The Svalbard Adventure Mini Cruise: Local insights from 80° North

Unlike many Arctic expeditions that operate far from Svalbard itself, this voyage starts and ends in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town.

Our guides on board aren’t just passing through for the season; they actually live here. They know the local stories, the wildlife, and how life unfolds under the midnight sun and polar night. That sense of local connection runs through everything on this trip.

Because the groups are small and the guides are local, you actually get to know them. Not just as guides, but as people who live and work in this extraordinary place. Many guests say that this personal connection becomes one of the highlights of the whole journey. 

Landings might include spots like Magdalenefjorden, Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund, where you can learn about the early days of Arctic exploration and modern science. No two days are ever quite the same.

The Svalbard Adventure Mini Cruise is part of a five-night package that combines the best of both worlds, time on land in Longyearbyen and days at sea exploring the west coast of Spitsbergen. It is long enough to give you a real taste of the Arctic, yet short enough to fit seamlessly into an extended stay on Svalbard, with the option to add extra nights and activities before or after your adventure. 

Before the cruise, you will stay comfortably in Longyearbyen, where all transfers and meals are included. The package also features visits to some of the town’s highlights, from the award-winning Svalbard Museum, where you can learn about Arctic wildlife and early exploration, to a visit to Camp Barentz, a rustic wilderness camp where you will meet friendly huskies, enjoy hot drinks and Norwegian pancakes, and hear stories about life in polar bear country. 

And of course, there is time to explore Longyearbyen’s local shops and galleries or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the world’s northernmost town. With this package, you do not have to choose between the town and the wilderness, you get to experience both. 

Cabins come in a variety of options, from comfortable standard cabins to spacious suites, some of which feature private walkways and balconies where you can enjoy the fresh Arctic air in peace. There is no Wi-Fi on board, offering a welcome digital detox in a world where most of us are constantly online and available. It may feel a little strange at first, but most guests soon find it refreshing, a rare chance to switch off completely and simply enjoy where they are.

Between landings, you can relax with a hot drink in one of the cosy lounges, play cards, knit, or pick up a book from the ship’s small library. Or simply step outside to take in the view from the observation deck. If you are lucky, you might even see a whale surfacing in the distance. 

Guiding is available in several languages, including Scandinavian, English, German and French, and Italian is offered on all departures in July and August, so you can follow the storytelling in the language you are most comfortable with. 

The final sailing of the season carries a special purpose. It is organised in collaboration with the local Svalbard Folkehøgskole and focuses on a large-scale beach clean-up in the remote areas. In September 2025, participants helped clean up parts of Woodfjorden, a meaningful effort to protect the fragile Arctic coastline and give something back to the places that make this journey so special. 

Throughout the season, guests are also encouraged to take part in smaller clean-ups during landings. The guides bring bags along on shore excursions, making it easy for anyone who wants to help remove plastic or debris found along the beaches.