Circumnavigating Spitsbergen – In the Realm of the Polar Bear with Extended Stay in Longyearbyen – MS Fram
13‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo with extended stay in Longyearbyen
The 9-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Fram 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:
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- 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 Fram. Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions. On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym.
- 22 Jun 2028 – 04 Jul 2028
from $21,059 pp twin share / $29,655 pp sole use * - 13 Jul 2028 – 25 Jul 2028
from $21,639 pp twin share / $30,496 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Outside from $21,059 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $22,072 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $25,845 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 – 3 – Welcome to Longyearbyen
The town at the top of the world
After a morning flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two nights in Longyearbyen, a colourful frontier town at the edge of the Arctic wilderness, where snowmobiles outnumber people.
Beyond exploring the town at your own pace, join our curated two-day programme of excursions designed to reveal Longyearbyen’s history, nature and resilient spirit. Discover how a settlement once built on coal mining has reinvented itself around science, tourism and a deep connection to the Arctic wilderness, while retaining the traditions that unite those who call this remote frontier home.
Day 4 – Your Ship Awaits
Welcome to your expedition home
After two days exploring Longyearbyen, it’s time to board your expedition ship. The Expedition Team and crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, we’ll cast off and set course for the remote wilderness and extraordinary wildlife of the High Arctic.
Day 5 – 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 6 – 7 – 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 seals, walrus, and reindeer, and early in the season there’s a good chance of spotting polar bears too, so we’ll always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. This is also one of Svalbard’s most historically rich areas, full of artefacts from its exploratory past.
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 8 – 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 9 – 10 – 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 11 – 12 – 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 13 – 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
- Curated excursions to reveal Longyearbyen’s history, nature and resilient spirit
- Transfers and accommodations in Longyearbyen included
- Sail aboard the purpose-built expedition ship MS Fram
13‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo with extended stay in Longyearbyen
The 9-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Fram 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:
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- 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 Fram. Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions. On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym.
Inclusions
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast.
- All transfers in Longyearbyen.
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
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
One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- Day 1 – Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Center Oslo Airport
- Days 2-3 – Funken Lodge
MS Fram
Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions.
On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym; Onboard shop.
Polar Outside
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Enjoy sea views from our Polar Outside cabins, most of which feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking.
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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.
- N2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–13 m².
- FJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, optional twin, 17–21 m².
- SD – Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin: window, twin beds, one converts to a sofa, 15–16 m².
Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious.
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These cabins feature a double bed which can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony.
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All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.
- U2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–11 m².
- F2 – Outside cabin: window, some with limited view, double bed, 17–18 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fram 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 and a seating area, some with a sofa bed. 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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Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy dinner exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MG – Grand Suite with balcony: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 20–27 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, sofa bed, 15–20 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 15–20 m².
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 22 Jun 2028 and 25 Jul 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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