Discover Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic: cruise from Tromsø to Longyearbyen

Tromsø→Longyearbyen

16.06.27 - 26.06.27

D1627061610SH DIANA

Ports5

Countries2

Nights10

This luxury expedition cruise travels from Tromsø to Longyearbyen, following a route through some of the Arctic’s most remote and visually striking regions. The journey begins in Tromsø, a historic Arctic hub surrounded by mountains and fjords, before heading north along Norway’s dramatic coastline toward North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Here, sheer cliffs rise above the Arctic Ocean, often illuminated by the midnight sun

Cruise Plus

Perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of

Price on request

Your selected stateroom

All meals onboard

Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise

24-hour room service

Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers

One selected shore excursion per port of call

All expedition landings

Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)

Gym, sauna, pool

24/7 self service laundry

Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep

In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot

Memory Package

Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Charter flights

Group transfers

One night pre-cruise accommodation

Day-by-Day Itinerary

The voyage heads north into the High Arctic toward the Svalbard archipelago. Over several days, guests experience vast polar landscapes shaped by glaciers, fjords, sea ice, and open tundra. Svalbard is one of the Arctic’s richest wildlife regions, home to polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, seals, seabirds, and reindeer. Throughout the cruise, guests can take in the scenery from the ship and deepen their understanding of the region through expert-led talks and onboard presentations, combining comfort, discovery, and immersion in one of the world’s most extraordinary polar environments

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Tromsø

The Arctic gateway, Tromsø at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromsø's charm

Day 2

Skarsvåg (Nordkapp)

Skarsvåg, Europe’s northernmost fishing village on Magerøya Island, is a short journey from Nordkapp (North Cape)—Europe's northernmost point above the Arctic Circle, marked by a striking globe monument. Only Svalbard stands between here and the North Pole. Along the coast, Atlantic puffin colonies and over a million seabirds nest, including arctic skuas, razorbills, northern gannets, white-tailed eagles, common eider ducks and great cormorants

Activities:

Included

Guided Transfer to North Cape

2.5 hours

North Cape lies on the island of Magerøya—meaning “meagre island”—a fitting name for its stark and windswept Arctic landscape. This excursion is operated as a guided transfer, taking you comfortably through wild, open terrain with a distinctly Arctic character. Along the way, you may spot some of the approximately 4,000 reindeer that graze on the island during the summer months before being guided back to the mainland by the Sámi people in autumn. At 71°10′21″ north, you arrive at the iconic North Cape, where sheer cliffs rise 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean. You will have free time to explore the North Cape Hall, home to a cafeteria, souvenir shops, a post office, a small ecumenical chapel, and a seasonal panoramic film. Weather permitting, step outside to admire the sweeping views from the famous Globe monument at the cliff’s edge, as well as the nearby “stone wheels” displaying children’s drawings from around the world under the theme of peace and friendship. The return journey follows the same scenic route back to Skarsvåg.

Optional

Hike to Kirkeporten Rock

3 hours

Set off on a guided hike through Skarsvåg, the world’s northernmost fishing village on the island of Magerøya. This moderately easy walk leads you into a stark and beautiful Arctic landscape, where open sea, rolling tundra, and dramatic rock formations define the scenery. Along the way, your guide will share insights into local life and the natural forces that shape this remote region. The trail brings you to Kirkeporten, a striking natural rock arch overlooking Mefjord. Once believed to have been a sacrificial site for early Sámi settlements, the arch forms a dramatic “window” toward the North Cape Plateau beyond. Here, you’ll have time to pause, take photos, and absorb the scale and silence of the Arctic environment. This hike offers a memorable opportunity to experience the raw power of nature and the unique atmosphere of northern Norway at the very edge of Europe. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met

Optional

King Crab Safari at Sarnes

3.5 hours

The giant King Crab was introduced to the Barents Sea in the 1960s and quickly thrived, spreading along the North Norwegian coast. With populations now in the millions, controlled fishing is permitted to manage its impact on the local ecosystem. Prized for its rich, lobster-like meat, the King Crab can live up to 30 years and reach impressive sizes, though the crabs used for this experience typically weigh between 3 and 7 kilos. Your tour begins with a short bus transfer from the pier to Sarnes Lavvo Camp. On arrival, the crabs will already be waiting in tanks or crab pots, ready for preparation. They are freshly cooked and served inside a traditional lavvo-style building, accompanied by bread, butter, and coffee brewed over an open fire. After enjoying this authentic Arctic delicacy, you return by bus to your ship. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met

Day 2

Cruising North Cape

North Cape (Nordkapp), the northernmost tip of Europe in Norway, where the Arctic Ocean meets the rugged coast, is a majestic headland that has fascinated explorers for centuries. Cruising to North Cape promises an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's grandeur and a glimpse into the Arctic's captivating allure. In summer, North Cape basks in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, a surreal phenomenon where the sun never fully sets

Day 3

Bear Island

The greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, Svalbard’s southernmost island. Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls, great skuas, black-legged kittiwakes, little auks, common guillemots, and Brünnich's guillemots, nest on the steep cliffs near Kapp Kolthoff, south of Sørhamna. The ocean has sculpted sea stack rock columns, sea caves and tunnels, with a notable tunnel at Perleporten

Days 3-10

Svalbard

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

Days 10-11

Longyearbyen

The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

SH Diana at a Glance

Boutique Cruising

SH Diana’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes. Bold clean lines blend with wood, metal and natural fabrics to create casual comfort.

Culinary Excellence

Outstanding food is all part of your boutique travel experience. Get ready to explore gastronomic excellence as Swan Hellenic’s world-renowned chefs take you on an international culinary journey

Beauty & Spa

Choose from beauty and wellness treatments, including Balinese inspired massages and body care. It is an easy way to reset between landings.

Fitness & Sauna

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. Enjoy sessions with personal trainers and relax in sauna with a view.

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Engaging Environment

Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to recharge your batteries, or an opportunity to investigate the wonders of the natural world, the SH Diana has a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating spaces to help make your voyage with us truly unforgettable.

Personal Service

Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality. Our warm and welcoming crew aim to please, and nothing more than to give you the best experience possible.

Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.