Circumnavigating Svalbard - The Ultimate Expedition
Longyearbyen
Fram
10 August 2026
13 Nights
From £14,833
Why this cruise is a great choice
Journey into the icy heart of the High Arctic on this legendary expedition voyage. Starting in Oslo, you’ll fly north to Longyearbyen before setting sail aboard MS Fram, attempting a complete circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago.
Over two weeks you’ll navigate majestic fjords, explore remote bays, and cross the fabled 80th parallel. With glaciers, ice edges, and wildlife-rich wilderness as your backdrop, this is the High Arctic at its most raw and awe-inspiring. Guided by an expert Expedition Team, every day is a chance to land somewhere new, hike untrodden paths, and encounter polar wildlife up close — all while travelling in comfort and safety.
Brief Details
Itinerary
Day 1 – Oslo
Arrive in Norway’s capital and enjoy an overnight stay before venturing north.
Day 2 – Longyearbyen
Fly to Svalbard’s frontier town, where polar reindeer roam the streets. Explore a little before boarding MS Fram, your home for the voyage.
Days 3–5 – Northwest Spitsbergen
Cruise into fjords framed by glaciers. Visit Ny-Ålesund, a research hub at the top of the world, and hike along remote Arctic shores. Look out for walruses, seabirds and maybe even a polar bear.
Days 6–8 – Ice Edge & Eastern Svalbard
Attempt to cross the 80th parallel. Sail among pack ice, where seals haul out and whales breach. Land on isolated islands where Arctic foxes and bird colonies thrive. Every landing is guided by conditions — the adventure is written by nature.
Days 9–11 – Bellsund & Hornsund
Explore the dramatic fjords of southern Spitsbergen. Glacier tongues meet the sea, cliffs are alive with seabirds, and the silence of the Arctic is unforgettable.
Days 12–13 – Return to Longyearbyen
Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly back to Oslo, then onward home. Heart full of the Arctic’s wild wonder, memories etched forever.
What's Included
Return flights to Oslo & onward transfers
Overnight stay in Longyearbyen pre-cruise
14 nights aboard MS Fram (or sister ship MS Spitsbergen)
All meals, selected beverages, gratuities & Wi-Fi onboard
Daily Zodiac landings, guided hikes & shore excursions
Expedition Team-led lectures & Citizen Science programmes
Access to onboard hot tubs, sauna, gym & Science Centre
All expedition gear (boots, waterproofs) included
HX Expeditions
MS Fram
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions specialises in small-ship expedition voyages to some of the most remote and extraordinary regions of the world. With a strong focus on exploration, sustainability, and scientific discovery, their ships sail to destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, and remote islands where traditional cruise ships rarely venture. Life onboard is comfortable and contemporary, with expert expedition teams guiding guests through immersive experiences both at sea and ashore
MS Fram is a purpose-built expedition ship designed for polar exploration and remote travel. Named after the legendary Norwegian polar exploration vessel used by Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, the ship reflects a long tradition of discovery while offering modern comforts for today’s travellers. With a relatively small number of guests onboard, MS Fram provides an intimate expedition atmosphere where wildlife encounters, shore landings, and expert-led exploration are at the heart of the journey
Key Highlights
• Purpose-built expedition ship designed for polar waters
• Expert expedition team offering lectures and guided landings
• Science Centre supporting onboard learning and discovery
• Panoramic observation lounges and outdoor viewing decks
• Expedition equipment including small boats for shore landings
• Relaxing spa, sauna, and wellness areas after days of exploration
Ship Vibe
Adventurous & Expeditionary
