Visit Longyearbyen, the northernmost inhabited town on Spitsbergen
Join a 3-night mini cruise on the MS Serenissima
Take part in onshore expeditions led by expert guides, including small-boat trips, trekking, and wildlife spotting
Attend onboard lectures and informal briefings to enhance your understanding of the Arctic environment and wildlife
Choose the best season for you: May–June for ice and snow, July–August for 24-hour daylight and flourishing wildlife, or late August for golden light.
From £2,212 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing a standard cabin for 3 nights and 2 nights at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for the first two nights, all meals and activities as described.
This roughly converts to 2,632 EUR | 2,853 USD
Departures: The itinerary shown is the 5-night tour beginning on Saturday from May to September, with two night hotel accommodation and the sailing from Monday for 3-nights. It is a guide for the day to day programme, but weather conditions may have an effect on the final route taken. There is also a tour arriving on Wednesday with the first night in a hotel, and 4-night voyage starting on Thursday.
Please note, the prices are subject to change due to cabin availability and season.
Cabins booked onboard in the Standard and Inside Cabins are allocated the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. Superior and Deluxe Cabins are allocated Standard rooms at Funken Lodge, and Suites are allocated the Superior rooms.
After breakfast and some free time to explore the town further, you will enjoy a light lunch at the hotel, then free time to add optional excursions, for example a sightseeing tour by electric bike (which can be pre-booked), before dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast you have a guided city tour that visits the Svalbard Museum and wilderness Camp Barentz. The tour ends at the port where you’ll board MS Serenissima and begin the voyage through the icy waters of Isfjorden, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and abound with dramatic landscapes, passing the settlements of Grumant and Barentsburg.
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 voyage continues along the coast to Magdalenefjorden, known for its spectacular alpine-like scenery and its historical significance. Here, there are remains of a 17th century whaling station, offering a glimpse into the harsh life of early Arctic explorers. The area is also home to important breeding grounds for many bird species, adding to the fjord’s vibrant natural atmosphere. The sailing takes you further up the North West Corner of Spitsbergen. Potential landing expeditions are considered at every opportunity during the trip, but they depend on weather and ice conditions, with safety the main priority. 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.
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 voyage is now heading south, taking 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.
In the morning you will arrive back at Longyearbyen, where a transfer is waiting to take you back to the Radisson Blu Hotel. Here, you can leave your baggage before taking the transfer to the airport for your onward flight. You may wish to spend additional nights in Svalbard and explore further the arctic wilderness.
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.
