Circumnavigating Svalbard – The Ultimate Expedition – MS Spitsbergen
14‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
The 12-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Krossfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Gravnesodden, Mushamna, Isflaksbukta – Phippsoya, Storøya, Bråsvellbreen, Sundneset, Negribreen and Boltodden, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before your expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise
- From an icy wonderland to a rugged land bursting with life, join us as we attempt to circumnavigate the entire Svalbard archipelago during the Arctic summer.
- Venturing above the 80th parallel and east around Nordaustlandet, you’ll sail through dramatic fjords, past sparkling glaciers and soaring mountains over several days in the archipelago.
- Discover Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, explore the ever-changing ice edge, and look out for Arctic wildlife including whales, reindeer and the elusive polar bear.
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.
- 21 Jun 2027 – 04 Jul 2027
from $22,386 pp twin share / $36,625 pp sole use * - 12 Jul 2027 – 25 Jul 2027
from $18,229 pp twin share / $29,557 pp sole use * - 02 Aug 2027 – 15 Aug 2027
from $20,909 pp twin share / $34,113 pp sole use * - 23 Aug 2027 – 05 Sep 2027
from $17,789 pp twin share / $28,809 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Inside from $17,789 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $20,394 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $22,386 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $27,016 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Longyearbyen
From Oslo to the town at the top of the world
After a flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen.
A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If you have time, head out to explore this special town, before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.
If you’d like to spend two extra days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings before your voyage, see this voyage option. It includes the same sailing itinerary but with additional Arctic land adventures.
Day 2 – Longyearbyen adventures
Explore this colourful frontier town
After breakfast it’s time to experience Longyearbyen.
The former coal mining settlement is small enough to explore on foot. Stroll down the main street lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and restaurants. You might even see a Svalbard reindeer saunter by.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a deeper look at this isolated and remote region at the top of the world.
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 animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear from the observation deck of the ship.
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 – 7 – 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.
Wildflowers start blooming in July and into August, blanketing the landscape with a blaze of beauty and colour.
Day 8 – 11 – Exploring the east
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses
Be ready for anything as this stage of your voyage continues to be truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll continue east, exploring the pristine wilderness of northeast Svalbard before heading south in our attempt to fully circumnavigate the archipelago.
Perhaps we’ll head to the immense Bråsvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls tumbling into the icy depths, or lower our small boats around Kvitøy. Every day in the east will be a new opportunity to look for polar bears roaming the ice. Continuing south, we may head to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya.
In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips, and look out for wildlife.
And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass to the east, you’ll experience just as much adventure: we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard or attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by soaring mountains, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.
Day 12 – 13 – 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 today 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 14 – Return to Longyearbyen
A last day at the 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.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Programme.
Highlights
- Flights, hotel, and transfers included to simplify your journey
- Expedition team to guide you through the pristine Arctic landscape
- Onboard amenities like indoor gym, sauna, and outdoor hot tubs
14‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
The 12-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Krossfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Gravnesodden, Mushamna, Isflaksbukta – Phippsoya, Storøya, Bråsvellbreen, Sundneset, Negribreen and Boltodden, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before your expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise
- From an icy wonderland to a rugged land bursting with life, join us as we attempt to circumnavigate the entire Svalbard archipelago during the Arctic summer.
- Venturing above the 80th parallel and east around Nordaustlandet, you’ll sail through dramatic fjords, past sparkling glaciers and soaring mountains over several days in the archipelago.
- Discover Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, explore the ever-changing ice edge, and look out for Arctic wildlife including whales, reindeer and the elusive polar bear.
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 in Longyearbyen before your expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast.
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and 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 in Longyearbyen before your expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast
- Day 1 – Funken Lodge
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.
- 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 14 days and 13 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 21 Jun 2027 and 05 Sep 2027, 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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