Trip Reports
Duration
10 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
12 Ports
8 July
Setting sail from Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Don't miss
At the so called heart of the city, Huset has long been the centre for culture and community. Go there for great food and to sample one of the largest wine cellars in Europe!
9-16 July
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Krossfjorden, Raudfjord, Liefdefjord, Nordkappsundet Strait, Kvitoya, Bråsvellsbreen Glacier, Freemansundet, Hornsund, Bellsund
17 July
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Isfjorden
Isfjorden is the second longest fjord in Svalbard, and is also where you’ll find the archipelago’s largest settlements, Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. Birds including guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins can be seen on the cliffs along the coast, and polar bears are known to prowl here.
18 July
Arriving in Longyearbyen
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
Your home from home
MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016 after an extensive renovation, and operates both the classic Norwegian coastal route and expedition voyages to Svalbard.
What we love
Calling at regular coastal route towns, MS Spitsbergen spends more time in port than other Hurtigruten vessels, allowing a little more time ashore. The ship's manoeuvrability and small size allows guests to get even closer to the stunning scenery that this part of the world is famous for.
| Capacity | 335 Guests |
|---|---|
| Style | MS Spitsbergen is relaxed and comfortable, accommodating a combination of tourists and Norwegians ferrying goods up and down the coast. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
