When Ker & Downey travel designer Jamie Bell set off for an Arctic cruise to Svalbard, she knew she was in for something extraordinary. The Arctic archipelago lies halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole—a wilderness of ice, light, and life found nowhere else on earth. Joining Aurora Expeditions aboard the Greg Mortimer expedition cruise ship, Jamie embarked on a journey to one of the world's most remote frontiers.

"From the moment we arrived in Oslo, Aurora's team was ready," Jamie recalls. "Check-in was seamless, the transfers smooth, and every detail handled. My sister joined me on this trip, and we kept saying how effortless it all felt—even before we stepped onboard."

Here's everything you need to know about how to travel to the Arctic and what makes a Svalbard cruise with Aurora Expeditions truly unforgettable.

How to Get to Svalbard: Real Talk on Arctic Travel

The Route and What to Expect

Jamie flew from Houston to Frankfurt, then onto Oslo where she connected for a flight to Longyearbyen (Svalbard's main settlement and the world’s most northerly airport). 

But here's what Jamie learned about how to get to Svalbard: "I'll be honest—the connection in Frankfurt was a bit nerve-wracking. When we landed, multiple planes had arrived at once, and the customs line must have been a mile long. People were missing flights right and left. Thankfully, we had a long layover—something I now highly recommend."

Jamie's Critical Advice:

• Allow 2-3 hours minimum between flights in European hubs, especially Frankfurt
• On return trips, you won't go through customs again if staying within the EU (much faster!)
• "Give yourself at least two to three hours between flights. It's worth the peace of mind—you can grab a coffee, do a crossword, or just breathe easy knowing you'll make your connection."

The Greg Mortimer: Why This Expedition Cruise Ship is Special

"The ship is stunning—sleek, comfortable, and designed for discovery," Jamie explains. "It has this unique pointed bow that allows it to break through ice smoothly, which we got to experience firsthand. You can actually hear the ice crackling beneath the ship—it's incredible."

What Makes the Greg Mortimer Stand Out for Arctic Cruises:

Intimate Experience: Accommodating about 130 guests, the ship never feels crowded. "The crew greeted us by name—by day two, they were saying, 'Good morning, Jamie,' and 'How's your sister today?' It's that kind of personal touch that makes an expedition feel luxurious without losing its adventurous spirit."

Smart Design:

• Ulstein X-BOW® hull for smooth ice navigation
• Eight decks with library, observation lounges, gym, and sauna
• Medical clinic with qualified staff (more on this later)
• Zodiac launching platforms for daily excursions

The Balcony Cabin Advantage

"Our cabin had a balcony, which I highly recommend," says Jamie. "There's nothing like stepping outside with a cup of tea at midnight and seeing the sun still hanging low over the ice. Even though there are only a few hours of dusk each day, the blackout curtains made it easy to sleep."

For an Arctic cruise where the midnight sun and wildlife viewing happen at all hours, having private outdoor access transforms the experience.

Why Aurora Expeditions Delivers Exceptional Arctic Travel

Beyond the ship itself, Aurora Expeditions stands out for service that feels genuinely personal.

"Every staff member was attentive and kind," Jamie shares. "Within a day, the team knew my tea order—Earl Grey—and would bring it without asking. One night, one of the waiters even serenaded me. Twice! He had an amazing voice. Those are the kinds of details that make you smile every day onboard."

The dining experience features rotating international menus from fresh sushi to perfectly cooked prime rib, served in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.

When Medical Support Matters

"There's a small clinic on board, which we ended up needing when my sister felt under the weather. The doctor gave her a steroid shot and some medication that allowed her to finish the trip strong. I was so grateful for that kind of care—it's not something you always expect on an expedition cruise ship."

For remote Arctic travel, this level of support provides invaluable peace of mind.

Wildlife and Expedition Activities on Your Svalbard Cruise

What You'll See in the Arctic Archipelago

"The wildlife, without a doubt," is Jamie's favorite part of her Arctic cruise. "We saw walruses lounging on ice, Arctic foxes trotting across rocky beaches, and even a polar bear—though from a safe distance."

Wildlife encounters on Svalbard cruises include:

• Polar bears (Svalbard has one of the Arctic's highest populations)
• Walrus colonies on ice floes
• Arctic foxes in summer coats
• Svalbard reindeer: "Seeing them up close, with their massive antlers backlit by the Arctic light, was unforgettable"
• Diverse seabird colonies

"One of my favorite moments was hearing the ship crunch through sea ice as we sailed north. You could feel the power of the vessel and the silence of the Arctic all at once."

Shore Excursions and Hiking

"The hikes were another highlight," Jamie shares. "Some were easy strolls, others were quite challenging—picture climbing loose rocks in knee-high muck boots! I may not be the most sure-footed, but I made it, thanks to a helpful guide named Jamie (yes, there were three Jamies on the ship)."

Aurora Expeditions offers activities for all fitness levels, from gentle coastal walks to challenging climbs across Arctic tundra. You can customize participation based on your comfort level.

The Polar Plunge: To Jump or Not to Jump?

"Absolutely not!" Jamie laughs when asked if she took the plunge. "I watched plenty of brave souls jump into the icy water, but after seeing how awkwardly some of them had to climb back out, I knew that wasn't going to be me. One poor guy mooned the entire ship trying to get out, and that sealed it for me."

Despite abstaining, she loved the experience: "Watching everyone cheer each other on was such fun—it felt like a true bonding moment for the group."

This optional Arctic cruise tradition creates incredible camaraderie whether you participate or spectate.

When to Visit: Best Time for Arctic Cruises to Svalbard

Aurora Expeditions operates Svalbard cruises during the Arctic summer (June-September), when:

• The midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight
• Ice conditions allow comprehensive exploration
• Wildlife is most active, including peak polar bear activity
• Temperatures are warmest (3-7°C)
• Hiking and zodiac excursions are optimal
• For those interested in the northern lights, the aurora season is typically September - March

Jamie's trip during this window meant "stepping outside with a cup of tea at midnight and seeing the sun still hanging low over the ice"—an experience unique to Arctic summer travel.

Planning Your Arctic Expedition: Why Work with Specialists

As a Ker & Downey World Travel designer who experienced Aurora Expeditions firsthand, Jamie brings insider knowledge to Arctic travel planning:

• Expert guidance on flight routing and layover times
• Cabin selection recommendations (balconies are worth it!)
• Realistic expectations and honest advice
• 24/7 support throughout your journey
• Options for extended Norway itineraries

"I came away with complete confidence recommending them to clients," Jamie confirms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Cruises

Q: How long does it take to get to Svalbard? Most travelers fly through European hubs to Oslo, then connect to Longyearbyen. Plan for a full day of travel with generous connection times.

Q: What fitness level do I need? Activities accommodate all levels. Jamie admits, "I may not be the most sure-footed, but I made it" on challenging hikes. You choose your participation level daily.

Q: Will I definitely see polar bears? While not guaranteed, most Svalbard cruises report sightings. The archipelago has exceptional polar bear populations, and Aurora Expeditions employs expert naturalists who maximize viewing opportunities.

Q: Is the midnight sun hard to sleep through? "Even though there are only a few hours of dusk each day, the blackout curtains made it easy to sleep," Jamie notes. Many guests find they sleep less but don't mind—there's too much to see!

Jamie's Final Thoughts on Arctic Travel

"Go for it. It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that changes how you see the world. The landscape is like nowhere else—quiet, pure, humbling. Aurora Expeditions delivers adventure wrapped in warmth and attention to detail."

Jamie's Top Takeaways:

1. Plan generous layovers in European hubs—Frankfurt especially
2. Book a balcony cabin for midnight sun and wildlife viewing
3. Pack smart layers and bring quality binoculars
4. Attend the naturalist lectures—they transform what you're seeing
5. Embrace the unexpected—from serenading waiters to three people named Jamie

"You'll come home with stories you can't quite put into words, and photos that don't do it justice. But that's the beauty of the Arctic—it stays with you."

Ready to Experience the Arctic?

How to travel to the Arctic requires planning, but the rewards are immeasurable—from polar bear encounters to midnight sun vistas, from the crunch of ice beneath the ship to reindeer backlit by Arctic light.

An Arctic cruise with Aurora Expeditions to Svalbard delivers transformative experiences combining pristine wilderness, incredible wildlife, and surprising comfort aboard the Greg Mortimer expedition cruise ship.

To begin planning your Svalbard cruise, contact Ker & Downey's World Travel designers. Expert guidance from designers like Jamie—who've actually been there—ensures your Arctic expedition exceeds expectations.