Embark on the Exploring Svalbard luxury cruise, a captivating round-trip voyage departing from the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen, on the island of Spitsbergen. This adventure leads you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago

Highlights

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

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

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

Itinerary

day 1 | Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

day 2-7 | Svalbard Archipelago

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

day 8 | Longyearbyen

This is where our journey comes to an end. From here, you are free to continue exploring Longyearbyen at your own pace — strolling its quiet streets, visiting local museums and viewpoints, or simply soaking in the stark beauty and silence of the High Arctic before your onward travels. Whether you choose to linger a little longer or begin your return home, this remote Arctic outpost offers a fitting final impression — a place where human presence meets vast wilderness at the edge of the world

Ships

SH Diana

SH Diana is the largest vessel in the Swan Hellenic fleet, a 5-star expedition ship built to accommodate 192 guests across 96 staterooms. Constructed in Helsinki, it is engineered for extreme environments with a PC6 ice-resistant hull and specialized expedition facilities. The design marries modern Scandinavian aesthetics with functional luxury, featuring refined interiors, exclusive onboard artwork. Engineered for both exploration and comfort, the ship utilizes expansive, unobstructed views to ensure guests are always connected to the environments they visit. Read about Cruise Norway’s expedition cruise experience on board SH Diana in Svalbard. Read Cruise Norway’s review of “The Mysteries of Carthage and Moors” on board Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana

What's included

Inclusions

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
Your selected stateroom
All meals onboard
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
24-hour room service
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion per port of call
All expedition landings
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Gym, sauna, pool
24/7 self service laundry
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots
Memory Package
Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Practical information

The best time to visit Svalbard is between May and September, when the Arctic ice has melted enough to allow ship access. Each part of the season offers something unique:

May – Early Season: Pristine snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see polar bears on sea ice.
June & July – Midnight Sun: 24-hour daylight, active wildlife, and the best time for birdwatching.
August & September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, peak whale watching, and increased access to fjords.

Svalbard is one of the best places to see Arctic wildlife, including:

Polar Bears – The king of the Arctic, often spotted hunting on the ice.
Walruses – Large herds resting on ice floes and beaches.
Whales – Beluga, Humpback, Blue, and Minke Whales.
Seals – Bearded, Ringed, and Harp Seals.
Arctic Foxes & Reindeer – Unique to Svalbard’s tundra.
Seabirds – Thousands of Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Guillemots nest on cliffs.

Svalbard is part of Norway, but it has a unique visa policy.

Most travelers do NOT need a visa for Svalbard, but if you transit through Oslo or Tromsø, you may need a Norwegian Schengen visa depending on your nationality.
Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as other forms of ID (such as national ID cards) are not sufficient for entry into Svalbard.
Swan Hellenic will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Svalbard’s Arctic climate is cool but variable, with temperatures ranging from:

May - June: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
July - August: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
September: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

Despite the cold, summer in Svalbard can feel mild, especially with proper clothing.

Packing properly for your Svalbard expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable in the Arctic environment. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

Layering is essential – opt for wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics rather than cotton.
Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).
Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.
Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.
Gloves & Mittens – a combination of fleece and wool for maximum warmth
Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.
Scarf or Fleece Tube – for extra warmth around the neck.
Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet insulated.
Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes – for exploring on land.
Sunglasses with UV Protection – essential for the Midnight Sun.
Sleeping Mask – to block out 24-hour daylight and help with sleep.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for landings and carrying essentials.
A Good Pair of Binoculars – great for wildlife viewing (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).
Camera & Extra Memory Cards – the Arctic landscapes and wildlife are breathtaking.
Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific requirements.
Sea Sickness Medication – the Arctic waters can sometimes be rough.

Personal Care & Essentials

Your Passport & a Copy of It
Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for information about onboard payments.
Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against intense Arctic sunlight.
Moisturizer – cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin.
Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unforeseen delays.

While Arctic waters are generally calmer than the Drake Passage, conditions can vary. Some areas, like the Barents Sea, can be choppy, but Swan Hellenic’s stabilized ships and experienced crew ensure a comfortable journey. Seasickness medication is recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

No, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are only visible in Svalbard between October and March, when the region experiences polar night. Cruises operate during the summer (May - September), when the Midnight Sun keeps the skies bright 24/7.

For an Arctic Northern Lights experience, consider visiting Svalbard in winter on a land-based tour.

Svalbard is home to an estimated 3,000 polar bears, and while sightings are not guaranteed, Swan Hellenic’s expert expedition guides maximize your chances of spotting them in their natural habitat.

Polar bears are often seen hunting on sea ice, resting on shorelines, or swimming in Arctic waters. Your guides will ensure safe and responsible viewing from Zodiacs and onboard observation decks.

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets, providing 24-hour daylight from late April to late August in Svalbard.

This extended daylight allows for longer excursions, wildlife spotting at any hour, and breathtaking Arctic scenery under golden light.

Arctic weather is unpredictable, and landings are always subject to conditions. If a scheduled landing isn’t possible, the expedition team will:

Adjust the itinerary to find an alternative landing site.
Offer an extended Zodiac cruise in sheltered areas
Provide enrichment lectures, photography sessions, or wildlife viewing from the ship.

Swan Hellenic’s small expedition ships allow for maximum flexibility, ensuring a full experience despite changing conditions.