Spitsbergen Cruises

The cruising season runs from April to August, when the sun is in the sky for much if not all the time. Also, in the Arctic summer the pack ice that grips much of Svalbard melts sufficiently to allow shore access and easier passage between the islands. Flights operate between Oslo and the capital Longyearbyen – the starting point for many Spitsbergen cruises.

Arctic Nature

Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the third largest ice cap in the world; the stunning geography of Svalbard sits cheek by jowl with spectacular Arctic wildlife, making this a wonderful place to explore – particularly from the sea. The beautiful west coast of Spitsbergen is peppered with bird reserves, and if pack ice allows, it may be possible to spot polar bears on Kong Karls Land – a strictly protected breeding ground.

Arctic Heritage

The seas around Svalbard were exploited by European whalers from the early 17th century onwards, and evidence of the industry remains to this day. Sites such as old whaling stations and trappers’ huts, in fact anything relating to human activity from or before 1945, are designated as historical monuments and are protected. This includes such features as the mast where Amundsen, and later Nobile, tethered airships during their polar flight expeditions.

Cruises online

Ocean explorer has teamed up with Expedtiontrips to bring you a selection of Spitsbergen cruises, click here to see what's available and find out more