Circumnavigating Spitsbergen – In the realm of the Polar Bear (with Overnight in Oslo)
10-night the Arctic expedition · 7 departures · from $9,306 per guest
- 10 nightsDuration
- MS Spitsbergen, MS FramShips
- Oslo to LongyearbyenRoute
- Jun 12, 2027Next sailing
In the realm of the Polar Bear
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
Join us as we attempt to venture above the 80th parallel and circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the largest island in the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
Under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun, experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords and Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, whales, and perhaps even polar bears.
Discover Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, and scan for wildlife in the stunning Northwest Spitsbergen National Park.
Crossing the 80th parallel north
Embark on a true High Arctic expedition as we set our sights on the 80th parallel, just 600 nautical miles from the North Pole. Depending on favourable ice conditions, we'll attempt a bold circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, exploring rugged landscapes in one of Earth’s most remote regions and encountering remarkable wildlife along the way.
Land of the polar bear
Under the Midnight Sun, enjoy 24 hours of daylight, ideal for wildlife watching with our expert guides. From the ship or small expedition boats, you'll have the chance to spot polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, and a variety of Arctic birds, all thriving in their natural habitat.
In line with AECO
HX is a proud member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). To protect the sensitive environments we explore, we carefully follow AECO standards on available landing sites and safe distances from wildlife, while still giving you an unforgettable expedition experience.
Upcoming departures
| Sails | Ship | Nights | From (per guest) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 2027 | MS Spitsbergen | 10 | $10,992 | Cabins & fares |
| Jun 26, 2027 | MS Fram | 10 | $12,909 | Cabins & fares |
| Jul 3, 2027 | MS Spitsbergen | 10 | $9,600 | Cabins & fares |
| Jul 17, 2027 | MS Fram | 10 | $11,813 | Cabins & fares |
| Jul 24, 2027 | MS Spitsbergen | 10 | $9,623 | Cabins & fares |
| Aug 14, 2027 | MS Spitsbergen | 10 | $9,306 | Cabins & fares |
| Sep 4, 2027 | MS Spitsbergen | 10 | $9,306 | Cabins & fares |
Day by day
As planned for the Jun 12, 2027 departure; other departures may differ.
Day 1Oslo
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 2Longyearbyen
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 3Krossfjord
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 3Ny-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 4Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen
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 5Liefdefjorden
Day 6Ice Edge Cruising
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 7Freemansundet
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 8Freemansundet
Day 9Hornsund
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 10Bamsebu
Day 11Longyearbyen
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.
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Questions about this trip?
Our polar specialists can compare these departures, cabins and current offers with you.
Email explore@polaradventure.com or call toll-free 1-888-611-7688.
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