Svalbard Cruises

Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole at 74–81°N latitude, is one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. This true Arctic wilderness — roughly 60% covered by glaciers — offers the best chance of encountering polar bears in their natural habitat.

Expedition cruises around Svalbard typically operate as circumnavigation voyages around Spitsbergen, the largest island, during the brief Arctic summer (June–August). Ships navigate between pack ice and glacier fronts, with Zodiac excursions to remote beaches and bird cliffs. An estimated 3,000 polar bears inhabit the archipelago — outnumbering the 2,500 human residents.

Beyond polar bears, Svalbard delivers extraordinary wildlife: Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer (a uniquely small subspecies), walrus haul-outs on remote beaches, and bird cliffs teeming with millions of Brünnich's guillemots, puffins, and little auks. The midnight sun (April–August) provides 24-hour daylight for wildlife viewing and photography.