Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see the midnightsun / When is the dark season?
Svalbard has full midnight sun from April 19 to August 23. The sun does not set during this period.
During the period of November 14 through January 29there is no day.
You can find more info about the Sun's movement in the Arctic by clicking the button below.
During the period of November 14 through January 29there is no day.
You can find more info about the Sun's movement in the Arctic by clicking the button below.
Will I be able to see a Polarbear?
Maybe...
Most of the time, Polarbears do exactly what they feel like and we do not have an agreement with any of them to appear for pictures when a boat arrives.
We can still be lucky though. Keep you eyes open along the ice edge, early in the season, and in front of the glaciers. And remember extra batteries for your camera.
Most of the time, Polarbears do exactly what they feel like and we do not have an agreement with any of them to appear for pictures when a boat arrives.
We can still be lucky though. Keep you eyes open along the ice edge, early in the season, and in front of the glaciers. And remember extra batteries for your camera.
Is it cold?
"YES", said the guest from Florida.
"Not at all", said the guest from Norway.
Our answer: If you dress appropriately - remember a hat, gloves/mittens and a scarf - the temperature won't have a significant effect on the experience.
We recommend that you layer up with wool and warm and windproof pants/jacket, especially early in the season. A good local tip: Wear hiking shoes and wool socks.
If you don't have wool in your closet, its possible to purchase this in most of the stores in Longyearbyen.
We also have a limited amount of wool blankets and snowmobile suits available on board.
Average temperatures:
Summer: between 3 to 7 °C / 37 to 44 °F (measured in July)
Winter: between -13 to -20 °C / 8 to -4 °F (measured in January)
Highest temperature: 23 °C / 73.5 °F (measured in July, 2020)
Lowest temperature: -46.3 °C / -51.3 °F (measured in March, 1986)
Can I drive a car to Barentsburg?
No.
Longyearbyen has a total of 50km / 31 US miles of roads suitable for cars.
To Barentsburg (and Pyramiden) its only possible to travel by boat (during the summer) or by snowmobile (during the winter).
Longyearbyen has a total of 50km / 31 US miles of roads suitable for cars.
To Barentsburg (and Pyramiden) its only possible to travel by boat (during the summer) or by snowmobile (during the winter).
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card. It is our preferred way of payment.
- Fjordcruise can be paid using VISA, Mastercard or VIPPS through our online bookingsystem.
- On board our boats, all major credit cards are accepted.
- Credit cards are also accepted in Barentsburg and Pyramiden.
Where can I withdraw cash?
There is no bank og ATM in Longyearbyen and it is not possible to exchange foreign currencies in Longyearbyen.
It is possible to withdraw cash at Svalbardbutikken, while paying with a VISA debitcard.
Maximum amount is NOK 1000.
It is possible to withdraw cash at Svalbardbutikken, while paying with a VISA debitcard.
Maximum amount is NOK 1000.
When does the ice disappear?
When its melting...
The ice conditions in Svalbard and in Isfjorden varies from year to year and theres no set date for the ice to disappear, as is the case for the midnight sun.
Early in the season, iceconditions in Billefjorden and Grønfjorden can make it possible to only experience Pyramiden and Barentsburg from the ship.
If this happens, we will sail along the ice edge instead, with vast opportunities to experience the fantastic Arctic wildlife, in the water, on land and in the air.
The ice conditions in Svalbard and in Isfjorden varies from year to year and theres no set date for the ice to disappear, as is the case for the midnight sun.
Early in the season, iceconditions in Billefjorden and Grønfjorden can make it possible to only experience Pyramiden and Barentsburg from the ship.
If this happens, we will sail along the ice edge instead, with vast opportunities to experience the fantastic Arctic wildlife, in the water, on land and in the air.
When can I cancel my Fjordcruise?
You can cancel at any time, in writing, to info@svalbardcruise.com
If you cancel more than 21 days prior to your departure, a fee of 5% applies.
For cancellations made 21-8 days prior to your departure, a fee of 50% applies.
There is no refund for cancellations made less than 8 days prior to departure.
In case of cancelled or delayed flights or sailings to Svalbard, we do not offer any refund.
In case of illness, a refund can be issued if you have purchased our voluntary cancellation protection at the time of reservation. (see our Terms and Conditions)
If you cancel more than 21 days prior to your departure, a fee of 5% applies.
For cancellations made 21-8 days prior to your departure, a fee of 50% applies.
There is no refund for cancellations made less than 8 days prior to departure.
In case of cancelled or delayed flights or sailings to Svalbard, we do not offer any refund.
In case of illness, a refund can be issued if you have purchased our voluntary cancellation protection at the time of reservation. (see our Terms and Conditions)
How long is the Fjordcruise?
Our Fjordcruise towards the Nordenskiold glacier and Pyramiden is approx. 11 hours.
Our Fjordcruise towards the Esmarkglacier and Barentsburg is approx. 10 hours.
The Fjordcruise starts with bus pickup at your hotel from 8:30am (8:15am from the airport/camping) and we will take you back to your hotel after returning to Longyearbyen.
Some days, the Fjordcruise can take longer than scheduled.
This can be caused by weather, wildlife sightings and/or field drop off or pick up.
If you plan to visit one of the restaurants in town after your Fjordcruise, we recommend that you schedule your reservation no earlier than 8pm.
Our Fjordcruise towards the Esmarkglacier and Barentsburg is approx. 10 hours.
The Fjordcruise starts with bus pickup at your hotel from 8:30am (8:15am from the airport/camping) and we will take you back to your hotel after returning to Longyearbyen.
Some days, the Fjordcruise can take longer than scheduled.
This can be caused by weather, wildlife sightings and/or field drop off or pick up.
If you plan to visit one of the restaurants in town after your Fjordcruise, we recommend that you schedule your reservation no earlier than 8pm.
How far is Pyramiden and Barentsburg from Longyearbyen?
Shortest distanceby boat (one way):
Pyramiden: approx 60km / 37 US miles
Barentsburg: approx 45km / 28 US miles
Our Fjordcruise route (total roundtrip distance):
Pyramiden: approx 135 km / 84 US miles
Barentsburg: approx 120 km / 75 US miles
Pyramiden: approx 60km / 37 US miles
Barentsburg: approx 45km / 28 US miles
Our Fjordcruise route (total roundtrip distance):
Pyramiden: approx 135 km / 84 US miles
Barentsburg: approx 120 km / 75 US miles
How many people live in Longyearbyen?
In 2019, we counted 2368 persons with permanent residency in Longyearbyen.
The population consists of close to 50 nationalities.
Close to 3000 Polarbears are also calling the Svalbard archipelago their home.
The population consists of close to 50 nationalities.
Close to 3000 Polarbears are also calling the Svalbard archipelago their home.
Does everyone speak Norwegian in Svalbard?
No, not everyone.
The offical language in Svalbard is Norwegian.
Moving around town, you might encounter Russian, English, Swedish, Danish, German, Italian, Spanish, Swiss and French, to name a few of the other languages spoken on the island.
The offical language in Svalbard is Norwegian.
Moving around town, you might encounter Russian, English, Swedish, Danish, German, Italian, Spanish, Swiss and French, to name a few of the other languages spoken on the island.
What happens if I get sick?
If you get sick during your stay in Longyearbyen, please contact Longyearbyen Hospital.
If you get sick onboard our boats, our crew will take care of you in the best possible way.
In case of an emergency, we will contact the offices of the Governor at Svalbard who will airlift you from the ship to the hospital.
If you get sick less than 22 days prior to your scheduled departure, you may receive a refund if you have ppurchased our voluntary cancellation protection at the time of booking.
If you get sick onboard our boats, our crew will take care of you in the best possible way.
In case of an emergency, we will contact the offices of the Governor at Svalbard who will airlift you from the ship to the hospital.
If you get sick less than 22 days prior to your scheduled departure, you may receive a refund if you have ppurchased our voluntary cancellation protection at the time of booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
According to an old Norwegian saying, theres no bad weather, only bad clothing...
However, the safety of our guests, crew and vessel is more important to us than this old saying.
If the Captain deems the weather conditions unsafe, the departure can be changed or cancelled. If we cancel the Fjordcruise, you will receive a full refund.
It is important that you provide your contact information (email and cellphone) at the time of booking, so we can reach you with information about any changes or cancellations.
If you consider yourself to fall into the category of "not experienced at sea", you can take a motion sickness pill in the morning. These works best if taken about an hour before departure. Motion sickness pills are available for purchase at the pharmacy in Longyearbyen. We also have a limited amount available onboard, free of charge.
However, the safety of our guests, crew and vessel is more important to us than this old saying.
If the Captain deems the weather conditions unsafe, the departure can be changed or cancelled. If we cancel the Fjordcruise, you will receive a full refund.
It is important that you provide your contact information (email and cellphone) at the time of booking, so we can reach you with information about any changes or cancellations.
If you consider yourself to fall into the category of "not experienced at sea", you can take a motion sickness pill in the morning. These works best if taken about an hour before departure. Motion sickness pills are available for purchase at the pharmacy in Longyearbyen. We also have a limited amount available onboard, free of charge.
When is the bus coming?
The bus starts picking up our guests by the airport/campsite at 8:15am
From 8:30am, the bus will continue the following route:
It might take some time before the bus reaches your stop, even though it says bus pickup at 8:30am on your booking confirmation.
The guide onboard the buss will call al the names on the passenger list.
Make sure you enter the correct bus - its often a lot of people getting ready for different trips, at the same time.
From 8:30am, the bus will continue the following route:
- Gjestehuset 102 / Coalminers Cabins / Nybyen
- Funken Lodge / Haugen Pensjonat
- Svalbard Hotel "The Vault"
- Svalbard Hotel "Polfareren / Turist Info
- Basecamp Hotel / Svalbard Lodge
- Radisson Blue Polar Hotel
- MaryAnns Polarrigg
It might take some time before the bus reaches your stop, even though it says bus pickup at 8:30am on your booking confirmation.
The guide onboard the buss will call al the names on the passenger list.
Make sure you enter the correct bus - its often a lot of people getting ready for different trips, at the same time.
