Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise: Extended Package
Experience Svalbard from shore to sea.
Go beyond the ordinary and off the beaten track, as you experience the rugged beauty and natural wonders of Svalbard.
Your journey begins with an extended stay in the world’s northernmost town, with the opportunity to explore Longyearbyen, learning more about its unique history, and uncover what its like to live at the top of the world. Before setting sail for 80° North, our extended stay includes a day’s sailing onboard MS Bard - our hybrid catamaran - for a different perspective of the waters around Longyearbyen.
The journey North will cruise past the rugged landscape and pristine wilderness of Svalbard, before attempting to cross the 80th parallel. From the historic settlement of Ny-Ålesund to the pristine wilderness of Isfjord and beyond, this extended journey takes you deeper into the Arctic. From shore to sea, this is Svalbard experienced in full.
Explore Longyearbyen’s Arctic history. Discover the town’s unique history with a tour of Huset, one of the town’s most important buildings, for a glimpse into life at the top of the world.
See Svalbard from a different perspective. Set to explore the waters around Longyearbyen in search of Arctic wildlife, glaciers and spectacular coastal scenery, onboard MS Bard, our hybrid catamaran
Journey towards 80° North. Sail onboard MS Serenissima and venture deeper into the Arctic, passing rugged coastlines, glaciers and pristine wilderness as you visit Ny-Ålesund and attempt to cross the 80th parallel.
Discover more with our expedition team. Experienced guides bring Svalbard’s landscapes, wildlife and history to life throughout your journey, with guiding available in Scandinavian, English, German, French and Italian.
*Italian guides will not be onboard the following departures: 31st May, 21st June, 12th July, 2nd August, 23rd August
Tentative itinerary
The day-by-day programme offers a glimpse of what you can expect during your voyage, but please remember that this itinerary is just a guide. As with any adventure, the elements are in charge, and weather conditions may lead to changes along the way.
Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen
Arrive in Longyearbyen and settle into your hotel – either Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or Funken Lodge, depending on your cabin category.
Your extended Svalbard stay begins with a relaxed evening and dinner in your hotel bar, giving you time to settle in and get your first taste of life in the High Arctic.
Day 2: Discover Historic Huset
Today, discover a different side of Longyearbyen with a guided tour of historic Huset. Once an important meeting place for the mining community, this landmark building has played a central role in Longyearbyen's social and cultural life for decades.
Transport to Huset is not included, but we can assist with pre-booking a taxi if required.
The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Dinner this evening is not included, giving you the freedom to choose where you would like to eat. For a special evening, you can book a table at Huset Restaurant, or explore one of Longyearbyen's other restaurants. We are happy to assist with reservations.
Day 3: Wildlife and Glaciers by Boat
Head out onto the waters around Spitsbergen for a Wildlife and Glacier Cruise aboard MS Bard. Keep watch for Arctic wildlife as you travel through the dramatic coastal landscape, with mountains, glaciers and fjords providing the backdrop to your day on the water.
Back in Longyearbyen, your Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise programme officially begins. Enjoy a two-course dinner at your hotel restaurant before settling in for the night.
Day 4: Explore Longyearbyen and its surroundings
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes the award-winning Svalbard Museum and a visit to Camp Barentz in the wilderness. Here, you can meet the huskies and their musher and learn more about the King of the Arctic – the polar bear – while enjoying Norwegian pancakes, known as sveler, and hot drinks.
You'll also have free time to explore Longyearbyen's shops, cafés and galleries, or perhaps join an additional excursion. All meals are included today, allowing you to enjoy the day at your own pace.
Day 5: The exploration begins
Today marks your first landing as MS Serenissima takes you beyond Longyearbyen and into the wilderness of Svalbard. Remote fjords, soaring mountains, abundant birdlife and traces of Arctic history await.
Possible locations include Borebukta and Magdalenefjorden, with the day's plans shaped by weather, ice and local conditions.
Day 6: Towards 80° North
Explore the diverse landscapes of north-west Spitsbergen and keep watch for Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer and seabirds.
If conditions allow, we'll sail beyond 80° North and approach Moffen Island, renowned for its walrus population. Possible locations along the way include Magdalenefjorden and Liefdefjorden.
Day 7: Fjords, glaciers and Arctic research
Discover the spectacular Kongsfjorden area, home to towering glaciers, rich birdlife, whales and centuries of Arctic history. Stories of hunters, trappers, miners and early polar explorers are woven into the landscape here.
A visit to Ny-Ålesund offers a glimpse into both Svalbard's past and present. Once a mining town and later a base for expeditions towards the North Pole, it is now an international centre for Arctic research – and home to the world's northernmost post office.
Day 8: Flying home from the Arctic
Today marks the end of your Arctic adventure. You'll transfer from the ship to Longyearbyen, with time for a final stroll through town or to pick up a few souvenirs before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Not quite ready to leave? You can add extra nights to your package and make the most of your time in Longyearbyen.
What's included?
Accommodation and transfers: A four- or five-night stay in Longyearbyen before your voyage, depending on your chosen departure date, including transfers between Longyearbyen Airport, your hotel, and the vessel.
Food and drink: Full board as per the programme (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with complimentary tea and coffee.
Activities: Historical tour of Huset, Wildlife & Glacier Cruise onboard MS Bard, three-hour sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen including entrance to Svalbard Museum and a visit to Camp Barentz, guided landings with small expedition boats during the voyage, onboard lectures, and informal gatherings.
Expedition team: Local expert guides fluent in English, German, Norwegian, and French ensure an informative and enjoyable trip.
Equipment: To help you stay warm and dry during your voyage, we’ll provide waterproof boots and a lifejacket. You can also borrow a thermal suit for use on deck and walking sticks for landings. All borrowed items must be returned at the end of your trip.
What’s not included
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Additional activities or extended stays in Longyearbyen
Beverages other than tea and coffee
Notes
The minimum age to join the mini-cruise is 2 years
All planned activities are subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions
No gratuities are expected
A true digital detox – there is no Wi-Fi, internet access or mobile signal during the voyage (except in Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund)
Embarkation and disembarkation in Longyearbyen: When embarking or disembarking the ship in Longyearbyen, the vessel will either be docked alongside the harbour or anchored in the fjord. This means you may board or leave the ship directly from the quay, or via a zodiac boat transfer. As docking alongside cannot be guaranteed, all guests must be physically able to use stairs and embark/disembark via Zodiac.
Part of your eight-night package will be onboard MS Serenissima. If your package starts on a Saturday, you will embark at 12:00 on Monday, arriving back in Longyearbyen on Thursday at 10:00. For those whose package starts on a Wednesday, you will embark at 16:00 and arrive back in Longyearbyen on Monday at 09:00.
For flights departing Longyearbyen for mainland Norway, we recommend booking a flight at least 2 hours after disembarkation. If you require additional nights in Longyearbyen after your sailing, please get in touch for more information.
Hurtigruten Svalbard is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified, ensuring top-quality and safety standards. As a member of Visit Svalbard and AECO, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences while prioritising environmental responsibility in the Arctic.
Experience the suite life
Experience the wonders of Svalbard's coastline in comfort and privacy with our beautifully appointed suites onboard MS Serenissima. With private balconies and outdoor space, pre/post night stays at Funken Lodge and much more, when you choose a suite on the Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise, every step of your adventure is elevated.
Activities onboard the ship
Your safety is our priority. Our experienced and highly trained expert guides from Svalbard will accompany all excursions, equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle encounters with polar bears. All planned activities are subject to change based on weather and ice conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Landings
Depending on weather and ice conditions, our Expedition Team will use Zodiac boats to attempt various landings throughout our sailing.
Zodiac Cruising
Get closer to the nature, onboard our small Zodiac cruising excursions. Led by the expedition team, we will glide amongst the ice floes discovering more about the soaring glaciers that helped to shape the landscape of Svalbard.
Wildlife watching
As we sail there will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with the chance to spot seals, reindeer, walruses and if you are lucky - the king of the Arctic, the iconic polar bear.
Don't miss out on exciting activities and culinary experiences in Longyearbyen!
Extend your stay and explore unique land-based activities and dining. Our local travel designers can create a personalised package just for you. Reach out to us for an unforgettable adventure.
Contact UsEarly Booking Discount | Terms & Conditions
This offer applies to bookings made from 15 September 2026 to 31 October 2026 (inclusive) for limited cabins on selected departures from 10th May 2027 and 10th September 2027 (inclusive). Bookings outside of these periods do not qualify.
The offer only applies to direct individual bookings through our website, and is not commissionable,
The offer applies to the full 6-day Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise package. The offer does not apply to optional excursions, pre/post tours, insurance, additional hotel accommodation, or international arrival and departure flights.
This applies to new individual bookings only and will not be applied to existing or held bookings. Any attempt to cancel and rebook solely to take advantage of a discount may result in the booking being invalidated.
For group bookings, please get in touch with the sales team for a quote.
Bookings are subject to availability and may be limited, amended, or withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
Single supplements and other restrictions may apply. This Ambassador offer provides an exclusive discount above our concurrent early bird discount campaign (5% for level 1, 10% for level 2) and is not combinable with any other offer or commissions, including those within the Hurtigruten Norway and HX Ambassador Loyalty programme.
Otherwise, payment, cancellation, refunds and other terms are as per our Booking Terms & Conditions.