Exploring North Norway & Svalbard aboard Silver Endeavour (May 2026)
- polardreamtravel
- May 28
- 17 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
It has been on my bucket list for a long time to sail aboard Silver Endeavour on an exciting expedition voyage. Many of our clients have returned from their Silversea journeys absolutely delighted with the experience — and quite a few even booked their next vacation while still onboard.
I am very much looking forward to this 9-night North Norway & Svalbard expedition and will be sharing my firsthand experiences on both my blog and our Facebook page. Stay tuned!
May 27, 2026 (Wednesday) – Tromsø
I arrived in Tromsø earlier to explore this unique Arctic city before boarding the ship.
By the time I arrived the previous evening, it was already 10 p.m., yet the sky remained bright as Tromsø had entered the season of the Midnight Sun.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, I took a deep breath of the crisp Arctic air and immediately felt a strange sense of familiarity. Then it dawned on me - it reminded me very much of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, though Tromsø is considerably larger and more vibrant.
Home to more than 80,000 residents, Tromsø is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic." The city boasts several distinctions as the world's northernmost of their kind, including UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø Cathedral, the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, the Nordnorsk Science Center, and Tromsø IL, the world's northernmost professional football club.
I strolled from the city center across the Tromsø Bridge toward the iconic Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, its striking design of concrete and steel resembles a towering iceberg rising from the shoreline. Standing before it and gazing across the surrounding mountains, fjords, and boats drifting through the harbor, I couldn't help but feel completely at peace.
A visit to Polaria, Tromsø's Arctic aquarium and science center, is highly recommended. In addition to fascinating exhibits on Arctic wildlife and ecosystems, the seal feeding presentation is one of the highlights and well worth attending.
Public transportation in Tromsø is excellent. On the buses, I saw groups of students heading home from school, university staff commuting across town, and travelers like myself exploring the city. Despite its location well above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø feels lively, modern, and remarkably accessible.
Since the peak tourist season had not yet begun, the city felt pleasantly uncrowded. However, during the height of summer when visitors come to experience the Midnight Sun - or in winter when travelers flock here in search of the Northern Lights - hotel rooms can be nearly impossible to secure. Perhaps my next visit should be in winter to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.
The weather here changes rapidly, a hallmark of the Arctic. One moment the sun shines brightly from a blue sky; the next, dark clouds roll in from the mountains. Rain can arrive suddenly and intensify without warning. The constantly shifting conditions add to the region's rugged charm.
May 28, 2026 (Thursday) – Embarkation Day in Tromsø
Shortly after noon, I made my way to the waterfront terminal, excited to board the Silver Endeavour. There she was, quietly waiting at the pier for her next Arctic adventure.
Thanks to the friendly and efficient staff, the embarkation process was quick and seamless. Before long, I was entering my suite on Deck 7.
Every suite aboard Silver Endeavour features a private balcony. The four entry-level Veranda Suites vary only by location, with identical layouts and dimensions. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the spaciousness of the room. At 355 square feet (33 square meters), it felt exceptionally generous for an expedition vessel.
The suite's contemporary design combines elegance with practicality. The bathroom and toilet are separated for added convenience, while the walk-in closet includes bathrobes, slippers, and a safe. The minibar is stocked with complimentary beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and ice. Multiple European and North American power outlets, along with USB-A and USB-C charging ports, are conveniently located throughout the suite.
Waiting on the bed were the complimentary expedition jacket, waterproof backpack, and reusable water bottle provided by the cruise line. A pair of binoculars sat on the desk for guests to use throughout the voyage, while an iPad beside the bed provided access to onboard information and daily schedules.
Just a few minutes after I settled in, my butler, Sumit, knocked on the door. After introducing himself, he walked me through the suite's features and handed me his business card. A QR code on the card allowed direct communication with him via WhatsApp, making it easy to request assistance throughout the voyage.
Before the majority of passengers had arrived, I took the opportunity to explore the ship.
At the aft of Decks 5 and 6 is The Grill, a beautiful two-story venue featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic ocean views. One of its most unique features is that the central dining area can be transformed into a swimming pool when not in use for meals. Adjacent to it is a heated whirlpool, perfect for relaxing while surrounded by Arctic scenery.
The spa area aboard Silver Endeavour is impressively spacious, offering treatment rooms, beauty services, and a full salon. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the sauna, steam room, fitness center, and relaxation lounge.
Another outdoor whirlpool is located at the bow of Deck 6. On Deck 9, the Observation Lounge offers sweeping views and is likely to become a favorite gathering place during wildlife sightings. Adjacent to the lounge are the library and lecture room, where guests can attend presentations by the expedition team and browse an extensive collection of books.
The top deck features a spacious Sun Deck and a circular jogging track, allowing passengers to stay active while enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Down on Deck 3, the Mud Room highlights the ship's expedition credentials. In addition to storing boots and outdoor gear, the area also includes a self-service laundry room and ironing facilities - a welcome convenience on longer voyages.
At 6:00 p.m., Expedition Leader Neil hosted the first mandatory briefing in the lecture theater on Deck 4. He introduced the ship's team of more than twenty expedition staff members and outlined the activities planned for the following day.
As the meeting concluded and Silver Endeavour gently departed Tromsø, heading north toward the Arctic Ocean, I felt a growing sense of anticipation.
After years of dreaming about this journey, my Arctic adventure had finally begun.
May 29, 2026 (Friday) – Skarsvåg, Norway (Nordkapp)
When I woke up this morning, our ship was already anchored in the bay of Skarsvåg. Just a short distance to the north lies the famous Nordkapp (North Cape), where dramatic cliffs rising more than 1,000 feet plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Located at 71 degrees north latitude, it is considered the northernmost point on mainland Europe accessible by road. Every year, more than 300,000 visitors from around the world make the journey here to stand at what is often called the “end of Europe.”
Today's excursion was a birdwatching trip to Gjesvær, a historic fishing village about a 30-minute drive west of North Cape. Gjesvær is unique in that it is the only settlement in Finnmark County mentioned in records dating back to the Viking Age.
Today, the village is home to just over sixty residents, most of whom still make their living from fishing. In recent years, tourism has gradually become an important part of the local economy. Our guide explained that as younger generations have moved away, the village school has closed and there is not even a proper grocery store remaining. Fortunately, the boat taking us out to sea today is operated by local residents. After the original owner retired, his son took over the family business, allowing this remarkable birdwatching experience to continue for future generations.
Even before we reached the Gjesværstappan islands, an incredible sight unfolded before us. The sea was dotted with countless Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, and a scattering of Black-legged Kittiwakes. They repeatedly took flight and settled back onto the water, as if welcoming visitors from afar.
Above us, White-tailed Eagles occasionally soared across the sky. With wingspans reaching up to 2.5 meters (over eight feet), they are among Europe’s largest birds of prey. Throughout the summer, they patrol these waters in search of food.
As our boat slowly cruised along the towering cliffs, it felt as though we had entered an entirely different world - a world belonging to birds. One massive rocky outcrop was covered with Northern Gannets packed shoulder to shoulder. Their striking golden heads and gleaming white bodies made them easy to identify even from a distance.
Northern Gannets are actually among the newest residents of these islands. They were first recorded nesting here only after 1978. Since then, their population has grown rapidly, and the area is now one of Norway’s largest breeding colonies for the species.
On our return journey, we were treated to another unexpected highlight. Several rocky islets rising from the sea were crowded with Grey Seals and Harbour Seals. Some lounged lazily on the rocks while others poked their heads above the water, curiously watching our boat pass by.
That evening, Captain Tuomo Leskinen hosted a welcome cocktail reception and introduced his senior officers and crew. He shared that he had left Silversea twice during his career, only to return twice - a testament to his enduring passion for expedition cruising.
After lingering near North Cape for about an hour, Silver Endeavour officially set course for Svalbard.
May 30, 2026 (Saturday) – Bear Island
Shortly after noon, Silver Endeavour arrived at Bear Island.
Located midway between mainland Norway and the Svalbard archipelago, Bear Island is renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs and vast seabird colonies, with more than one million breeding pairs making their home here. It is one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the Arctic.
The island was discovered in 1596 by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz. According to historical accounts, his crew encountered a swimming polar bear nearby and named the island accordingly.
Silver Endeavour slowly approached Sørhamna Bay on the island’s southeastern coast. Thick fog shrouded much of the landscape, leaving the cliffs partially hidden from view, but seabirds were already appearing in large numbers around the ship. Fulmars glided effortlessly above the waves, skillfully riding the Arctic winds. Our afternoon activity was a Zodiac cruise along the shoreline.
As we approached the cliffs, the scale of the birdlife became truly astonishing. Black Guillemots covered the rocky ledges in every direction. Nearly every available perch seemed occupied. This is their breeding season, and many were busy incubating eggs.
Our guide explained that Black Guillemot eggs are pear-shaped, a remarkable adaptation that prevents them from rolling off narrow cliff ledges. If disturbed, the eggs tend to spin in place rather than roll away - a brilliant example of nature’s ingenuity.
Although it was already late May, patches of snow still clung to the tops of the cliffs. Meltwater cascaded down the rock faces in countless small waterfalls. Seabirds wheeled and called around them, creating a vibrant scene of Arctic life.
At some point, the sun disappeared completely behind thick clouds. Arctic weather can change in an instant. What had seemed like a calm afternoon suddenly turned wet as rain began to fall - and then intensified.
Just then, large flocks of Black Guillemots appeared around our Zodiac. The water surface came alive with hundreds of birds. They splashed, flapped their wings, dove beneath the waves, and burst back to the surface again. It felt like a joyous celebration unfolding right before our eyes.
By then, everyone was thoroughly soaked, but no one seemed eager to leave. In that moment, the raw wilderness and vibrant life of the Arctic came together perfectly, leaving us with an unforgettable impression of Bear Island.
May 31, 2026 (Sunday) – Poolepynten, Svalbard
Overnight, our ship continued north from Bear Island. By morning, Silver Endeavour had arrived in the waters of Isfjorden outside Longyearbyen. After taking on a local pilot, we set course for Poolepynten.
The Svalbard archipelago consists of numerous islands, with Spitsbergen, the island where Longyearbyen is located, being the largest. To the west lies the long, narrow island of Prins Karls Forland. Poolepynten is a sandy beach on the eastern side of the island facing Spitsbergen and is well known as a haul-out place for walruses.
From the bow of the ship, however, binoculars revealed no walruses in sight. Only a few scattered reindeer grazed quietly along the shore.
A short while later, Expedition Leader Neil announced over the PA system that no signs of walruses had been spotted on the beach, but our landing would proceed as planned.
It seemed nature had other plans for us. Not long after boarding the Zodiacs, several walruses appeared in the water nearby. They surfaced through the misty sea spray, occasionally lifting their massive heads above the water as if proudly displaying their long ivory tusks.
After landing, we slowly made our way along the shoreline. At some point, two walruses suddenly appeared on the beach. They heaved their enormous bodies forward a few feet, paused to lazily survey their surroundings, then turned and flopped back down onto the sand. As they rested, they rubbed their front flippers together, looking both comical and endearing.
The beach was littered with driftwood carried across the Arctic Ocean from Siberia by sea ice. Here and there lay whale bones and patches of reindeer fur. A few playful sandpipers darted back and forth along the shore, probing the ground for food before disappearing into the sky as quickly as they had arrived.
June 1, 2026 (Monday) – Magdalenafjord, Svalbard
During yesterday's briefing, Neil shared the weather forecast for the following day. Much of Spitsbergen was expected to experience winds of up to 30 knots. Our plan was to continue north and seek shelter in Magdalenafjord after midnight.
Magdalenafjord is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fjords in Svalbard. Jagged mountain peaks tower above the water while several tidewater glaciers descend into the fjord. The area was once an important whaling station, and remnants of stone ovens once used to render whale oil can still be found here, along with Svalbard's largest historic cemetery. The surrounding cliffs also provide nesting grounds for Little Auks and numerous other seabirds.
The morning was gloomy, with snowflakes drifting through the air. Visibility was so poor that our scheduled Zodiac cruise and kayaking excursion had to be canceled. Instead, Neil made a spontaneous decision to organize a polar plunge.
Amid biting winds and freezing temperatures, brave participants leapt into the icy Arctic waters, drawing cheers and applause from everyone watching.
By afternoon, the fog gradually lifted. We boarded Zodiacs for a short cruise before going ashore. The strangely shaped icebergs floating in the water immediately captured everyone's attention. Crystal clear and beautifully sculpted, some even glowed with an ethereal blue light.
After landing, the sun began fighting its way through the thick clouds. Shafts of sunlight illuminated portions of the mountainsides and glaciers, bringing life to what had been a monochrome landscape.
Before long, patches of blue sky appeared overhead. The brilliant blue sky, white snow, and our bright red expedition parkas transformed the scene from a black-and-white painting into a vibrant masterpiece.
As if to add to the festivities, a walrus curiously swam towards us. After observing and scrutinizing us, it dove into the water and disappeared.
As Silver Endeavour slowly departed the fjord, the weather cleared completely. Blue skies, snow-covered peaks, and mirror-like waters made the landscape feel remarkably similar to Antarctica.
Halfway through the evening briefing, Neil's voice suddenly came over the speakers once again: “Polar bears ahead!”
Within seconds, everyone rushed to Deck 10. Cameras, telephoto lenses, and binoculars appeared in every direction. After a frantic search, we finally located the source of the excitement. A mother polar bear and her cub strolling leisurely along the base of a mountain.
The little cub followed closely behind its mother, unwilling to let much separate them. It was an incredibly heartwarming sight.
That evening, the mood in the dining room was jubilant. Outside, the sun continued to shine brightly, while inside, laughter and animated conversation filled the room.
Near midnight, I made my way to the top deck. Under the endless glow of the midnight sun, snow-covered mountains stretched across the horizon. The Arctic landscape radiated a quiet beauty that was impossible not to admire.
Special thanks to expedition team Eric for polar bear photos and video contributions.
June 2, 2026 (Tuesday) Texas Bar, Svalbard
For some reason, I woke unusually early this morning. Pulling back the curtains, I was greeted by another glorious day of sunshine. Silver Endeavour was anchored in the bay at Texas Bar.
Overnight we had continued north before turning east and then south into Liefdefjorden. The scenery was breathtaking. Against a backdrop of deep blue sky, clouds drifted lazily above snow-covered mountains and glaciers. There was no wind, and the water was as smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the surrounding landscape. Peaceful, serene, and untouched. It felt like a true Arctic paradise.
Texas Bar is one of the northernmost trappers' cabins in the world. It was built in 1927 by the legendary trapper Hilmar Nøis. No one seems entirely certain why it bears the name "Texas," but inside stands a row of liquor cabinets.
A long-standing tradition allows every visitor who signs the guestbook to enjoy a drink from the collection. In return, each guest is expected to leave behind a bottle for future travelers.
As we hiked up the hillside, we began noticing rocks of all sizes scattered across the terrain. Some were taller than a person. One of the expedition team members explained that these boulders had been transported by glaciers long ago. When the ice retreated and the snow melted, the rocks remained behind as silent witnesses to the glacier's passage.
Spring had finally arrived in Svalbard. Purple saxifrages were beginning to bloom across the tundra. Overhead came the calls of kittiwakes, little auks, and northern fulmars. Under the warm sunshine and gentle breeze, it was a perfect Arctic morning.
Lunch had already begun when Neil's voice suddenly echoed through the ship once again: “Polar bear off the port side!”
My cabin happened to be on the port side. I grabbed my binoculars and rushed straight onto the balcony.
This time, the bear was much closer to the ship. It walked from a small island onto the sea ice along the shoreline, moving steadily in the same direction as our ship. Every so often, it would stretch its neck and scan the horizon. Seabirds circled overhead while the back of a whale surfaced in the nearby waters.
Against a backdrop of glaciers and snow-covered mountains, this solitary Arctic wanderer moved forward with quiet determination.
Without realizing it, forty minutes had passed.
Only when my fingers had grown numb from the cold did I finally lower my binoculars and return reluctantly to my cabin. Out on the ice, the polar bear continued its journey through the vast white wilderness, unhurried and seemingly endless.
Our planned landing at Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier) in the afternoon was unfortunately canceled due to polar bear activity in the area. However, the unexpected free time turned out to be a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship.
The restaurant area on Deck 5 was transformed into a heated swimming pool for the afternoon. After a refreshing swim, I headed to the adjacent Jacuzzi, where I could soak in the warm water while admiring the spectacular Arctic scenery outside. Surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered mountains, it was the perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the polar wilderness from a different perspective.
June 3, 2026 (Wednesday ) Alkefjellet & Faksevågen, Svalbard
By 8:00 a.m., I was already fully geared up and ready to head out.
Alkefjellet, facing the Hinlopen Strait, is home to one of Svalbard's largest seabird colonies, with more than 60,000 breeding pairs of Brünnich's guillemots. From a distance, the dramatic cliff rises over 100 meters above the sea, its towering basalt columns interspersed with a dark layer of dolerite. Millions of years ago, molten magma intruded into the surrounding limestone, causing it to recrystallize and form bands of marble that can still be seen today.
The top of the bird cliff remained completely covered in snow, and patches of unmelted snow clung to many sections of the rock face. Our Zodiac cruised slowly along the base of the cliff. From the shoreline rocks to the highest ledges, nearly every available inch of space appeared to be occupied by nesting birds.
Brünnich's guillemots are monogamous and return each spring to the same breeding site, often settling on the very same rock they used the previous year, rarely moving more than a couple of meters away.
The air was filled with a constant chorus of calls. Birds swept overhead from every direction while countless others floated on the water below. Everywhere we looked, sky and sea alike, was alive with their activity. Never before had I witnessed such an immense concentration of seabirds at such close range, watching thousands take off from the water, circle gracefully overhead, and then return to land. One guest seated at the front of our Zodiac even received an unexpected "souvenir" from one of the birds, much to everyone's amusement.
At lunchtime, the culinary team prepared a lavish international buffet. Lobster, crab, sashimi, Asian-style dumplings, fried noodles, and ramen soup were just some of the offerings available. Long tables were also filled with an impressive selection of desserts and fresh fruit, making it difficult to decide where to begin.
In the afternoon, we landed at Faksevågen, a short distance from the bird cliffs. Much of the ground and surrounding hillsides remained blanketed in snow. There was not a breath of wind, and the bay was as calm as a mirror. Sunlight filtered through the clouds and illuminated the distant snow-capped mountains, their peaks reflecting a brilliant silver glow.
Our group, dressed in bright red expedition parkas, wound its way across the pristine white landscape. The striking contrast between the vivid red jackets and the untouched snow created a scene of extraordinary beauty. It felt as though we were walking through a painting, surrounded by the serene grandeur of the High Arctic.
June 4, 2026 (Thursday) – At the Edge of the Sea Ice & Smeerenburgbreen
I had barely woken up and hadn't even made it to breakfast when Expedition Leader Neil's voice over the PA system drew everyone to the very front of Deck 6.
After several days of sailing northward, our ship, the Silver Endeavour, had reached the edge of the sea ice at 80°35'N. As far as the eye could see, the ocean was covered with ice floes of every shape and size, forming a breathtaking Arctic panorama. Beneath a brilliant blue sky, the sun broke through the clouds, casting golden light across the frozen seascape. The water rose and fell in a slow, rhythmic motion, and the floating ice danced gently with the swell. A few Northern Fulmars skimmed effortlessly above the water alongside the ship, adding a touch of life to this tranquil polar wilderness.
Faced with such spectacular scenery, everyone rushed onto the deck to capture the moment from every possible angle. Some guests posed for photos while others simply stood in awe, taking it all in. A few who truly knew how to enjoy life relaxed in the Jacuzzi with glasses of champagne in hand, soaking in one of the northernmost seas on Earth and savoring the unique serenity of the Arctic.
After completing our cruise through the sea ice, the Silver Endeavour slowly turned south and headed toward Smeerenburgbreen, located on the northwestern coast of Spitsbergen. This is the largest glacier in the Nordvesthjørnet region, with an impressive glacier front stretching nearly 7 kilometers wide. In 1906, an expedition led by Gunnar Isachsen became the first to cross the glacier, marking an important chapter in the early exploration of this remote region.
The afternoon Zodiac cruise began with an immediate highlight. A bearded seal lounged comfortably on a piece of sea ice. It lifted its head cautiously to inspect us, and once satisfied that we posed no threat, lazily lowered it again and resumed enjoying its peaceful afternoon.
As we ventured deeper into the glacier front, three glaciers converged in the same area, displaying striking shades of blue that ranged from pale turquoise to deep sapphire. Light filtering through the compressed ice created a gemstone-like glow, a stunning reminder of nature's artistry. Countless icebergs and growlers floated across the emerald-green water, sparkling in the sunlight like scattered crystals.
Flocks of Arctic Terns repeatedly lifted off from the ice and water before gracefully settling back down. The entire landscape was wrapped in silence, as if time itself had slowed. Only the gentle wake of our Zodiac disturbed the mirror-like surface, briefly interrupting an Arctic scene that resembled a traditional ink painting.
Just as everyone was immersed in the serenity and grandeur of this frozen world, another surprise arrived. The ship's hotel team had prepared champagne and came out in a Zodiac to greet us in front of the glacier, creating a truly memorable polar celebration.
Surrounded by blue ice, towering glaciers, and snow-covered mountains, we raised our glasses and toasted one another. Tiny bubbles danced in the champagne while laughter echoed across the silent fjord. To gather together in this sea-ice world 80 degrees north latitude and share such a pristine and remote corner of the planet felt like a rare privilege.
We celebrated not only an unforgettable Arctic voyage, but also the special bond that had brought us together in this remarkable place.
As evening approached, the Captain hosted a warm and elegant farewell reception for all guests. With the voyage drawing to a close, everyone raised a glass to celebrate an extraordinary Arctic adventure.
For dinner, we had made a special request to the culinary team for an Asian-inspired menu. The meal featured fragrant ginger-and-scallion crab, stir-fried Shanghai bok choy, and a comforting plate of Asian-style fried noodles. After many days at sea, these familiar flavors from home were especially satisfying.
Later that evening, the ship presented an abundant chocolate dessert buffet. Accompanied by the soothing sounds of guitar and piano, a vocalist performed on stage while guests danced beneath the warm lights of the lounge. Laughter, music, and joyful conversation filled the room, bringing another unforgettable day aboard Silver Endeavour to a perfect and memorable close.
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