There are very few words that describe how beautiful and unique the Svalbard archipelago is – perhaps the only way to understand is to visit this remarkable place for yourself.
Travel to the most northerly inhabited town of Longyearbyen on the island Spitsbergen, and step aboard a mini cruise for an unforgettable adventure along the west coast. With two itineraries available, immerse yourself in the arctic wilderness with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and rich history of this unique destination.
With expert guides leading the way, ensuring a safe and informative experience, you’ll get the chance to take part in onshore expeditions using small boats, trekking and wildlife spotting with possible sightings of seals, reindeer, polar bears and walruses, as well as onboard lectures and informal gatherings to explain the adventures ahead.
The tour starts with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, followed by a visit to the Svalbard Museum and wilderness camp before joining the MS Serenissima for a 4 night mini cruise visiting the main attractions along the coastal route through the stunning fjords and icy waters.
The different seasons offer their own unique experiences, so it may be difficult deciding on when to travel. If you wish to experience an Arctic winter setting then May and June are the perfect months – the fjords are partially covered in sea ice and the mountains glisten with snow under the midnight sun. The months of July and August bring 24 hours of daylight with milder temperatures, green tundra and blooming fauna, as well as wildlife thriving and an abundance of bird life filling the skies. Then towards the end of August the endless daylight begins to fade, bringing a golden light period creating beautiful contrasts between the landscape and sky, a fantastic chance to capture the Arctic beauty on camera.
From £1,862 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing a standard cabin for 4 nights and 1 night at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for the first night, all meals and activities as described.
This roughly converts to 2,216 EUR | 2,402 USD
The itinerary shown is the 5-night tour beginning on Wednesday, with the sailing from Thursday for 4-nights. There is also a shorter voyage starting on Sunday, with the sailing from Monday for 3-nights. It is also possible to upgrade the hotel in Longyearbyen to Funken Lodge.
Originally built in 1960, the MS Serenissima has been meticulously renovated over the years, preserving its history while offering a comfortable and intimate cruising experience, with a maximum occupancy of just 103 guests onboard. The classic ship blends old style charm with modern comforts, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic Scenery.
There are a range of cabin types to suit your preferences – choose from standard cabins, either double or twin, superior and deluxe cabins, Junior suite, Owner’s suite and Executive suites, all are outside facing with portholes or windows and have private bathrooms.
Dining onboard is fully catered, with a buffet style breakfast, lunch and delightful 3-course dinner all served in the Venice Restaurant. There is also the Andrea Lounge located at the back of the ship, offering a cosy and elegant place to relax, and the Harald Jarl Lounge at the front of the ship, an inviting setting to gather and unwind before dinner.
The outdoor areas feature expansive decks, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, soak up the sun or take a stroll. Every moment aboard the MS Serenissima is designed to enhance your Svalbard adventure.
Originally built in 1960, the MS Serenissima has been meticulously renovated over the years, preserving its history while offering a comfortable and intimate cruising experience, with a maximum occupancy of just 103 guests onboard. The classic ship blends old style charm with modern comforts, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic Scenery.
There are a range of cabin types to suit your preferences – choose from standard cabins, either double or twin, superior and deluxe cabins, Junior suite, Owner’s suite and Executive suites, all are outside facing with portholes or windows and have private bathrooms.
Dining onboard is fully catered, with a buffet style breakfast, lunch and delightful 3-course dinner all served in the Venice Restaurant. There is also the Andrea Lounge located at the back of the ship, offering a cosy and elegant place to relax, and the Harald Jarl Lounge at the front of the ship, an inviting setting to gather and unwind before dinner.
The outdoor areas feature expansive decks, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, soak up the sun or take a stroll. Every moment aboard the MS Serenissima is designed to enhance your Svalbard adventure.
The further north you sail, the more diverse the landscape gets. Continuing towards 80° North latitude, you’ll head to Moffen Island, a renowned location for its walrus population, quite often found lounging on the shores. Then on to Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden, a land of contrasts - the region is home to a variety of Arctic fauna and flora, and as you explore this rugged terrain, you’ll be captivated by the serenity of the Arctic wilderness. Please note that icy conditions in the early season may prevent access to some areas.
Originally built in 1960, the MS Serenissima has been meticulously renovated over the years, preserving its history while offering a comfortable and intimate cruising experience, with a maximum occupancy of just 103 guests onboard. The classic ship blends old style charm with modern comforts, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic Scenery.
There are a range of cabin types to suit your preferences – choose from standard cabins, either double or twin, superior and deluxe cabins, Junior suite, Owner’s suite and Executive suites, all are outside facing with portholes or windows and have private bathrooms.
Dining onboard is fully catered, with a buffet style breakfast, lunch and delightful 3-course dinner all served in the Venice Restaurant. There is also the Andrea Lounge located at the back of the ship, offering a cosy and elegant place to relax, and the Harald Jarl Lounge at the front of the ship, an inviting setting to gather and unwind before dinner.
The outdoor areas feature expansive decks, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, soak up the sun or take a stroll. Every moment aboard the MS Serenissima is designed to enhance your Svalbard adventure.
Heading south, the voyage takes you to the scenic Kongsfjorden where you’ll get the chance to hike on the tundra and visit the research centre in Ny-Ålesund. Once a bustling coal mining settlement, it now hosts scientists from around the world. The ship is able to dock here, and you’ll have the opportunity to walk around this small community, learning about Arctic exploration and the chance to send a postcard from the most northerly post office in the world.
Originally built in 1960, the MS Serenissima has been meticulously renovated over the years, preserving its history while offering a comfortable and intimate cruising experience, with a maximum occupancy of just 103 guests onboard. The classic ship blends old style charm with modern comforts, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic Scenery.
There are a range of cabin types to suit your preferences – choose from standard cabins, either double or twin, superior and deluxe cabins, Junior suite, Owner’s suite and Executive suites, all are outside facing with portholes or windows and have private bathrooms.
Dining onboard is fully catered, with a buffet style breakfast, lunch and delightful 3-course dinner all served in the Venice Restaurant. There is also the Andrea Lounge located at the back of the ship, offering a cosy and elegant place to relax, and the Harald Jarl Lounge at the front of the ship, an inviting setting to gather and unwind before dinner.
The outdoor areas feature expansive decks, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, soak up the sun or take a stroll. Every moment aboard the MS Serenissima is designed to enhance your Svalbard adventure.
Originally built in 1960, the MS Serenissima has been meticulously renovated over the years, preserving its history while offering a comfortable and intimate cruising experience, with a maximum occupancy of just 103 guests onboard. The classic ship blends old style charm with modern comforts, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Arctic Scenery.
There are a range of cabin types to suit your preferences – choose from standard cabins, either double or twin, superior and deluxe cabins, Junior suite, Owner’s suite and Executive suites, all are outside facing with portholes or windows and have private bathrooms.
Dining onboard is fully catered, with a buffet style breakfast, lunch and delightful 3-course dinner all served in the Venice Restaurant. There is also the Andrea Lounge located at the back of the ship, offering a cosy and elegant place to relax, and the Harald Jarl Lounge at the front of the ship, an inviting setting to gather and unwind before dinner.
The outdoor areas feature expansive decks, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, soak up the sun or take a stroll. Every moment aboard the MS Serenissima is designed to enhance your Svalbard adventure.