Amsterdam Island (Smeerenburg, Svalbard Norway)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Arctic - Antarctica
Local Time
2026-09-11 13:45
31°F -0.3°C
Gentle breeze4.1 m/s
37 °F / 3 °C 28 °F / -2 °C
Port Amsterdam Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Amsterdam Island, Smeerenburg, Svalbard Norway. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 July, 2028 Tuesday |  Hanseatic Nature | ||
| 21 July, 2028 Friday | Hanseatic Nature | ||
| 30 July, 2028 Sunday | Hanseatic Nature |
Amsterdam Island (officially Amsterdamoya) is located off the northwest coast of Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard Norway). Amsterdamoya covers a total area of approx 17 km2 (7 mi2), of which around 12% is ice-covered.
Amsterdam Island is separated from Danes Island via Danskegattet Strait. Isle's highest elevation point (Hiertabreen) is 472 m (1549 ft). The island was discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz (1550-1597). The Dutch occupied it in 1614, constructing a temporary whaling station on its southeastern promontory.
A semi-permanent station (named Smeerenburg) was built here in 1619. During the 1640s, this settlement went into decline and eventually was abandoned by 1660. Currently, Amsterdamoya is uninhabited.
Amsterdam Island cruise terminal
Cruise ships to Amsterdam Island dock (anchor) at Smeerenburg - port station (uninhabited) on the southeastern coast.
At a Glance
Independent sightseeing limited or not recommended. Amsterdamøya is an uninhabited Arctic island in northwestern Svalbard. Expedition ships normally anchor offshore near Smeerenburg and use small boats to take passengers ashore. There is no cruise terminal, settlement, road, public transport or visitor infrastructure.
Any landing is organized and supervised by the expedition team. Sea ice, wind, swell, wildlife and ground conditions can change the plan at short notice; the ship may substitute a small-boat cruise or another landing site.
Getting Ashore
- Landing method: Ship-to-shore transfer by Zodiac or a similar expedition boat, usually onto a natural beach.
- Passenger exit: There is no pier or terminal. Expect a wet landing that may require stepping into shallow water.
- Mobility: Uneven stones, soft ground and slippery surfaces can make the landing unsuitable for passengers with limited mobility.
- Independent access: Passengers must remain within the area established by the expedition staff and follow guides’ instructions.
Best Ways to Spend the Call
Explore the Smeerenburg Whaling Site
Smeerenburg was a Dutch whaling station during the 17th century. A guided shore walk may show the low remains of blubber ovens, building foundations and graves. Most features are subtle and are better understood with commentary from an expedition historian.
Allow roughly 1–2 hours, depending on landing conditions and the route opened by the guides. The walk is generally short but crosses an unprepared beach and fragile tundra. Cultural remains are protected and must not be touched, moved or crossed.
Watch for Arctic Wildlife
Walruses may rest around the beach or nearby shallows, while seals, whales and seabirds can sometimes be seen from the landing area or expedition boats. Sightings are never guaranteed, and wildlife may cause the landing site or walking route to be changed.
Follow the distances and viewing positions set by the expedition staff. Never approach wildlife independently.
Take a Small-Boat Cruise
If conditions permit, the expedition team may explore the coast, nearby channels or the waters between Amsterdamøya and Danskøya by Zodiac. This can provide views of low Arctic shores, mountains, glaciers and wildlife without going ashore.
The route and duration depend entirely on sea ice, wind, visibility and animal activity. Warm waterproof clothing is essential because passengers remain exposed throughout the ride.
View the Northwest Svalbard Landscape
Even when a landing is cancelled, the approach can be worthwhile for views across the remote islands, straits and glaciated mountains of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Binoculars are useful for wildlife observation from the ship.
Guided Shore Walk
A conventional self-guided walking tour is not appropriate at Smeerenburg. When a landing is authorized, expedition staff normally establish a controlled route after checking for polar bears and other hazards.
- Land by expedition boat on the natural beach.
- Attend the guide’s safety and heritage briefing.
- Follow the marked or supervised route along the shoreline.
- Observe the whaling-station remains from their protected perimeter.
- Visit designated wildlife-viewing points if animals are present.
- Return to the landing beach when called for the boat transfer.
The exact distance varies and may be very short. Allow about 1–2 hours including explanations and wildlife stops. Difficulty is easy to moderate, but loose stones, wet tundra, cold weather and an awkward boat landing can make the outing more demanding.
Practical Tips
- Wear waterproof outer layers, warm gloves and sturdy waterproof boots with good grip.
- Carry binoculars and protect cameras from spray during the boat transfer.
- There are no toilets, shops, shelter, food outlets or medical facilities ashore.
- Do not leave the guided group. Polar bears can occur anywhere in Svalbard, and expedition staff manage shore safety.
- Do not touch archaeological remains, bones, plants or other natural objects.
- Be prepared for a changed itinerary. Landing decisions are made close to arrival and safety takes priority over the published plan.
- Return to the landing point immediately when instructed; boat rotations and rapidly changing weather can affect departure timing.