Circumnavigating Spitsbergen: In the Realm of the Polar Bear | With extended stay in Longyearbyen

30 Jul 2026
12 Nights
MS Fram
Arctic
View Itinerary

ITINERARY

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.

Explore Ship

Bellsund is a 20km sound in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It is distinctly cut into two branches, the fjords Van Mijenfjorden and Van Keulenfjorden which together offer a stunning journey. You’ll be dwarfed by the high mountains which characterise the landscape along with rich wildlife that thrives in such diverse conditions.

Day 1

Oslo

30 Jul 2026

Oslo

Longyearbyen

31 Jul 2026

Longyearbyen

01 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

02 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

Krossfjord

03 Aug 2026

Krossfjord

Day 5

Ny-Ålesund

03 Aug 2026

Ny-Ålesund

Day 6

Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen

04 Aug 2026

Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen

Day 7

Liefdefjorden

05 Aug 2026

Liefdefjorden

Day 8

At Sea

06 Aug 2026

At Sea

Day 9

Hinlopen Strait

07 Aug 2026

Hinlopen Strait

Day 10

Freemansundet

08 Aug 2026

Freemansundet

Day 11

Hornsund

09 Aug 2026

Hornsund

Day 12

Bellsund

10 Aug 2026

Bellsund

Longyearbyen

11 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Best Time to Travel

Arctic Fox

Witness the stunning arctic fox living amongst the Arctic tundra, primarily found across regions such as Svalbard, Greenland, northern Canada, Alaska, Norway and even Northern Iceland. Their fur changes colour throughout the seasons, from white fur in the winter to camouflage against the snow-covered landscapes to a coat of brown and grey fur during the summer months. Arctic foxes give birth during the spring, with litters reaching over 10 pups in some cases, so this is a fantastic time to spot them feeding their young.

Jan

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Best time

Good time

Polar Bear

Polar bears, also known as the ‘maritime bear’, are the largest land carnivores on earth and live in the northern polar region of the Arctic. These magnificent creatures are excellent swimmers, sometimes swimming for days at a time without rest. They are equally phenomenal hunters too, primarily feeding on ringed and bearded seals which they hunt from the platforms of sea ice and patiently waiting at breathing holes.

Contrary to their appearance, their skin is black to absorb the heat and their fur translucent, although the reflection from the light creates their iconic white coat. Polar bears are famously dedicated mothers and are often seen with or close by to their cubs. The changing climate and shrinking sea ice directly correlates with their declining hunting success and is dwindling survival rate of their cubs.

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Best time

Good time

Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard reindeer are a unique subspecies of rein deer you will only find in the Arctic region of Svalbard itself. This endemic mammal is shorter and larger than typical reindeer which helps them to conserve heat in one of the coldest climates in the world. Due to the lack of predators in the region, Svalbard reindeer are much more comfortable with human presence compared to others of their kind, so it is easier to get closer encounters with them whilst on your excursions in the Arctic. The peak of the Arctic expedition season in the summer months between June and August are the best time to spot them in the wild. The 24-hour daylight provides plentiful opportunities to spot them, and the warmer temperatures means they are at their most active and can often be seen grazing due to the lack of snow.

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Best time

Good time

Walrus

As one of the Arctic’s most iconic animals, walruses are easy to spot and recognise, defined by their long tusks and whiskers, which are highly sensitive and used to detect food on the seafloor. These large creatures use their tusks to haul themselves onto the ice and are known to be aggressive, displaying dominance against others of their kind to establish their authority. You’ll often see them in large groups out on the sea ice or along the coastlines.

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Best time

Good time

Explore MS Fram

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.

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 being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless otherwise specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.

All expedition shore landings and small boat cruising during our exploration of Antarctica are included the programme. Along with the optional excursions available to book, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the voyage. These will depend on location and season, but may include hiking, small boat cruising, kayaking, snowshoeing, or camping. A limited amount of kayaking is available for booking prior to select voyages, but all other activities are booked on board and subject to availability.

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-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.

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.

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.

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.

MS Fram Cabins & Suites

Polar Inside | Inside Cabin

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Upper-deck cabin
No window
Double bed (optional twin)
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 10-13 m2
Cabin Code: I2

Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin

Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious. These cabins feature a double bed which can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. 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.

Upper deck cabin
Window (some with limited view)
Refrigerator
Double bed
Sofa bed
Bathrobes and slippers are available on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 22-23 m2
Cabin Code: F4

Polar Outside | Outside Cabin

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. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Refrigerator
Double bed (optional twin)
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 17-21 m2
Cabin code: FJ

Polar Outside | Wheelchair-Accessible Outside Cabin

Lower-deck cabin
Window
Wheelchair-accessible cabin, may be available for general booking
Refrigerator
Twin beds (one converts to a sofa)
Bathrobes and slippers are available on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 15-16 m2
Cabin Code: SD

Expedition Suite | Mini Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fram and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, elegant suites with thoughtful features such as private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous seating areas, some with a sofa bed. Exclusive to Suite guests, fine dining is available in the Lindstrøm restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the added option of in-suite takeaway. Enjoy complimentary daily laundry and evening turn-down service for added comfort and ease throughout your HX expedition. Each suite includes a flat-screen TV, minibar, personal safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Your suite welcome includes a bottle of Champagne on ice and a handpicked platter of delicacies, to mark the start of your adventure.