Getting Here

Longyearbyen is the capital city of Svalbard, with the archipelago’s airport, serviced by two flights per day directly from Oslo in Norway, or via Trømso. The direct flight from Oslo takes approximately two hours and 50 minutes, while the flight from Trømso takes an hour and a half. We recommend arriving at Longyearbyen at least one day before your expedition in case of any travel complications due to weather. We will arrange local shuttle bus services from the airport to the town centre.

Packing List

While it is technically summer, the temperature in Svalbard will range from below zero to a daily average of 5°C. Please consider the wind chill factor with waterproof wear and rubber boots (which can be rented locally for a small fee, details will be provided upon booking) for zodiac and land adventures. Layering with fleece, wool or down will insulate you from the cold and offer protection from the wind. We also recommend bringing a camera for wildlife photography and binoculars for encounters from the ship or zodiac.

A full packing list will be provided upon booking.

Money Matters

The local currency in Svalbard is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). We recommend that you change your money before departing for Svalbard as there is no ATM in Longyearbyen or any other service to withdraw cash while in town.

Tipping is personal but customary, and the industry standard and suggested amount is USD 15 to 20 per person per day spent on board.

Visa

We are happy to advise on visa requirements, however please ensure you have arranged all the necessary requirements before your intended date of departure as these are your responsibility. Foreign citizens do not need a visa to enter Svalbard as tourists, but you may need a visa for transit through Norway; this is called a Schengen Visa. Countries that have visa exemption agreements with Norway can stay up to 90 days without one, while those from countries not on the list will need to apply for one. We advise you to check with your relevant embassy.

Climate

In the summer months, the ice in the High Arctic loses grip and the harsh coast becomes possible to navigate by ship as you discover the beauty of the midnight sun. However, please be prepared for cold weather as the temperature in May ranges from -3.9C to -0.1C, while July is warmer with a range between 5.4C to 9.4C. A full packing list will be provided.

The local time in Svalbard is +1 Greenwich Mean Time, and daylight hours vary from winter to summer. During April 19th and August 23rd, this period is called ‘polar day’ and the sun does not go below the horizon (midnight sun).

Communications

There is limited internet available at the ship's lounge throughout the voyage. There is also a satellite phone that is only to be used during an emergency.

Electricity

The electricity supply aboard M/S Polarfront is 220 volts and outlets fit any standard European round two-pin plug. We recommend that you bring an international/universal adapter if needed.

Health and Safety

Please seek medical advice before travelling so that you are up to date on required vaccinations. It is essential that you have appropriate travel insurance with medical cover, air repatriation with a 24-hour contact telephone number for emergencies. There is no doctor aboard M/S Polarfront, however the officers on the bridge have medical training and there are medical supplies onboard. The ship is always within helicopter range from Longyearbyen where there is a hospital. At the time of booking, a medical questionnaire will be supplied and guests are required to complete it before travel.

If you feel that you are susceptible to sea sickness, please speak to your local doctor prior to the voyage and bring motion sickness tablets. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Pressure bands and ginger are great non-medicinal cures, but the seas in Svalbard are usually calm and most passengers do not experience any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions