Arctic cruises on Svalbard
Exploring the Arctic is unlike any other journey on Earth, and the choice of ship makes all the difference. At Arctic Wildlife Tours, our Arctic cruises are carefully designed to combine comfort, safety, and authentic adventure. Travelling on small, ice-strengthened vessels allows us to reach remote places, get closer to wildlife, and offer a truly personal experience of Svalbard and Greenland’s spectacular wilderness.
As an experienced operator of Arctic cruises and Svalbard tours, Arctic Wildlife Tours charters a variety of expedition vessels as well as running land-based camps. Our small ship Arctic cruises are designed to bring guests close to wildlife and the dramatic Arctic scenery in a way that larger vessels cannot. Every ship we use has an ice-strengthened hull, allowing safe travel in different ice conditions. We are continually refining and improving the range of ships we charter, ensuring our expeditions remain flexible and perfectly adapted to different purposes.
Above all, the main goal of using these ships is to provide our guests with unforgettable experiences in the High Arctic around Svalbard and Greenland. We are among the most experienced Svalbard small ship tour operators, with years of knowledge dedicated to creating safe, respectful, and inspiring journeys. For us, these are not ordinary cruises — they are unique platforms for living and exploring during your Arctic adventure.
Some of our vessels have a very high ice class, such as SEALER, equivalent to the modern ICE 5 classification, making it one of the strongest expedition ships operating in Svalbard. We also use moderately ice-strengthened ships with classifications of 1B and 1C, which are more than capable of navigating icy waters. Ultimately, the most important factor in Arctic navigation is not only the vessel but the skill and experience of the crew. A highly knowledgeable skipper and team can often be more critical to safety and success than the ice class of the ship itself.
Experience the Arctic the Way It Was Meant to Be...
Small ship Arctic cruises are not 'just a journey'; they are an intimate passage into one of the last great wildernesses on Earth. Unlike the crowded decks of large cruise liners, our vessels carry only 12 passengers, allowing you to feel the quiet majesty of the Arctic without distraction. Every sound of creaking ice, every ripple of a seal surfacing, and every wingbeat of a seabird overhead becomes part of your own personal story.
Why Choose a Small Ship?
Travel in the Arctic is defined by scale, and bigger is not always better. Small ships offer the freedom to navigate fjords, bays, and ice-choked channels that larger vessels cannot access. This means more time close to wildlife, more spontaneous landings, and more flexibility when the weather or wildlife dictates a change of course. The experience is slow, thoughtful, and rooted in respect for nature — no rushing through photo stops, no waiting in line, just pure connection with the environment around you.
Wildlife Encounters That Feel Personal
With our arctic cruises when you step off the vessel, you’re not one of hundreds — you’re one of a few. This makes every wildlife sighting feel more personal, whether it’s watching polar bears roam the ice, walruses resting on remote beaches, or Arctic foxes darting across the tundra. With only a handful of people ashore at a time, there’s space to breathe, to take in the silence, and to capture photographs without distraction. Our guides’ deep knowledge of animal behaviour also ensures that encounters are respectful and safe, both for you and for the wildlife.
Life On Board Wildlife Arctic Cruises
Aboard our small ships, comfort and camaraderie replace luxury excess. Cabins are cosy, meals are freshly prepared, and evenings are often spent gathered around the table sharing stories and reviewing photographs. With expedition leaders and expert photographers always available, you’ll learn techniques for capturing Arctic light and landscapes, and gain insights into the region’s ecology and history. This creates not just a holiday, but a true learning experience.
Sustainability at the Heart
The Arctic is fragile, and travelling lightly matters. Small ships leave a smaller footprint, both environmentally and culturally. With fewer passengers, we can practice low-impact landings, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support the long-term sustainability of the places we visit. Our philosophy is simple: to explore with care, leaving behind only memories and taking away only stories and photographs.
Seasons of the Arctic
Each season in the Arctic brings its own magic. In spring, the ice begins to loosen and wildlife emerges from the long winter. Summer offers endless days of midnight sun, with vibrant tundra flowers and migratory birds filling the skies. By late summer and early autumn, golden light returns, casting dramatic colours over glaciers and peaks. No matter when you sail, a small ship cruise ensures that you experience the character of the Arctic up close.
More Than a Cruise — A Journey of Connection
What sets our Arctic cruises apart is not just the ship size, but the philosophy behind them. We believe the Arctic should be approached with humility, curiosity, and respect. Travelling with us means joining a community of like-minded explorers who value authenticity over spectacle, depth over speed, and genuine connection over mass tourism.
