19 independent reviews for Arctic icebreaker cruise, Spitsbergen
Reviews for Arctic icebreaker cruise, Spitsbergen
Howard Tollit review 11 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The day spent in the pack ice watching three polar bears during the day.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get a taxi from town to meet the ship. Tip is $15 pppd recommended.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, to a good extent. Not sure about reducing environmental impact, given we cruised 1500 mile on diesel?4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentChris Baines review 2 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching polar bears2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the best binoculars3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It met all our expectations and the guides were exceptionally goodSteve Howley review 27 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We were fortunate to see 8 polar bears. A mother with 2 cubs and 5 other occasions. One of which was enjoying a meal! We also saw a blue whale which surfaced quite close to the ship. It wasn’t the sight that impressed us as much as the sound of the blow. We also went on a husky sled run, very hands on and good fun, no need to bring warm clothing as it was all supplied.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have a good pair of binoculars and good camera with long lens, particularly as we had to keep some distance away from the wildlife in Norwegian waters and also not to disturb.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure, the ship did provide reusable water bottles and were not wasteful regarding food. As for the locals not convinced.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
All of the arrangements worked perfectly, that said l would suggest that the ship needs to improve on the information supplied regarding boarding and disembarkation. A lot of people were confused with the information given particularly as to where our luggage would be once we were off the ship and which coach to take. In addition there needs to be a sign telling us that we are at ByKaia port as it is unmanned and not marked. These two points are nit picky and certainly didn’t detract from a great experience.Stuart Thorp review 20 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Exciting - seeing family of polar bears. Memorable - vastness of the glacier fronts.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The gear we brought with us was probably “overkill” (eg : heavy boots not needed as provided on ship, mittens in place of gloves limited hand movement.) but we did have good weather and I guess your guidance needs to cater for worst case.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Good shops in Longyearbyen with reasonable prices. Conversations with locals indicated small vessels (eg Ortelius) welcomed but large cruise ships overload the community. The impact of the expedition was well managed but I think it would have been good to guide voyagers on how they could help manage climate change on returning home (eg via participation in Climate Fresk).4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great - truly memorable.Carol Scoutts-Gould review 20 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walruses, using binoculars it was almost like you could put a hand out and pet them. They seem very playful with one another.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Layers, layers, and more layers. Waterproof and windproof gear should be of a good quality to deal with the Arctic climate. I got great advice from the tour operator.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I spent in the local community from restaurants, cafés and craft shops. That certainly helps those in the hospitality industry. As regards reducing environmental impact, I can't say. What I will say is that the 101 people on our trip learned a lot and they in turn will share some of that knowledge with family and friends. Thereby raising awareness of that precious environment and the importance of protecting it.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars all the way.Angela Williams review 30 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery and glaciers.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Staff and food were excellent (swimming pool is very small but jacuzzi and sauna both large). Virtually all drinks on board including alcohol and some cocktails are included. Useful to know that there are kettles, binoculars, coffee machine, USB points in staterooms. We thought that we would be seeing plenty of wildlife but (with exception of one cliff with tens of thousands of guillemots) found it disappointingly lacking in quantity and variety. On-land hikes were quite short (under a mile, usually much less) so if you like to roam further, this trip might not be for you (limitations are partly due to polar bear risk but also ship's timings); terrain was usually very uneven underfoot but ship provides walking poles (so no need to take your own). Be prepared for lots of outfit changes as ship is warm but you need loads of layers and a coat for outside. The canoe trips are very expensive.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Svalbard is now very dependent on tourism for its income so, to that extent, going there was helpful to locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a pleasant break.Laurie Karner review 26 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I had a great holiday! he most memorable part would be all the wildlife we saw. We saw three polar bears, a super pod of 1,000 Beluga Whales, walruses, arctic foxes and tons of reindeer. The ship and it's crew were fantastic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure to bring waterprooof pants and *tall* rubber boots! Also leave yourself a day before and after the cruise in Longyearben.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The ship was very green and conscious of the environment and the impact we have especially on the land and wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic!! The communication with the operator leading up to my holiday was great. They were extremely helpful.Mary Duval review 26 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Animals and passing 80 degrees north.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Sadly (?) Norway is introducing strict rules regarding distancing from animals. We were told this trip won’t be able to access anywhere near as much in future.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted Svalbard locals. Conservation did not seem to feature in this trip,and clearly the ship itself had to have an environmental impact just by being there. I was conscious of being shown environmental decline, but left wondering what active conservation was being promoted. I was told by one of the team ‘people will only wake up when the polar bear becomes extinct….’ ‘Conservation of what’s still there’ didn’t seem a priority, and I was saddened by this comment/attitude.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Unique and most enjoyable.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your excellent feedback. We are very glad you enjoyed such a memorable expedition to Svalbard with us!
This is a place that we have in depth on-location knowledge of and hold very dear. As a marine scientist and guide of almost 20 years in the region I often give onboard lectures on topics covering polar bears, climate change and conservation. We therefore welcome you voicing your concerns about a comment that you may have been misconstrued when you asked why starving bears can’t be given carcasses to help them survive. Feeding polar bears would make them dependant on people and we would prefer they thrive within their natural environment, with their biggest threat being climate change.
In terms of Polar bear conservation, the bears of Svalbard are highly protected from hunting and disturbance, in fact they benefit from the most stringent regulatory protection in the World . This is in sharp contrast to other Arctic areas where polar bears continue to be hunted including Canada and Greenland. Scientific monitoring is a very important factor in assessing health of the population and despite global warming, at this current time bears are, as the scientific research teams have found, doing fine around Svalbard.
Locally, your ship is a founding member of AECO, a voluntary body which maintains very high regulatory codes of conduct implemented throughout your visit to protect and conserve the wildlife and nature of the area. In fact they helped pioneer this organisation and its conservation guidelines, which were summarised in the pre-departure information sheets we sent you and in the mandatory video you enjoyed onboard. Other than the conservation contributions and support that we donate as part of your booking with us, the ship also supports several environmental conservation programs and bird protection projects, and is one of the founding participants of Clean Up Svalbard, (a waste removal program supervised by the governor of Svalbard) and a member of the United Nations supported Linking Tourism & Conservation (LT&C).
Our heritage was conservation prior to travel and for almost 20 years our global experiences continue to support reforestation and wildlife protection projects around the World. We know we cannot rest in these efforts.
Pauline Ringland review 16 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing polar bears and walruses.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring lots of layers with you but don’t worry about changing into fancy clothes for dinner/ it is all very casual & you need to keep your layers on in case any whales are spotted and you want to rush out on deck.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The operators are very strict about conservation and we picked up any pieces of plastic found on the beaches. Very careful about cleaning boots after landings too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A marvellous experience. Apart from all the wonderful animals/mammals/birds I saw all the crew and guides were so friendly and pleasant. The guides are all so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They give you the best experience possible and safety is a big feature. The meals were also very good.Mark Springate review 19 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Polar Bears2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be patient3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes most definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
FantasticSaurabh Sharma review 19 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All the time at and around Svalbard while sailing in Arctic Ocean. The views and wildlife was spectacular but limited.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do pack properly with rain pants and warm layers. We spent additional one day at Svalbard which was a good point. Staff on Hurtigruten cruise in the restaurant was great. The expedition team could learn few tips from them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so, with additional knowledge, people will be more cognizant of the reality and be careful and judicious to use and not waste natures resources4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was wonderful trip.Denise Kingwill review 8 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None - just go it was great.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I was glad to learn that the team on the boat did beach clean ups often, were very aware of the environment and had the local community very much in mind.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10.Kay Smith review 3 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing blue whales2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
No need to allow too much time in Longyearbyen3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Apart from staying and adding to the tourist trade in Longyearbyen, I don't feel we particularly benefitted the local community. I hope that our environmental impact was minimal, but nonetheless must have existed. We didn't actively partake in conservation work.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentDeborah Ruhe review 5 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of the glaciers. We spent a night in a fjord while the glacier was calling. Very dramatic and beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t overpack. But do bring warm clothes, mittens, layers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure. It did certainly raise awareness of the fragility of the arctic, the environmental changes and the impact of high volume tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars! The best. The guide was terrific. The ships crew amazing. The travelers ranged in age from 10 to 80 and all were able to do the trip, get the support they needed and add to a great diversity of guests.Christina Miles review 28 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing polar bears and arctic foxes in the wild, also the beautiful Arctic glaciers.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely a trip for people who are interested in nature and photography.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were opportunities to learn about different conservation projects on board the ship.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were very lucky with the weather and had lots of zodiac and shore trips which resulted in an excellent experience. Food on board ship was excellent.Cara Hirst review 27 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Some many things, a pod of beluga whales, arctic fox, 5 polar bears including one killing ,dragging and eating a seal2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring some games to play in the bar with other passengers3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, supported conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a truly wonderful experience! would definitely recommendEmma Thomas review 21 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling through the pack ice and seeing polar bears2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be patient - there is an awful lot of sea/land for the animals to roam/swim in so you won't necessarily get to see the wildlife you're after or see it as close as you'd like. You don't need to pack heavy walking boots - the boots provided are very comfortable and they save your feet from getting wet. Take plenty of warm clothes!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was brilliant. The only thing that would have made it any better was seeing a polar bear on the ice pack - unfortunately, that didn't happen!Kathryn Huddle review 19 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
An amazing trip! The scenery -glaciers, icebergs and sea ice - were stunning, the northern lights fantastic, and the wildlife wonderful. It is impossible to highlight one part, as it was two memorable weeks!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We treated ourselves to the suite, we had our own space to escape to, more room to relax, more storage space, and a much better bathroom. It was worth the extra expense!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Care is taken not to disturb the wildlife, and the holiday provider supports conservation charities which helps develop local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 stars, it was one of our best holidays!Peter Smart review 2 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing polar bears, walruses and whales. Especially seeing a rare Bowhead whale whilst moving through the pack ice.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good pair of binoculars.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably not.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Read the operator's response here:
We are extremely happy that Peter and his partner had an excellent experience with us in Spitsbergen and that they saw polar bears, blue whales, walruses and the rare bowhead whale. In terms of how the trip may have benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation: Since its inception we have 'grown' a Rainforest4Climate Fund which we use to help offset the carbon emissions of client polar voyages and flights. This covers travel to Spitsbergen, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica, South Georgia, the Russian Arctic and the Falklands. We also add to this fund for each journey we operate to lowland Amazon and cloud forests in Ecuador and Peru. We calculate the average CO2 emissions of its Arctic and Antarctic voyages and automatically offsets our clients share of emissions via this Rainforest4Climate programme. At the time of booking we also invite each of our clients to match our carbon off set contribution, which many choose to do.
In 2015, donations were focused on Western Ecuador via Rainforest Concern, where we have been helping to extend a reserve where the newly discovered Olinguito is known to exist. Via our partners, the Rainforest Trust, we funded the creation of a 10,000 acre protected rainforest reserve within a new 5.9 million acres of national park, national reserve and 57 community owned territories in Amazonian Peru. We also funded the protection of more than 1,000 acres of new rainforest reserve in Madagascar.
Spitsbergen itself has no indigenous population, but the main industry in the area is tourism, which we support. Tourism certainly helps people living in Spitsbergen financially and strengthens the need for conservation of the area, a void which could otherwise be at risk of other more impactful activities such as oil and mineral extraction industries.
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