Circumnavigating Spitsbergen – In the realm of the Polar Bear (with Overnight in Oslo) – MS Spitsbergen
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
The 9-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Krossfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Nordvesthjørnet med Raudfjorden, Liefdefjorden, Freemansundet, Hornsund and Bamsebu, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise
- Attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, and venture above the 80th parallel: the edge of the Arctic pack ice.
- Scout for remarkable wildlife in Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, including reindeer, whales, and perhaps even polar bears.
- Explore remote, rarely visited places including Ny-Ålesund, the legendary Hinlopen Strait, and the fjords of Hornsund and Bellsund.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
- 12 Jun 2027 – 22 Jun 2027
from $16,421 pp twin share / $26,632 pp sole use * - 03 Jul 2027 – 13 Jul 2027
from $16,424 pp twin share / $26,637 pp sole use * - 24 Jul 2027 – 03 Aug 2027
from $14,375 pp twin share / $23,131 pp sole use * - 14 Aug 2027 – 24 Aug 2027
from $15,909 pp twin share / $25,761 pp sole use * - 04 Sep 2027 – 14 Sep 2027
from $13,902 pp twin share / $22,350 pp sole use * - 22 Jun 2028 – 02 Jul 2028
from $16,247 pp twin share / $26,519 pp sole use * - 13 Jul 2028 – 23 Jul 2028
from $16,730 pp twin share / $27,340 pp sole use * - 03 Aug 2028 – 13 Aug 2028
from $16,730 pp twin share / $27,340 pp sole use * - 24 Aug 2028 – 03 Sep 2028
from $16,247 pp twin share / $26,519 pp sole use * - 14 Sep 2028 – 24 Sep 2028
from $16,247 pp twin share / $26,519 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Inside from $13,902 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $15,909 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $17,444 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $21,001 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital, a city rich in history with a thriving art scene. Wander the Ekebergparken sculpture park, admire the striking Opera House and Munch Museum, relax in a floating sauna on the harbour, or head to Sørenga for urban beach life and New Nordic cuisine, before settling in for the night in an airport hotel.
Day 2 – Longyearbyen
The town at the top of the world
After an early breakfast, you’ll fly to Longyearbyen.
A short panoramic bus tour offers a first glimpse of the town and its surroundings before lunch. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Longyearbyen before being transferred to the ship for boarding.
This former coal-mining settlement is small and easy to explore on foot. Wander along the main street, lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and inviting restaurants. You might even spot a Svalbard reindeer wandering by.
Come evening, we’ll set sail.
Day 3 – Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Experience science, serenity, and epic scenery
Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history.
You’ll be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our small expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
Day 4 – 5 – Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Experience pristine Arctic wilderness
Over the next two days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park where steep mountains, glaciers and beautiful offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape.
We’ll scout for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. Early in the season, there’s a good chance we may spot polar bears too, so we’ll always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators.
Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up.
Day 6 – Ice edge attempt
Experience the opportunity of sailing to the edge of the polar ice cap
If conditions allow, we’ll sail north and cross the 80th parallel to explore the ever-changing ice edge. The transition zone between the ice cap and the sea is a magical yet ephemeral place where the waters are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From the ship, there are great opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge on the sparkling ice. And if the conditions are right, we’ll lower our expedition boats into the water and enjoy an unforgettable close-up experience amid the floating ice.
The ice edge isn’t a fixed boundary, and it moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it will be an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, as summer progresses, it retreats further towards the pole, meaning it may be out of reach for us. If so, we’ll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast.
Day 7 – 8 – Eastern Spitsbergen
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds, and walruses
Be ready for anything. If sea ice permits, we’ll venture into the frozen seascape of Eastern Spitsbergen, scouting for polar bears, walrus, and colonies of Brünnich’s guillemots through the legendary Hinlopen Strait. We may head south to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee, or explore Edgeøya and Barentsøya by Zodiac.
In true expedition style, where we go depends on conditions. If the ice doesn’t allow passage east, we’ll delve deeper into western Svalbard, navigating deep fjords and past calving glaciers in search of remarkable Arctic wildlife. Either way, expect exhilarating landings, hikes, and kayak trips at every turn.
Day 9 – 10 – Hornsund and Bellsund
Majestic glaciers, birds, and pioneer history
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. The cliffs here are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots and Northern Fulmars, along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer below.
Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers reaching into the sea, and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the first female trapper to hunt in Svalbard.
Then we head to admire the classic beauty of the snowcapped mountains of Bellsund: a historic area where you can see the evidence of former whaling and mining activity on the shoreline.
Our activities will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Hornsund and Bellsund. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day.
Day 11 – Return to Longyearbyen
A final day on top of the world
Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo. You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience.
Highlights
- Economy flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen included in package
- Overnight stay at Oslo airport hotel with breakfast before departure
- All transfers and panoramic bus tour with lunch in Longyearbyen arranged
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
The 9-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Krossfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Nordvesthjørnet med Raudfjorden, Liefdefjorden, Freemansundet, Hornsund and Bamsebu, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise
- Attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, and venture above the 80th parallel: the edge of the Arctic pack ice.
- Scout for remarkable wildlife in Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, including reindeer, whales, and perhaps even polar bears.
- Explore remote, rarely visited places including Ny-Ålesund, the legendary Hinlopen Strait, and the fjords of Hornsund and Bellsund.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
Inclusions
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
- Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise.
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (only on MS Fram).
Exclusions
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
FAQs
Hotels
Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Day 1 – Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Center Oslo Airport
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.
Polar Inside
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature
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Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
- K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².
Polar Outside
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Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
- J3 – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 11–12 m².
- O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
- J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².
Arctic Superior
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
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They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
- YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
- P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
- U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.
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Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
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Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
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Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
- MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
- Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 12 Jun 2027 and 24 Sep 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: HX ExpeditionsFine Print
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