Svalbard Small Ships

Exploring the harsh, frozen north is ideally suited to expedition ships that have the necessary equipment to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. Thanks to the smaller size of the ships we use, they are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard, and combined with their smaller Zodiac boats you can gain closer access to some of the area’s best natural attractions.

R/V Kinfish

R/V Kinfish is a vessel with history and character. With room on board for just 12 passengers, the R/V Kinfish has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to manoeuvre through some of the smaller fjords and coves along Svalbard’s coastline that are inaccessible to larger ships. On board you’ll find two spacious lounges, a fantastic presentation room, state-of-the-art navigational equipment and a number of different viewing platforms. The deck space is spread over different levels, which is perfect for active travellers and avid photographers who want to capture the wildlife and scenery from different perspectives.

The six cabins are comfortable and well appointed, all with en-suite facilities. Portholes just above water level offer a unique perspective of the frozen world directly from your cabin. Mealtimes offer an informal opportunity to come together and chat about the day. Food served on board is traditional hearty Scandinavian cuisine – breakfast and lunch being buffet or ‘family style’ with everyone helping themselves. The evening meal is a two-course set dinner. A BBQ is another highlight and is served out on deck in sunny weather. Read more about R/V Kinfish.

M/S Polarfront

Built in Norway in 1976, Polarfront was originally used as a research vessel by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute - she used to take readings of CO2 in the atmosphere and measured the convergence of masses of polar and tropical air, hence the name Polarfront. She was recommissioned in 2017 to become an expedition ship, her design lending itself to navigating through the ice, while her previous life as a weather ship left her with an advanced stabilisation system; unusual in a ship of this size. She represents exclusivity within the polar explorer market place, affording luxury and space to the modern Arctic explorer seeking adventure in the far north.

Despite carrying only 12 passengers, there are all the amenities you would normally only find on a much bigger ship, such as an outdoor hot tub and windowed sauna offering views of the polar landscape while you stay in the warm. The navigation bridge is open during your adventure, and a great place from which to spot wildlife. It remains a weather ship as there is still a MÉTÉO FRANCE weather station on board. There are eight guest cabins on board, all with double or twin beds and all with ensuite bathrooms. The hub of the ship is the Coriolis Lounge, a great place to socialise with your fellow passengers and also where talks are given by our guides. Polarfront is committed to using local Norwegian and French suppliers and partners with small responsible producers to offer a refined culinary experience. Read more about M/S Polarfront.

MS Sjoveien

The M/S Sjøveien ("Seaway") is a beautifully restored expedition ship that blends classic maritime charm with modern comforts. Learn more about MS Sjoveien here.

• Originally built in 1964, this beautifully restored expedition ship blends maritime heritage with contemporary comforts.
• Accommodating just 12 passengers in en-suite cabins, Sjøveien offers an intimate and personalized journey.
• Featuring spacious wooden decks, elegant details, and a wood-fired hot tub, the ship exudes classic charm.
• Discover fjords, glaciers, and Arctic wildlife up close, with Zodiac excursions and the chance to photograph wildlife directly from the ship.
• Enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals daily in the communal dining area, complemented by engaging lectures from expert guides.

Svalbard Large Ships

M/V Sea Spirit

Spacious and beautiful, the M/V Sea Spirit has space for just 114 passengers during its voyages to the far south, Antarctica. All cabins are suites on-board, and you will also find a wonderful hot tub and outdoor bistro. You can expect smooth sailing; the hull is ice-strengthened and the ship also has retractable fin stabilisers. Seven different suite types to choose from, all have a porthole, picture window or a private balcony. On-board you will find a gym, hot tub, indoor restaurant and an outdoor bistro, a club lounge and a bar, presentation lounge and library.

M/V Polar Pioneer

The Polar Pioneer is no stranger to the icy waters of the Southern Ocean and the Arctic north, with a long track record of exploring the remote polar regions. The ship is a true expedition vessel with a tough design; large enough to reach remote destinations, but small enough to access places bigger ships simply can’t get to. Sporting the highest ice class - 1ASuper - she has no problem venturing into ice with her strong ice-strengthened hull. She is now back on the water, benefitting from an extensive refit and all cabins have been refreshed in a functional Scandinavian style. She offers a large deck space with raised areas making her perfect for photography, and features a large updated passenger saloon with bar, and an onboard sauna to warm up in after a day in the cold. With only 53 passengers on-board you’ll be able to maximise your time on shore; she has five zodiacs for shore landings, allowing all guests to shore together.

M/S Quest

A refurbished ship, which originally served as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast, accommodating up to 53 passengers, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The cabins themselves are either doubles or triples, clean and comfortable, yet kept fairly basic. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths whereas all other cabins either have two lower berths or a double bed. Within each cabin for your comfort you will also have ample storage space for your luggage and a desk and a chair. There is also the choice of superior cabins (on payment of supplement) on decks 3 and 4 which are more spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The observation decks are a great place to spend your time, watching the ocean and searching for seabirds, polar bears and whales. The panorama lounge is home to some interesting seminars on the local history, fauna and flora as well as breathtaking views out onto the icy ocean. There is also a bar and a small library.

Hotels in Longyearbyen

• Svalbard Hotell Polfareren - With a choice of self-catered apartments or plush hotel rooms, you can chose how you want to spend your stay here, but wherever you end up laying your head you’ll be able to make the most of the fantastic central location in Longyearbyen while having a wonderfully elegant base to explore from, with all the modern amenities.
• Basecamp Hotel - Nestled in the centre of the capital of Svalbard, Longyearbyen, this unique hotel is one of the most authentic in this former mining town. Formally known as Trapper’s hotel, it reflects the traditional style of the trapper industry with driftwood, sealskin and slate making up much of its decoration. Authentic and relaxing, it is a great place to return hotel after a day of exploring.
• Funken Lodge - A boutique hotel on Svalbard, with unique views over Longyearbyen and the nearby glaciers. Here you can unwind after thrilling nature experiences, and enjoy exclusive food and drinks from an international cuisine in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. From the moment you step into the elegant lobby, you will provided with everything that makes up a first-class stay.