The Arctic cruise review: Amazing cruise around Svalbard

Destinations: Svalbard

Highlights: Arctic Fox, Arctic Tern, Barnacle Goose, Fin Whale, Kittiwake, Polar Bear, Walrus, Bearded Seal, Thick-billed Murre, Svalbard reindeer, Hiking

It was our first cruise. And we really enjoyed it. The crew and expedition team were excellent. We were here to discover the landscape, nature and animals, and not to kill time in a hot tube and drink cocktails. Be reassured ! There is no hot tube onboard :-). But the Plancius offers everything normal people may need. 100 passengers is a perfect size. A smaller sailing boat may even be better for those who are not scared of sea sickness, and who look for less service onboard. We took 2 zodiac cruises per day to discover beautiful places. Thousands of birds, artic foxes, seals, walruses, plus a few polar bears. We were lucky with animals and with the weather. Lots of sun, calm sea and warm temperatures (5 to 15°C). Very good conferences, plus excellent buffets and table diners. Like in a gourmet restaurant. Our opinion : more luxury would be too much. We booked a superior cabin, which provides lots of space. Last element : expect 55-year passengers on average. If you are 25, you may feel a bit alone. But if you are 35-40, you will not be the only ones ! As a conclusion, we think about taking another cruise with the Plancius.

Been on one of our voyages?

Leave your own review

Related cruises

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

24 Apr - 1 May, 2026

•

Tripcode: RVR04-26

Svalbard

This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves climbs to mountaintops averaging 700 - 850 meters (2,300 - 2780 feet)...

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Go to cruise page

From 4200 USD

North Sea - Vlissingen to Aberdeen

25 May - 27 May, 2026

•

Tripcode: OTL01-26

Can be booked in combination only Fair Isle Svalbard Jan Mayen

Search for whales, seals, and seabirds on a scenic voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to culturally rich Aberdeen, the "Granite City" of northeast Scotland. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, orcas, and various species of seabird...

m/v Ortelius

Go to cruise page

From 300 USD

Arctic Ocean - Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

25 May - 5 Jun, 2026

•

Tripcode: OTL01C26

Combination Fair Isle Svalbard Jan Mayen

Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.

m/v Ortelius

Go to cruise page

From 4750 USD

Up to $2200 OFF

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

25 May - 12 Jun, 2026

•

Tripcode: OTL01D26

Combination Fair Isle Svalbard Jan Mayen North Spitsbergen

Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...

m/v Ortelius

Go to cruise page

From 8800 USD

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

27 May - 5 Jun, 2026

•

Tripcode: OTL02-26

Last berths Fair Isle Svalbard Jan Mayen

Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arctic island group.

m/v Ortelius

Go to cruise page

From 4400 USD

We have a total of
46 cruises

All cruises