: Nearly 60 percent of the islands’ landmass comes blanketed in glacial ice and perennial snowfields, and significant stretches of coastline manifest as majestic fjords and sheer sea cliffs.
But Svalbard is also famously among the finest wildlife-watching destinations on Earth. Indeed, the archipelago’s biggest island, Spitsbergen, is celebrated as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic.” Here you’ll look for Arctic foxes, the unique Svalbard subspecies of reindeer, beluga whales and walruses, droves of different seabirds—and enjoy some of the very best opportunities anywhere to see the king of the Arctic, the polar bear: Svalbard hosts several hundred resident bears—including denning mothers—which are part of a roughly 3,000-strong Barents Sea population.
About Svalbard Cruises
The Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is one of the world’s wilderness wonderlands, a tableau of jagged peaks and tundra pastures rising from the Arctic Ocean. The scenery alone is breathtaking: Nearly 60 percent of the islands’ landmass comes blanketed in glacial ice and perennial snowfields, and significant stretches of coastline manifest as majestic fjords and sheer sea cliffs.
But Svalbard is also famously among the finest wildlife-watching destinations on Earth. Indeed, the archipelago’s biggest island, Spitsbergen, is celebrated as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic.” Here you’ll look for Arctic foxes, the unique Svalbard subspecies of reindeer, beluga whales and walruses, droves of different seabirds—and enjoy some of the very best opportunities anywhere to see the king of the Arctic, the polar bear: Svalbard hosts several hundred resident bears—including denning mothers—which are part of a roughly 3,000-strong Barents Sea population.
Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords (Southbound)
Svalbard: In Search Of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
Svalbard Map
Svalbard Cruise FAQs
Where is Svalbard located?
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole in the High Arctic.
What type of wildlife can I see on a Svalbard cruise?
Svalbard is famed for its polar bears, but you may also see walrus, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and countless seabirds.
When is the best time to go on a Svalbard cruise?
The prime season is May through August, with early summer offering dramatic ice landscapes and late season excellent wildlife encounters.
Are there cruises to Svalbard?
Yes, Svalbard is one of the most popular Arctic cruise destinations due to its incredible polar bear population and accessible wilderness.
How long do Svalbard cruises typically last?
Expedition cruises usually range from 7 to 14 days, depending on the route and vessel.
How much is a cruise to Svalbard?
Prices range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000 USD.
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole in the High Arctic.
Svalbard is famed for its polar bears, but you may also see walrus, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and countless seabirds.
The prime season is May through August, with early summer offering dramatic ice landscapes and late season excellent wildlife encounters.
Yes, Svalbard is one of the most popular Arctic cruise destinations due to its incredible polar bear population and accessible wilderness.
Expedition cruises usually range from 7 to 14 days, depending on the route and vessel.
Prices range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000 USD.
Svalbard Expedition Cruise Vessels
Join polar-class expedition vessels for a safe and thrilling journey to Svalbard, the realm of polar bears and Arctic wilderness.
National Geographic Endurance
National Geographic Resolution
Recommended Reading
10 Fascinating Polar Bear Facts
10 Wild Wolverine Facts: A Marvel Of The Arctic Kingdom
The 5 Best Places To See Polar Bears In The Wild
The Best Time To See Polar Bears In Svalbard (& The Arctic)