Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear

04 Jul 2026
12 Nights
MS Spitsbergen
Svalbard
View Itinerary

ITINERARY

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.

Explore this colourful frontier townAfter 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.

Explore Ship

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.

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.

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.

A final day on top of the worldYour Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight 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.

Day 1

Longyearbyen

04 Jul 2026

Longyearbyen

05 Jul 2026

Longyearbyen

Krossfjord

06 Jul 2026

Krossfjord

Day 3

Ny-Ålesund

06 Jul 2026

Ny-Ålesund

Day 4

Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen

07 Jul 2026

Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen

Day 5

Liefdefjorden

08 Jul 2026

Liefdefjorden

Day 6

At Sea

09 Jul 2026

At Sea

Day 7

Hinlopen Strait

10 Jul 2026

Hinlopen Strait

Day 8

Freemansundet

11 Jul 2026

Freemansundet

Day 9

Hornsund

12 Jul 2026

Hornsund

Bellsund

13 Jul 2026

Bellsund

Longyearbyen

14 Jul 2026

Longyearbyen

Hornsund

15 Jul 2026

Hornsund

Day 13

Longyearbyen

16 Jul 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

Northern lights

Dark skies are required to witness the clearest displays of the northern lights, which are not visible during the summer midnight sun. Longer winter nights from late September to March offer the best chances to witness them.

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Lush greenery and wildflowers

Contrary to its iconic icy landscapes, the Arctic blooms during the summer months. Mid-July to early August is the peak bloom season in Svalbard, where expedition travellers can explore the region’s bright green tundra, mosses and even the Arctic poppy in a beautiful purple colour.

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Good time

Polar bear

Late spring into summer is the peak season for sea ice in Svalbard, creating the perfect hunting conditions for polar bears and so this is optimal chances for spotting these iconic creatures.

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Walrus

You’ll spot walruses in abundance in Svalbard during the summer. The warm, calmer waters make for easier Zodiac landings so you’re able to see them relaxing out in groups on the beaches.

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Arctic fox

The peak of summer in Svalbard sees arctic fox pups exploring near their dens, with their parents feeding along the cliffs where the seabirds congregate. While renowned for their white winter coat which blends into the snow during the winter months, arctic foxes adopt a brown fur coat during the summer months making them slightly easier to spot.

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Best time

Good time

Svalbard reindeer

The tundra is typically snow-free during the summer months of July and August in Svalbard, which is the most active grazing season for Svalbard reindeer. Not only are they more active, but they are easier to spot when they’re not camouflaged against the backdrop of the snow.

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Explore MS Spitsbergen

Aune

MS Spitsbergen’s main restaurant serves three meals a day from generous breakfast buffets, casual lunches, to beautifully plated dinners that spotlight regional dishes.

Brygga Bistro

A casual venue new since 2025 serving snacks and light meals between restaurant hours. Perfect for when you've worked up an appetite in between landings.

Expedition Team

The onboard Expedition Team is composed of the Expedition Leader, the Assistant Expedition Leader, the Expedition Coordinator plus several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on board. In the ships science center, you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions and activities.

Shore Excursions

We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some 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 specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.

In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability.

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.

Expedition Launch

Located on Deck 3

Lectures

The ship’s experienced lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program.

Explorer Lounge & Bar

This relaxed space is where the day’s stories gather. With sweeping views and a warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for sharing discoveries, attending briefings, or simply watching the waves roll by.

Shop

Located on Deck 5

Observation Decks

The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Reception

Located on Deck 5.

Library

The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.

Fitness Centre

Well-equipped and compact, the gym includes treadmills, bikes, weights — and even a ping pong table. Finish your workout with a breath of fresh air on deck.

Panoramic Sauna

Perched high on the ship, the sauna offers not just heat but horizon. The ultimate way to warm up and wind down after a day in the elements.

Hot Tub

Two open-air hot tubs, each with space for five, offer a soothing way to soak in the scenery. Ideal for easing tired muscles or simply watching the world roll by.

MS Spitsbergen Cabins & Suites

Polar Inside | Larger inside cabin for 2 travellers

Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.

Upper-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 15-20 m2
Cabin Code: K2D

Polar Inside | Superior Inside Cabin

Lower- or upper-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berths)
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 15-20 m2
Cabin Code: K4D

Polar Inside | Inside Cabin

Lower-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 9-14 m2
Cabin Code: I2D

Polar Outside | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.

Lower-deck cabin
Window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 13-14 m2
Cabin Code: O2D

Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berth)
Single sofa bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 3 | Size: 11-12 m2
Cabin Code: J3

Polar Outside | Outside cabin - Lower deck for up to 3 travellers

Lower-deck cabin
Window
Two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths)
Twin bed that converts into a sofa
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 3 | Size: 13-14 m2
Cabin Code: O3

Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin

Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or partly obstructed view)
Some with an observation deck
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 11 m2
Cabin Code: P2D

Arctic Superior | Wheelchair-Accessible

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Wheelchair-accessible cabin, may be available for general booking
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 18 m2
Cabin Code: YA

Polar Outside | Outside Cabin

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 11-12 m2
Cabin Code: J2D

Expedition Suite | Owners Suite

The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.