Circumnavigating Svalbard - The Ultimate Expedition
CRUISE ID # HXFRSVA03-270614
Longyearbyen TO Longyearbyen
The Ultimate Expedition
14‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
Go further east than any of our other expeditions in the attempt to circumnavigate the entire Svalbard archipelago during the Arctic summer.
Venture above the 80th parallel and east around Nordaustlandet, sailing 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.
Wild nature, untamed scenery
Venture into Svalbard's wild eastern reaches, where stark landscapes define the frontier. This is our boldest expedition in the region, taking you to places few people ever set foot: Sjuøyane, Nordaustlandet, Kvitøya, and of course, above the 80th parallel to the pack ice edge – all conditions pending.
Land of infinite wonder
Svalbard is the domain of seabirds like Brünnich's guillemots and kittiwakes, as well as reindeer, walruses, and seals. Early in the season, we'll explore close to the northern ice edge, a landscape that becomes dotted with wildflowers as summer arrives. As we sail, we'll be on the lookout for whales and the elusive king of the Arctic: the polar bear.
$15,373
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: June 14, 2027
Itinerary
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
About the Ship
Name
MS Fram
Operator
HX Expeditions
MS Fram has a fresh new look, with upgraded cabins and a state-of-the-art Science Centre — all designed to bring you even closer to the wild, remote destinations we explore. With space for 250 guests, MS Fram was built for polar travel, carrying on the spirit of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that once drifted through Arctic ice under great explorer Fridtjof Nansen.
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Every day of your expedition cruise, your tastebuds will get the opportunity to explore. In each of our onboard restaurants, our skilled chefs create exciting menus using ingredients from the areas we travel.
Embarking on MS Fram, you’ll quickly feel safe and relaxed. Surrounding you with quality, natural materials and plenty of light and space, your expedition ship is reassuring, comfortable and built for adventure.
Your ship comes equipped with full suite of facilities to maintain an active lifestyle. From an indoor gym to a wellness centre for both body and mind, you’ll find everything you need to feel fully rejuvenated.
Our expedition ships – MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Santa Cruz II – are more than just a way to travel - they’re your home in the heart of the wild. Instead of an onboard casino, we have the Science Centre. Instead of cabaret shows, you have all the show you need outside the windows. No water slides, just kayaking trips or small-boat safaris along the coast in the Arctic, Antarctic, or the Galápagos.
We offer a rich and varied program of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion b....
The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals
Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.
This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-....
Please note: there are no dedicated Children's facilities onboard.
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day: Indulge in anything your appetite desires across a huge list of delicious choices that almost rival the memories you’ll make off the ship. Start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast before moving onto a mouth-watering menu of à la carte choices later in the day. Of course, that includes house wine and beer and soft drinks.
A warm welcome to the sauna, hot tubs and more: Make so....
Due to the nature of expedition cruising, our voyages often take us far away from the resources and the facilities we are used to in day-to-day life. We recognise that disabilities and mobility issues can range in severity, and recommend all guests consider accompaniment by a companion if they need assistance, either on board or ashore, due to the environment, operations and the unique safety requirements found on an expedition ship.
We ....
Weather varies depending on your destination, but sturdy footwear for wet and dry landings is essential. We provide boots and trekking poles on certain expeditions, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
On-board
- Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners
- Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip
Our expedition ships feature a small onboard hospital essential equipment, and medication to handle small emergencies.. Every ship has an English-speaking medical team with a doctor and at least one nurse, supported 24/7 by dedicated land-based experts.
In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected. All guests must have per....
Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.
What have I booked?
Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips.
What's happening today?
The daily programme helps you to....