There’s a place where the world feels untouched, raw, and completely alive—and it’s calling us north. In Svalbard, nature is in charge. Glaciers stretch like frozen rivers, the sun refuses to set, and reindeer wander the streets of Longyearbyen like they own the place. Over 12 days, this Svalbard cruise will take us deep into the Arctic wilderness. We’ll explore icy fjords in zodiacs, hike across open tundra, and paddle through crystal-clear waters. Each day is a new journey into the wild, with our trusty ship as both a basecamp and a warm retreat. Here, on the edge of the world, adventure isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for your overnight stay. In the evening, you’ll meet the expedition leaders and the rest of the group for a trip briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel in Longyearbyen
You’ll have most of the day to explore Longyearbyen. Consider exploring The North Pole Expedition Museum, visiting the local brewery, and enjoying a reindeer burger in one of the local restaurants. We’ll board the M/S Quest in the late afternoon. Cruising out of the beautiful Isfjorden, we’ll be escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. There will be a briefing to distribute dry suits, poggies (paddling mitts for our hands), lifejackets and dry bags.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: M/S Quest
Over the next 9 days we will explore the amazing wilderness of Svalbard! We’ll spend as much time as possible outside, be it zodiac cruising, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, or all four! Our experienced Arctic team will use their know-how to design a day-to-day itinerary that makes the best use of the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We’ll aim for at least two outings per day and explore wonderful landing sites in small groups.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: M/S Quest
As our Svalbard cruise comes to an end, we’ll disembark the ship around 9am and transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
To enjoy this Svalbard cruise, you’ll need to be in good health, relatively fit and active, and adventurous. The shore landings and zodiac cruises in Svalbard are suitable for anyone with the ability to descend and ascend the ship’s gangway (a steep set of stairs with a handrail) and enter the zodiac with assistance from the expedition team.
The active hikes on the Svalbard cruise will involve up to 5 km (3 miles) of hiking on varied terrain, from gentle tundra to steep slopes on a mix of uneven, rocky ground, with 180 to 210 m (600 to 700 m) elevation on average. The hikes may involve some scrambling.
The kayaking program on this Svalbard cruise requires good fitness levels and being comfortable in water. You’ll go kayaking between 3 and 5 times on the cruise, depending on the weather. Kayaking requires basic upper body strength and endurance to navigate the icy waters. While prior paddling experience is helpful, beginners are welcome!
If you’re an enthusiastic kayaker and have the stamina to paddle for extended periods, consider adding extra kayaking sessions to your booking (available at checkout). You will get a dedicated kayak and gear so you can maximize your time on the water in Svalbard with 6 to 10 outings, depending on the weather.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Zodiacs & landings
On board
Other recommended items
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activities.
Group sizes and pricing
A Svalbard cruise can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has adventurers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Svalbard cruise is Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway. To get there, most people fly into Svalbard Airport (LYR). From there, an airport transfer will take you to the hotel in Longyearbyen for your overnight stay.
Once you’re there, you will meet your expedition leaders and the rest of the group in the evening of Day 1. More details will be provided before your departure.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful