Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Sailing Spitsbergen

At the end of a long winter, Arctic spring begins to awaken on North Spitsbergen. The climate, however, still clings to the cold, with snow-covered mountains, snow-swept shores and temperatures around 25°F (–4° C). It’s a good time to experience the last of winter scenery and with luck, see Arctic animals like polar bear, walrus and seals.

The 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen small ship cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway. Highlights include visiting the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen, a former mining town and now administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Spot minke whales while sailing Isfjorden and tour historic whaling and hunting stations at Trygghamna. Witness large seabirds decide upon their breeding site along the cliffs of Alkhornet and gawk at the foraging animals like arctic foxes and reindeer grazing below.

Snowshoe around historic Ny London to see the remains of early 20th-century marble mining and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. Hike the tundra of Ymerbukta and glaciated Ekmanfjorden, depending on when spring arrives, otherwise view the fascinating geological coastal formations by Zodiac and ship. Delight as walrus haul out to sea at Poolepynten and ringed and bearded seals hunt in the icy water near Gaffelbreen.

This unique Arctic sailing is aboard the 3-masted, 33-guest Rembrandt van Rijn. This schooner is well suited for Arctic adventures while sailing the Svalbard archipelago. Hoisting traditional sails while exploring remote areas in search of Arctic wildlife, geology and history makes this ship an ideal accommodation. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her adventurous nature and intimate size.

In addition to the main 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen Arctic sailing voyage, there is an 11-day North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer itinerary that sails to the north coast of Spitsbergen when the icepack allows. And Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail departures generally follow the main itinerary with regular ski mountaineering opportunities. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations to learn your best options for sailing Spitsbergen.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard & Spitsbergen Cruises and Arctic trips.