Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen

Embark on a seven-day Arctic adventure in Spitsbergen, starting from Longyearbyen, where colorful wooden homes mark the last human presence you'll see for a while. As you sail, the white-striped mountains rise from the deep waters, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape.
You'll encounter Arctic fulmars, dancing ice, and immense glaciers. From the ship or a Zodiac dinghy, witness the fragile power of nature, with the sounds of thawing ice filling the air. On land, explore the tundra, home to moss, lichen, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, and walruses.
Keep an eye out for the elusive polar bear, with naturalists on board to help spot wildlife. The magic of this journey lies in the unpredictable encounters with the region's mysterious fauna.

A Reindeer standing on some land with some ice glaciers in the background

A small ship in the clear waters of the Arctic surrounded by ice bergs

Tall mountains surrounded by snow and ice

A map of Spitsbergen showing stops of a cruise itinerary

Luxury Expeditions

PONANT Expedition cruises are the ultimate blend of refined luxury and adventurous exploration, even in the heart of the most remote regions. Ponant's small-ship Expedition cruises not only provide a high-end travel experience, but also allow you to go on a voyage of discovery to far-flung corners of the Earth, accompanied by top-quality services and experts on the regions visited.

The Expeditions Team
PONANT expedition leaders and naturalist guides are passionate, knowledgeable experts on their destinations, unlocking doors to the pristine areas we visit. During outings on Zodiac® inflatable boats and during onboard lectures and talks, the team will teach you about the unique flora and fauna of the region and explain the traditions and way of life of the locals, so you can get up close and personal with these remote and fascinating regions.

The main lounge onboard a cruise ship with small tables and lounge chairs and light interiors

The back deck of a cruise ship with an infinity pool and a sunset

A cabin onboard a cruise ship showing light interiors and a view of the ocean

A cruise to discover the riches of Svalbard, in search of mysterious wild fauna, in the comfort of an exceptional ship

Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides

The possibility of hiking on the island, between tundra, beaches and glaciers

The history of Spitsbergen connected to hunting and fishing, the mining industry and polar exploration, with the possibility of discovering Ny-Alesund

Discovering the incredible geology of Spitsbergen, easily observable with the naked eye due to the archipelago’s short vegetation

Scenic sailing past glaciers or cliffs, inside huge fjords, between dazzling blue sky or mysterious polar mist

Landscapes: rugged mountains, icebergs, ice caps, deep valleys, striated cliffs, vertiginous walls, gigantic glaciers, glacier fronts, tundra and the possibility of observing the ice floe

Wildlife: polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, bearded seals, harbour seals, Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes, eiders, guillemots, blue whales, minke whales, orcas

Embarkation day - Flight from Paris to Longyearbyen

Disembarkation day - Flight from Longyearbyen to Paris

Ponant All-inclusive:

Fine dining in all the restaurants

The Open Bay: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day

Free WiFi internet access

24-hour room service

Access to the fitness centre and steam room or sauna, depending on the ship

Conferences delivered by naturalist guides and guests of honour

Non-motorised water sports activities, such as kayaking or stand-up paddling (diving not included)

Activities offered during expedition cruises

Transfer to the ship on embarkation day

Departures: 20 June 2026

Stateroom	Price per person
Superior Stateroom	From $12,980

*Advertised price is correct as at 14 April 2025. Other departure dates may be available.

Prices are subject to availability and change. Please enquire with your local RAC travel consultant for availability and current pricing.

Day 1: Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

Day 2: Ny-Ålesund

During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!

Day 3: North-west region of Spitsbergen

A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.

Day 4: Sailing toward the Ice Floes

Your captain will sail right up to the limit of the ice, to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a zodiac dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. In addition to this grandiose journey through the middle of these floes with their cut and blue-tinged edges, sometimes over 2 metres thick, it is also often an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals and polar bears.

Day 5 - 6: North-west region of Spitsbergen

Day 7: South-west region of Spitsbergen

Set sail for southwest Spitsbergen, immerse yourself in this environment unlike any other and explore its unexpected riches. In this natural sanctuary, the polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers and admire the majestic fjords and glaciers sculpting the breathtaking landscapes, their icy waters shimmering beneath the midnight sun. The fjords, veritable cathedrals of ice, reveal their millennial secrets, while the glaciers, like sleeping giants, move slowly towards the sea, setting free sparkling icebergs. On the water, you might spot belugas and rorquals, while on the shores, seals and Arctic foxes add a touch of mystery to this living tableau, where the steep cliffs become breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, like guillemots. Southwest Spitsbergen is an ode to nature in its rawest and purest form.

Day 8: Longyearbyen

Upon disembarkation, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transferred to the airport for your flight to Paris.

*All prices & availability are correct as of 14 April 2025 and are strictly subject to change without notice. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.

^Princess bonus saving of 30% is subject to availability at time of booking.