EXPEDITION CRUISE

Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition | With extended stay in Longyearbyen

CRUISE ID # HXFRSVA03D2-280610

Oslo TO Longyearbyen

Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition | With extended stay in Longyearbyen
Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition | With extended stay in Longyearbyen
Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition | With extended stay in Longyearbyen
Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition | With extended stay in Longyearbyen

With an extended stay in Longyearbyen

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.

Enjoy two days in Svalbard’s capital Longyearbyen before setting sail, including a full day of hosted activities.

Wild nature, untamed scenery

As we go further east and deeper into polar bear territory than any of our other Svalbard expeditions, our goal is to fully circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago—ice conditions permitting. Whether you opt to experience the ever-changing icescape of early summer or see the kaleidoscope of color later in the season, you’ll be immersed in incredible scenery and see iconic wildlife, with several days dedicated to exploring.

Land of infinite wonder

Svalbard contains vast and pristine nature reserves where few humans ever set foot. It’s the domain of seabirds, such as Brunnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes, as well as mammals like reindeer, walruses, and seals. Early in the season we’ll explore close to the northern ice edge, but later on we’ll see the land bursting to life with wildflowers. As we sail, we’ll be on the lookout for marine animals in the waters around us, including graceful and mighty whales.

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.

TRIP STARTS ON
June 07, 2028
SHIP SAILS ON
June 10, 2028
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 3, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
MS Fram
TRIP ENDS ON
June 25, 2028
STOPS
22 Stops, 2 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
15
OPERATOR
HX Expeditions
FROM: 

$17,753

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: June 10, 2028

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
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Itinerary

22 Ports
2 Countries
Day
One
Arrival
June 07, 2028
Port
Pre-Cruise Night
Day
Two
Arrival
June 08, 2028
Port
Pre-Cruise Night
Day
Three
Arrival
June 09, 2028
Port
Pre-Cruise Night

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

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.

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 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.

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
Ten
Arrival
June 16, 2028
Port
Monacobreen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

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
Twelve
Arrival
June 18, 2028
Port
Ice Edge Cruising

Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses 

Over these three days, we attempt to venture far into eastern Svalbard. Be ready for anything. This might include Sjuøyane (Seven Islands), Svalbard's northernmost point, where moss-covered granite peaks are home to thousands of breeding seabirds and walrus haul out on rocky shores. Or Zodiac landings in the ice-capped wilderness of Nordaustlandet, where reindeer and Arctic foxes roam the barren tundra. Or Kvitøya, one of the archipelago's most remote islands: a polar bear stronghold with a haunting history of early polar exploration. These are places few ever see, let alone set foot on. 

Day
Fourteen
Arrival
June 20, 2028
Port
Storøya, Norway
Day
Fourteen
Arrival
June 20, 2028
Port
Bråsvellsbreen Glacier, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Day
Fifteen
Arrival
June 21, 2028
Port
Sundneset Peninsula, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Day
Sixteen
Arrival
June 22, 2028
Port
Negribreen Glacier, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Day
Sixteen
Arrival
June 22, 2028
Port
Boltodden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

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. 

Day
Eighteen
Arrival
June 24, 2028
Port
Bamsebu, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Day
Eighteen
Arrival
June 24, 2028
Port
Hornsund, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

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.

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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.

Ship Facts
cabin count
127
capacity
200
crew count
No Data
deck count
7
currency
NOK onboard
gross tonnage
11647
language
no+en
launch year
2007
length
114m
speed
13kts
wheelchair count
2
width
20m

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DINING

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.

Aune

Aune Restaurant is getting an upgrade, refining its menu and creating an even better atmosphere for your meals at sea.

Social, informal and with an emphasis on the natural, Aune is MS Fram’s main dining area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner choices are influenced by the areas we explore and our own rich heritage, dating back to 1896.

Lindstrøm

A speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favourite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Fine dining in Restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests. Non-suite guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Lindstrøm for an additional cost.

Entertainment

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.

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Situated at the stern of the ship, the Explorer Lounge & Bar is the perfect spot to relax with talk with your fellow explorers and take in the sweeping panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Shop

In our on-board shop you can buy clothing suitable for expedition cruises. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly according to the destinations. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus on fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards, in addition to a small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects.

Reception & Expedition Desk

The Reception & Expedition Desk can be found on Deck 4.

Around the ship

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.

Health And Fitness

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.

Sauna & Relaxation

Get warm and cosy as you watch the world glide by through the windows of sauna on the top deck. 

Fitness Room

Maintain your regular fitness regime (or kickstart a new one) in the well-equipped gym on Deck 7. The panoramic views will help you stay motivated.

Hot Tubs

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in one of the two steaming outdoor hot tubs.

Enrichment

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.

Shore Excursions

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....

Lecture Halls

The ship's experienced lecturers' command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which Ms Fram sails. they will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the course of the trip. The lecturing schedule will be announced everyday in the on board daily program.

Science Centre

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-....

Resident Photographer

Professional photos of your trip from our onboard photographer​

Every expedition has an onboard photographer who’ll capture stunning images from each day of your voyage. After you’ve returned home, we’ll send you a beautiful digital album along with a summary video to bring back your favourite memories and make those highlights easy to share.

Kids And Teens

Please note: there are no dedicated Children's facilities onboard.

UNIQUE FEATURES

Local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making the MS Fram a modern masterpiece. There is also a permanent exhibition of artefacts from the original Fram used by Nansen and Amundsen, the famous Arctic explorers.

USEFUL TO KNOW

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HX Expeditions All-Inclusive

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....

Disabled Facilities

Our ships are wheelchair accessible with some operational requirements. Guests have to bring their own wheelchairs, which must be no wider than 60 cm for ease of movement. All mobility aids must be declared and safely carried onboard. Wheelchair users can only be accommodated in accessible cabins to ensure safe evacuation in emergencies. 

Accessibility for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility

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 ....

Dietary Requirements

Guests who require special diets or have food allergies can contact the Restaurant Manager in the restaurants during opening hours.

Children

The minimum age for travel to Antarctica and Galápagos is 5 years and the participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.

Packing Tips

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
Medical Facilities

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....

Smoking

Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.

Wi-Fi

Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase.

Travel HX App

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....