"Cruising in Spitsbergen & northern Norway" Top 5 Page for this destination Arctic by globetrott

Arctic Travel Guide: 310 reviews and 460 photos

When I was working onboard of the Luxury Cruise Ship M/S VISTAFORD we have been several times in Spitsbergen and went up to the Ice Barrier.
The Picture above shows me in 1979 when I had my first job onboard, working as diningroom-steward.

It was a great feeling, in summer there is no sundown, the sun shines the whole day long, and I also remember that we mostly had sunny weather.

Most of the population of Spitsbergen comes here to work in the mines, and leave the island whenever they are off.
Most of them work every day for 4 weeks and will have 4 weeks off then.

Walking without a gun or rifle might become dangerous outside of the larger villages in Spitzbergen

all these pics on my pages are mine of course, simply the polar-bear-pics were taken in Schönbrunn - Vienna's Zoo and finally digitally set into snow ;-))

Magdalena Bay is THE highlight of any cruise in Svalbard / Spitzbergen

Last visit to Arctic: Dec 2009
Intro Updated Sep 18, 2011
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Reviews (47)

Norway: Harstad & a medieval church - Arctic

Norway: Harstad & a medieval church Things to Do (18)

Trondernes church in Harstad / Norway is considdered to be the northernmost medieval church on earth and you will find... more travel advice

This is in Mövik, but the one here looks the same - Arctic

Norway: Harstad & the Adolfkanone Things to Do (18)

Harstad in the Lofoten/Norway might be a greart place for everybody interested in WW II because the so-called... more travel advice

Vadsø & an interesting airship-museum - Arctic

Vadsø & an interesting airship-museum Off The Beaten Path (13)

Vadsø is a small town of about 6000 inhabitants in the very north of Norway and the Hurtigruten-ships stop there on... more travel advice

Tromsoe : a giant bridge & the Ice-cathedral - Norway

Tromsoe : a giant bridge & the... Things to Do (18)

Tromsdalen Kirke / Ishavskatedralen Artic Cathedral / Eismeer-Kathedrale There are different names for one of the most... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
See All HURTIGRUTEN are a great way to explore...
Local Customs (2)
See All Sami-culture at the Nordkapp
Tourist Traps (2)
See All A great Postmark from Northcape - forget...
Favorites (3)
See All Spitzbergen " M/S Vistafjord on the...
Nightlife (1)
Sunshine all day long

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (180)

Nemorino Sep 29, 2010 at 5:23 AM Report Abuse

Great photos of the arctic landscapes! It must be scary to hear those icebergs crashing on the ship, or the ship crashing onto icebergs. That's how the Titanic sank, as I recall. Scary also to get holes in the bottom of your ship from the sandbank!
Donna_in_India Aug 1, 2009 at 4:15 AM Report Abuse

We visited Spitsbergen at the end of winter so no cruise but I loved it. One of my favorite places - so peaceful and beautiful. Had a tough time adjusting to all that daylight though. Loved the "stupid" question.
toonsarah May 28, 2008 at 12:04 PM Report Abuse

Wow, this looks like a journey I would love to take. I like the sound of the ice barrier and of the hot punch on the beach. Great photos too - the colours of the midnight sun and the contrast of the ice & the deep blue sea
starship Sep 14, 2006 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

This what I'd call a very exciting cruise, and not just for the scenery!! I knew that they had Equator baptisms, but I didn't know about the Artic Circle one!! BTW, very sharp uniform!! I hope to get one of those postcards & stamps one day.
CeciliaL Aug 7, 2006 at 9:12 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures and trips. It is a place I definitely would love to visit!! It is such a great experience.
tini58de Jun 20, 2005 at 3:40 AM Report Abuse

Lovely pictures - especially of dining hall steward Michael!!!! I love the story of the Arctic Circle Baptism!!! Just returned home from Spitzbergen - loved it! Congrats on your Number 1!!
matcrazy1 Dec 17, 2004 at 10:06 PM Report Abuse

Your pictures are stunning, they are so clean and sharp that looking at them I almost feel clear and freezing air of the Arctic!
moonlighting Dec 13, 2004 at 2:44 AM Report Abuse

Hi! Greatest photos! are there people living in those remote areas you mentioned which are off limits?
icyjo24 Dec 4, 2004 at 11:46 PM Report Abuse

Your pictures of the Arctic were awesome... greetings from singapore..
easyoar Nov 25, 2004 at 3:48 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful tips and pictures. What a great job (even if you weren't allowed to live on the ship ;-) )