Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife Activity and Species: In May, the Arctic feels untouched. Polar bears and seals patrol the sea ice, walruses haul out on drifting floes, and cliffside colonies erupt with nesting birds. By September, the landscape warms and stirs: whales surface in fjords, reindeer begin their rutting dance, and Arctic foxes prowl the shoreline.

Landscape and Terrain: In May, the landscape is hushed and pristine fjords and mountain ridges are cloaked in snow, with sea ice stretching across the horizon. By September, the tundra is a rich palette of gold and rust, the ice is retreating fast, and the land reveals its hidden textures, inviting exploration.

Light and Atmosphere: In May, the sun never sets, casting a clear, low-angle glow that bathes snow and ice in silver light. By September, golden hours return, shadows lengthen, and the Arctic softens into warmer tones. The skies darken just enough to offer the chance of glimpsing the season's first aurora.

General Experience: The May expedition is an early-season adventure defined by striking light and expansive ice-covered landscapes. The 24-hour daylight gives surreal sleeping cycles under the midnight sun. The September expedition, meanwhile, presents a quieter and more reflective atmosphere, with softer landscapes, richer colours and longer nights.

Summary:

Choose May if you want to experience the Arctic at its most raw and icy, with continuous daylight, dramatic sea ice, and opportunities to see polar bears and other ice-dependent wildlife.

Choose September if you prefer milder temperatures, softer light, and the chance to see vibrant autumn tundra colours. There are more opportunities for hiking, longer shore landings, sightings of whales, and a chance to catch the northern lights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In May, temperatures in Svalbard typically range from -3.9°C to -0.1°C. In mid to late September, temperatures in Longyearbyen are usually between -1°C and 0°C, rarely falling below -5°C or rising above 5°C.

The local time in Svalbard is +1 Greenwich Mean Time, and daylight hours vary from winter to summer.

In May, Svalbard experiences 24-hour daylight - known as the Midnight Sun. The sun does not set, offering continuous light ideal for extended exploration and photography at any hour.

In September, daylight in Svalbard begins to shorten as the region transitions out of the Midnight Sun period.

At the start of the journey (September 15th 2025), the sun rises at 05:38 and sets at 20:02, offering approximately 14 hours and 24 minutes of daylight. By the end of the trip (September 24th), daylight decreases to around 12 hours and 7 minutes, with sunrise at 06:43 and sunset at 18:51.

During this time, civil twilight extends the usable daylight further - beginning up to two hours before sunrise and lasting up to two hours after sunset - providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities and photography even beyond official daylight hours. Nautical twilight also ensures visibility of the horizon for navigation well into the late evening.

The September expedition spans 12 days, one day longer than May's 11 day itinerary as reduced sea ice later in the season allows for extended navigation and greater chances of a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. Early-season departures (e.g May) are typically more restricted due to heavier ice coverage.

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.

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.

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.