Svalbard Cruise Duration Guide: 7 vs 10 vs 14 Days – Which is Right for You?

Svalbard cruise durations: a quick overview:

• Svalbard cruises typically last 7, 10, or 14 days.
• A longer Svalbard cruise of 10 days plus offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, including spotting polar bears.
• Cruise durations in Svalbard are influenced by the season, with shorter cruises typically taking place earlier in the season and longer cruises occurring later.
• Shorter 7-day Svalbard cruises offer a taster of Svalbard, but will be limited by geography, with fewer potential wildlife opportunities.  

As you plan your Svalbard cruise, one of the important decisions you will make is choosing the duration of your Arctic adventure. In Svalbard, the length of your cruise will affect everything from wildlife viewing opportunities to how many places you visit. In this article, I draw on our collective 35 years of experience to compare 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day Svalbard cruises, helping you make the best choice for your Arctic trip.

At Polar Escapes, we compare all Svalbard itineraries, ships, and prices from multiple expedition cruise operators — so you get the best price, guaranteed. Search our collection of Svalbard cruises to discover your perfect voyage.

Svalbard Cruise Durations Explained

Why Cruise Length Matters in Svalbard

Unlike tropical cruise destinations, where itineraries follow predictable routes, expeditions to the Svalbard archipelago are dependent on weather and ice conditions. It’s one of the exciting factors about travelling in the polar regions that not one day is alike. The onboard expedition team may change the plan if an opportunity for a wildlife sighting arises, for example. Longer cruises give you the flexibility to adapt to Arctic conditions, increasing your chances of:

• Wildlife encounters, especially polar bears
• Access to remote Arctic wilderness when ice and weather allow
• Multiple landing attempts at weather-dependent sites
• Explore further in different parts of the archipelago
• Photography opportunities in different light and weather conditions

After multiple Arctic expeditions, I can safely say that the Arctic environment is unpredictable. I have been on landings that have been cancelled due to polar bears being sighted on the shore, fog has rolled in, ending an opportunity for a hike, and a storm has led to the ship seeking shelter (although this is rare). Every extra day is valuable for having backup plans and alternative experiences.

Here are the pros and cons of each cruise duration in Svalbard:

7-Day Svalbard Cruises: The Arctic Taster

7-Day Itinerary

Duration: 6 days, actual cruising time

Departure/Return: Longyearbyen round-trip

Focus: Western Spitsbergen coastline

Best for: First-time Arctic visitors with limited time or budget

What’s Included in 7-Day Itineraries

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen the world’s northernmost town, afternoon departure and first Arctic briefings

Days 2-6: Exploring western Spitsbergen, with possible places of interest including:

• Ny-Alesund research station
• Magdalenefjorden glacial landscapes
• Alkefjellet bird cliffs (summer only)
• Monaco Glacier or similar tidewater glaciers
• Smeerenburg historical whaling site

Day 7: Return to Longyearbyen, disembarkation in the morning

7-Day Cruise Highlights

Budget Option

• Lower cost: From £2,999-£4,000 ($4,000-$5,380)
• Shorter time commitment: Perfect for those with limited vacation time

Guaranteed Arctic Experience

• Core Svalbard highlights: Visit the most popular and iconic sites
• Wildlife certainty: Good probability of seeing Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and seabirds.
• Glacier encounters: Multiple opportunities to see majestic glaciers
• Cultural sites: Potential to visit the Ny-Alesund research station and historical locations

Perfect in the Middle

• Not too much: Not overwhelming for first-time expedition cruisers
• Arctic acclimatisation: Time to adjust to the midnight sun and Arctic conditions
• Decision-making tool: Helps you decide if longer Arctic expeditions are for you

7-Day Cruise Limitations

Geographical Restrictions

• Western Spitsbergen only: Limited geographical range with not enough time to explore the East or South of Spitsbergen.  
• No circumnavigation attempts: Not enough time to fully explore the Arctic archipelago
• Weather vulnerability: Limited time and flexibility for alternative plans

Wildlife Probability

• Lower chance of seeing polar bears: 60-70% probability of elusive polar bear sightings
• Fewer search opportunities: Less time spent exploring means less time to find and observe wildlife
• Single-region focus: Miss out on wildlife variations in different parts of Svalbard, including iconic sites such as Akjefllet bird cliffs and the Hinlopen Strait.

Limited Flexibility

• Tight schedule: Each weather delay impacts the Itinerary
• Fewer backup options: Limited ability to wait out bad weather
• Rush factor: May feel rushed between locations

7-Day Cruise Cost

Price Range: £2,999-£6,000 ($4,000-$8,000) depending on ship and cabin category

Cost per day: £428-£857 ($571-$1,143)

Additional Costs:

• Flights to/from Longyearbyen: £300-£800 ($400-$1,070)
• Accommodation (2-3 nights): £150-£400 ($200-$535)
• Travel insurance: £150-£300 ($200-$400)

Total budget: £3,600-£7,500 ($4,800-$10,000)

Our Verdict: In my personal experience, a 7-day cruise to Svalbard can feel very rushed. If you have the time and budget, I recommend a longer cruise. After all, you have travelled all that way, and it would be a shame to miss out on everything Svalbard has to offer.

10-Day Svalbard Cruises: The Sweet Spot for Most Travellers

Duration: 9 days, actual cruising time

Departure/Return: Longyearbyen round-trip or combine with other Arctic ports.

Focus: Western and southern Spitsbergen, possible eastern access

Best for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers

10-Day Itinerary

Days 1-2: Embarkation, initial western Spitsbergen exploration

Days 3-5: Northern Spitsbergen expedition (weather permitting):

• Seven Islands archipelago
• Pack ice edge exploration
• Polar bear habitat regions

Days 6-8: Eastern Spitsbergen (conditions allowing):

• Hinlopen Strait wildlife corridor
• Austfonna ice cap viewing
• Torellneset walrus colonies

Days 9-10: Return via western highlights, disembarkation

10-Day Cruise Benefits

Optimal Wildlife Chances

• 80-85% polar bear probability: Much higher than shorter cruises
• Multiple habitats: Reach the sea ice, tundra and coastal environments
• Various species: Walruses, seals, Arctic whales and polar bears
• Behavioural observations: More time to see natural behaviours

Geographic Variety

• Multi-region exploration: Explore western, northern and eastern Spitsbergen in more detail
• Pack ice encounters: Allows enough time to sail to the pack ice (conditions depending) and search for polar bears in their natural habitat.
• Varied landscapes: Glacial fjords, Arctic tundra, sea ice environments
• Weather alternatives: Allows for more time to implement backup plans in the event of poor weather.

10-Day Cruise Limitations

Moderate Time Commitment

• Vacation time: 12-14 days total, including travel
• Jet lag adjustment: May feel rushed for international travellers

Mid-Range Pricing

• Higher cost: More expensive than 7-day options
• Budget considerations: May stretch some budgets

10-Day Cruise Cost

Price Range: £4,500-£9,000 ($6,000-$12,000) depending on ship and cabin category

Cost per day: £450-£900 ($600-$1,200)

Additional Costs:

• Flights to/from Longyearbyen: £300-£800 ($400-$1,070)
• Accommodation (3-4 nights): £225-£600 ($300-$800)
• Travel insurance: £200-£400 ($265-$535)

Total Budget Estimate: £5,225-£10,800 ($7,000-$14,400)

Our Verdict: The first time I visited Svalbard, I went on a 10-day cruise, and it really delivered an outstanding experience. We had multiple polar bear sightings, we reached the pack ice to the north, and we saw countless glaciers. Ten days offer enough time to encompass the best Svalbard has to offer, and it is a perfect place to start if you have not visited the archipelago before.

14-Day Svalbard Cruises: The Ultimate Arctic Experience

14-Day Itinerary

Duration: 13 days, actual cruising time

Departure/Return: Embark in Longyearbyen, explore Svalbard and sail to other Arctic destinations such as Greenland or Iceland.

Focus: Offers a comprehensive exploration of Svalbard with the option to circumnavigate Spitsbergen.

Best for: Serious Arctic enthusiasts, photographers, and wildlife watchers

14-Day Itinerary

Extended Svalbard Exploration (Days 1-10):

• Allows enough time for a full Svalbard circumnavigation.
• Complete western Spitsbergen coastline
• Northern regions and pack ice exploration
• Eastern Spitsbergen (Hinlopen Strait, Austfonna)
• Southern areas (Hornsund, Bellsund)

Common Additions (Days 11-14):

• Jan Mayen Island (volcanic island south of Svalbard)
• Iceland’s Westfjords
• Norwegian fjords or Bear Island
• Greenland’s east coast (on specific itineraries)

14-Day Benefits

Maximum Wildlife Chances

• 90-95% polar bear probability: Offers the highest chances of multiple polar bear encounters
• Excellent wildlife watching: Arctic foxes, walruses, whales, seals, birds, beluga whales, ringed seals
• Behavioural documentation: Time to observe and photograph natural behaviours

Complete Geographic Coverage

• Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen: Weather and ice conditions permitting
• Remote regions: True expedition style explore the rarely visited areas in the far east of the archipelago
• Pack ice immersion: Extended time exploring the polar bear habitat
• Geological diversity: Glaciers, volcanic islands, Arctic tundra

More Flexibility

• Weather insurance: Extended days ensure more time in the event of bad weather or sea ice conditions

Added Destinations

• Jan Mayen Island: Rare opportunity to visit this volcanic island
• Iceland integration: Combine Arctic with natural beauty of the sub-Arctic
• Cultural variety: Inuit-influenced Greenland and Nordic traditions

14-Day Cruise Drawbacks

Big Investment

• High cost: Premium price for longer expeditions
• Time commitment: 16-18 days, including travel
• Vacation planning: Major use of annual leave

Overkill

• Diminishing returns: Extra days may not be worth it
• Expedition fatigue: Some find longer expeditions exhausting

14-Day Cruise Pricing

Price Range: £7,000-£18,000 ($9,400-$24,000) depending on ship, cabin and destinations

Cost per day: £500-£1,286 ($670-$1,715)

Additional Costs:

• Flights to/from departure ports: £400-£1,200 ($535-$1,600)
• Accommodation (4-6 nights): £300-£900 ($400-$1,200)
• Travel insurance: £300-£600 ($400-$800)

Total Budget Estimate: £8,000-£20,700 ($10,700-$27,600)

Our Verdict: A 14-day Svalbard cruise is suited to travellers who really want to see everything. It offers the best length of time to circumnavigate the archipelago and maximise polar bear sightings. A 14-day cruise is definitely not for everyone, but for those with a deep interest in discovering Svalbard, this is the perfect trip length.  

Seasonal Considerations by Duration

May Svalbard Cruises

• Best suited for shorter-length cruises of 7-10 days, as there are limited routes available at this time of year.  
• Landings can often be limited by ice on the shores.
• A 10-day cruise offers a good balance of time and weather.

June-July Svalbard Cruises

• Best for 7- and 10-day cruises, with longer itineraries available from July as the ice recedes.
• Wildlife is at its most active.
• Temperatures are at their mildest.

August Svalbard Cruises

• The best month for 14-day expeditions and Svalbard circumnavigations.
• Excellent for whale watching.
• Cruises sail from Svalbard to explore East Greenland.

For more details on which month to choose, please see our guide, ‘Best Time to Visit Svalbard‘.

How to Choose Your Ideal Duration

Consider a 7-Day Cruise if:

• Limited vacation time (less than 10 days total)
• Budget-conscious(total Budget under £7,500/$10,000)
• First time in the Arctic and want to test the waters
• Core highlights only, rather than full exploration
• Peak season (June-July) when conditions are most reliable
• Structured travel with no flexibility periods

Consider a 10-Day Cruise if:

• Optimal wildlife viewing without too much time commitment
• Moderate budget flexibility (£5,000-£11,000/$7,000-$14,500 total)
• Serious wildlife photography and want variety
• Geographic diversity and want to see multiple areas
• 12-14 days total, including travel time
• Best value for wildlife per day

Consider a 14-Day Cruise if:

• Maximum wildlife encounter probability (90%+ for polar bears)
• Premium budget (£8,000-£21,000/$10,700-$28,000 total)
• Professional photographers or serious documentarians
• Other destinations beyond Svalbard
• Flexible time (16-18 days total, including travel)
• Ultimate Arctic experience with maximum flexibility for conditions.

Expedition Cruise Recommendations by Traveller Type

It’s My First Time In The Arctic

Recommended duration: 10 days

Why: Offers enough time to explore the highlights of Svalbard fully and gives you a good chance to encounter wildlife.

I’m A Wildlife Photographer

Recommended duration: 14 days

Why: Longer cruises offer more time to maximise wildlife encounters and get those perfect shots. Consider a photography-specific itinerary.

Budget Travelers

Recommended duration: 7 days in peak season (June-July)

Why: The shorter duration helps keep costs down, and the weather is best during these months.

Luxury Traveller

Recommended duration: 14 days on a luxury ship

Why: More time to indulge and to sail to other destinations in the Arctic.

Family (with age-appropriate children)

Recommended duration: 7 or 10 days

Why: Enough time to experience the Arctic without the children losing attention.

Repeat Arctic Visitors

Recommended duration: 14 days combined with other destinations

Why: Consider a more in-depth itinerary exploring Svalbard and Greenland.

Summary

Choosing the right Svalbard cruise duration ultimately depends on your time, budget, and expectations.

• 7-day cruises offer a great introduction to the Arctic at an affordable price.
• 10-day expeditions are the sweet spot for most people, with comprehensive wildlife opportunities and a reasonable time and cost commitment.
• 14-day cruises offer the ultimate Arctic experience with maximum wildlife and geographic diversity, but at a premium price.
• Shorter 7-10 day cruises typically explore the northern or southern parts of Spitsbergen.
• Longer cruises of 10-15 days can attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen.
• Longer expeditions over 14 days often combine Svalbard with destinations like Iceland and Greenland.

Remember, no matter the duration, Svalbard will exceed your expectations. The archipelago’s dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife and pristine wilderness will deliver a life-changing experience, whether you have 7 days or 14 days to explore this Arctic paradise.

To discover answers to common questions please see our Svalbard Cruise FAQ.

Visit Svalbard With Polar Escapes

Contact our polar expedition specialists at Polar Escapes for personalised advice on the right duration for you, your schedule and budget. With over 35 years of combined Arctic experience, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of time, wildlife and value for your Svalbard adventure.

Duration recommendations based on historical weather patterns, wildlife sighting data and guest feedback. Individual experiences may vary depending on seasonal conditions, weather patterns and itinerary choices.