Summary
Short description
Join polar expedition specialists Swan Hellenic on a voyage to the wilds of Svalbard
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Highlights
- Sail in style aboard one of Swan Hellenic’s newest ships
- Cruise among giant glaciers and dramatic fjords
- Explore the remote Hinlopen Strait, home to rare birdlife and roaming polar bears
- Enjoy a full programme of polar excursions
- Relax in comfort, with gourmet dining and use of an onboard sauna, gym and Jacuzzis
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Expedition cruise | National Parks
Sailing out from Longyearbyen, this is your chance to experience and explore the remotest corners of the Svalbard archipelago in style. Keeping eyes peeled for polar bears, you’ll sail between majestic glaciers and towering fjords, enjoying daily shore excursions designed to bring you up close to the unique landscapes and wildlife of this most far-flung of regions. Then, back on board, you’ll savour all the luxuries of your Scandi-inspired ship, complete with stylish accommodation, saunas, Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art gym, sophisticated dining spaces and a choice of observation areas, including a star-gazing deck up top.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Copenhagen
With included UK airport lounge access, you’ll set off in feeling relaxed on your flight to Copenhagen. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring the Danish capital at your own pace.
Stay: Copenhagen accommodation (Superior)
Day
2
Longyearbyen
After breakfast, you’ll return to the airport to board your flight north to the island of Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard archipelago. On arrival in Longyearbyen – the world’s most northerly town – you’ll make your way to your waiting ship, the excitement building as you prepare for your expedition to begin. The Arctic waters around here are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.
Stay: SH Vega (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
3
Svalbard
Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard archipelago feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world. Known as the kingdom of the polar bears, you’ll be hoping to spot some of its subjects as you explore what are among the most varied landscapes in the Arctic. Heading out in Zodiac boats, you’ll get close to enormous glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans that they feed. In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent fjords, the remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for polar bears.
Stay: SH Vega
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Hinlopen Strait
Named after the director of a 17th century Dutch whaling company, the Hinlopen Strait divides Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen, from its second-largest island, Nordaustlandet. While it’s often congested with ice, the summer months allow for safe passage among its glorious landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Indeed, as you look to the rugged shoreline, you might well be treated to a sighting of a roaming polar bears, while the skies and seas team with birdlife, including several species of duck and geese.
Stay: SH Vega
Meals: B L D
Days
5-8
Svalbard
As you return towards Longyearbyen, the landscapes are punctuated with large areas devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and remote, windswept beaches. Alongside Svalbard’s polar bears, this Arctic wildlife hotspot is also home to walrus, beluga whales, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seal, the arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds. Subject to the conditions you may also be able to enjoy kayaking outings with the expedition team.
Stay: SH Vega
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Return to Copenhagen
Arrive back in Longyearbyen where you’ll transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Copenhagen. On arrival, transfer to your hotel then, if time allows, take the chance for a final exploration of Norway's capital.
Stay: Copenhagen accommodation (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
10
Depart for UK
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
10-day expedition cruise
from £8,615 pp incl. flights
June & July 2025 departures
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK to Copenhagen
- One night pre- and one night post- cruise hotel with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Return flights from Copenhagen to Longyearbyen
- 7-night cruise aboard SH Vega
- All transfers on a group basis between airports, hotels and ship.
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard WiFi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots
Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability, please call for details.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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