At the top of the chain in Svalbard is the mighty polar bear. There´s a good chance that we’ll see some of the polar bears of Svalbard – after all, there are more polar bears than people on the archipelago.
Photo: Adobe Stock Vaclav
The Midnight Sun illuminates deep fjords, mighty glaciers and pure wilderness in Svalbard. Beautiful colours and contrasts provide the frames for dramatic glaciers, majestic mountain formations, deep fjords, buzzing bird cliffs and endless arctic tundra with its diverse flora and fauna.
The Midnight Sun illuminates deep fjords, mighty glaciers and pure wilderness in Svalbard. Beautiful colours and contrasts provide the frames for dramatic glaciers, majestic mountain formations, deep fjords, buzzing bird cliffs and endless arctic tundra with its diverse flora and fauna.
Photo: Martin Johansen

Circumnavigating Svalbard – In the Realm of the Polar Bear

Duration: 10 days
Ship: MS Spitsbergen

Departures:
6 June 2020
14 June 2020
22 June 2020
17 August 2020

Price from: 5790 € per person

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Kayaking near Alkefjellet, Svalbard. This Svalbard expedition cruise is unique, with a great variety of landing sites and exciting Arctic experiences. We aim to sail above 80º N for chances to hike, kayak and more on land and water.
Kayaking near Alkefjellet, Svalbard. This Svalbard expedition cruise is unique, with a great variety of landing sites and exciting Arctic experiences. We aim to sail above 80º N for chances to hike, kayak and more on land and water.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Circumnavigating Svalbard – In the Realm of the Polar Bear

Duration: 10 days
Ship: MS Spitsbergen

Departures:
6 June 2020
14 June 2020
22 June 2020
17 August 2020

Price from: 5790 € per person

Check prices and availability
At the top of the chain in Svalbard is the mighty polar bear. There´s a good chance that we’ll see some of the polar bears of Svalbard – after all, there are more polar bears than people on the archipelago.
At the top of the chain in Svalbard is the mighty polar bear. There´s a good chance that we’ll see some of the polar bears of Svalbard – after all, there are more polar bears than people on the archipelago.
Photo: Adobe Stock Vaclav
This Arctic expedition cruise is one of a kind! We plan to sail above 80º N, while circumnavigating Spitsbergen under the Midnight Sun. Explore the largest Arctic wilderness in Europe with optional excursions that include hiking, kayaking and traversing a glacier, all providing a good chance to spot the mighty polar bear.
  • Visit Svalbard in the Arctic summer
  • Circumnavigate Spitsbergen
  • Great chance of sighting polar bears
  • See the Midnight Sun in untouched Arctic wilderness
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Itinerary

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.
Day 1
Oslo / Longyearbyen - Flight & Overnight
From 59º N to 78º N
Walk among modern architecture in Bjørvika, Oslo, an area of constant renewal.
Walk among modern architecture in Bjørvika, Oslo, an area of constant renewal.

Before your evening flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, spend the day in the museums, parks and cafes of the Norwegian capital. When you arrive in Svalbard, you will discover an entirely different world: a tiny town perched on the edge of the vast Arctic tundra.

On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel for an overnight.

Walk among modern architecture in Bjørvika, Oslo, an area of constant renewal.
Walk among modern architecture in Bjørvika, Oslo, an area of constant renewal.
Midnight Sun in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Midnight Sun in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Photo: Petra Wöbke
Watch out - there are more polar bears than humans on the Svalbard archipelago!
Watch out - there are more polar bears than humans on the Svalbard archipelago!
Photo: Dominic Barrington
Welcome to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Welcome to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Photo: Hanne Feyling
Longyearbyen is the centre of Svalbard, and a great place for adventure travellers.
Longyearbyen is the centre of Svalbard, and a great place for adventure travellers.
Day 2
Longyearbyen - Embarkation
The Norwegian Stronghold in the High Arctic
Welcome to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Welcome to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Photo: Hanne Feyling

Join an exciting excursion after lunch to get to know this frontier town. The mighty Arctic wilderness dominates life here, but Longyearbyen maintains a lively cultural life, and is considered a prime destination for adventure travelers from around the world. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this colourful outpost before boarding your ship, MS Spitsbergen.

Day 3-4
North West Spitsbergen National Park
Amazing Fjords with Fascinating History
Polar bear on Kapp Lee, Svalbard.
Polar bear on Kapp Lee, Svalbard.
Photo: Stefan Dall

The North West Corner is scattered with rugged islands, beautiful fjords and isolated beaches. This is true wilderness, so the captain will work with the elements to create the best itinerary for your expedition cruise.

We may visit Kongsfjorden, which is considered one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Spitsbergen, with mighty glaciers calving icebergs into the sea. We hope to call on the settlement of Ny-Ålesund, an international centre for research, that hosts a picturesque mix of old and new buildings. Wherever we explore, the Expedition Team will lead exciting optional ice-cruising and landing activities as we explore further north.

Polar bear on Kapp Lee, Svalbard.
Polar bear on Kapp Lee, Svalbard.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Wooden house in picturesque Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.
Wooden house in picturesque Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Day 5-7
Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserve
Expedition Days in the Arctic
Palanderbukta, Svalbard. We aim to sail above 80º N for chances to hike, kayak and more on land and water.
Palanderbukta, Svalbard. We aim to sail above 80º N for chances to hike, kayak and more on land and water.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Walrus on Kvitøya, Svalbard. The local flora and fauna are in full bloom in summer, with rich wildlife like seals, thousands of seabirds, the Arctic fox and reindeer.
Walrus on Kvitøya, Svalbard. The local flora and fauna are in full bloom in summer, with rich wildlife like seals, thousands of seabirds, the Arctic fox and reindeer.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Day 5-7
Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserve
Expedition Days in the Arctic
Join the Expedition Team and go kayaking near Alkefjellet.
Join the Expedition Team and go kayaking near Alkefjellet.
Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Eastern Svalbard boasts the highest population of polar bears on the archipelago – and we have high hopes of spotting one on this journey!  The ocean is full of drifting ice, and we aim to cross 80º N if conditions allow. We hope to sail all the way to Sjuøyane (Seven Islands) at the far north of the archipelago.

Heading south, we will sail through the Hinlopen Strait, where thousands of seabirds mate while walrus dive for clams in the bays.

We continue towards Edgeøya, the third-largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. On its western shores, the landscape is largely un-glaciated, unlike most other places on the east side of Spitsbergen.

Day 8
South Spitsbergen National Park
National Park Beauty
Landing on an Arctic shore in Hornsund, Svalbard.
Landing on an Arctic shore in Hornsund, Svalbard.
Photo: Renate Schmidt Vogt

We make our way to the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, where Hornsund hosts a wonderfully varied landscape and geology. Ice pushed into the fjord early in the season attracts polar bears that hunt on the floes, so with a bit of luck, we may spot some of these magnificent predators

Landing on an Arctic shore in Hornsund, Svalbard.
Landing on an Arctic shore in Hornsund, Svalbard.
Photo: Renate Schmidt Vogt
Go hiking on a moraine ridge in Hornsund.
Go hiking on a moraine ridge in Hornsund.
Photo: Keith Pointon
Sailing through stunning landscape in Isfjorden.
Sailing through stunning landscape in Isfjorden.
Photo: Hanne Feyling
Going for a hike in Skansebukta.
Going for a hike in Skansebukta.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Say hi to the Svalbard reindeer.
Say hi to the Svalbard reindeer.
Photo: Camille Seaman
Day 9
The Isfjord
Fjord, Wilderness
Going for a hike in Skansebukta.
Going for a hike in Skansebukta.
Photo: Stefan Dall

We explore the Isfjord, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard to take in immense valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers that covered the area some ten thousand years ago. Scan for the rich population of Svalbard reindeer here.

Day 10
Longyearbyen / Oslo - Disembarkation & Flight
End of the Expedition
Mountain landscape surrounding Longyearbyen.
Mountain landscape surrounding Longyearbyen.
Photo: Stefan Dall

As we arrive back in Longyearbyen after our far north exploration, enjoy the stunning scenery of the icescape that lies just a few hundred miles from the Geographic North Pole. Transfer to the airport for your night flight. Arrival early in the morning in Oslo.

Mountain landscape surrounding Longyearbyen.
Mountain landscape surrounding Longyearbyen.
Photo: Stefan Dall
Hiking near Longyearbyen in spectacular landscape.
Hiking near Longyearbyen in spectacular landscape.
Photo: Hanne Feyling
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What's included

Included in your voyage

  • Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
  • Return economy flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
  • One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast and lunch
  • All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the voyage

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE

  • A rich program of included activities on all voyagesdesigned to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team  
  • Professional English-speaking Expedition Team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts of various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in  
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket   
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities  

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION

  • In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  
  • Explorer Science programme, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
  •  Introduction photo lecture, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage shared in an Expedition Logbook
  • Casual opportunities to engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
  • Opportunities to dine and interact with the Expedition Team and officers  
  • Destination-focused onboard library  
  • Port presentations providing destination insight
  • A farewell event  

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT

  • All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
  • Coffee and tea included throughout the day
  •  Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner 
  • Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
  • Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • No gratuities expected   

Not included in your voyage

  • International flights 
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners  
  • Optional small-group adventures with our Expedition Team such as kayaking (availability contingent on weather conditions and safety)  
  • Travel insurance  
  •  Luggage handling 

Notes

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
The MS Spitsbergen captain and his officers welcome you on board.
The MS Spitsbergen captain and his officers welcome you on board.
The refurbished cabins on MS Spitsbergen offer relaxation in a comfortable and modern interior.
The refurbished cabins on MS Spitsbergen offer relaxation in a comfortable and modern interior.

Your ship

MS Spitsbergen

Year built 2009
Year of refurbishment 2016
Shipyard Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR)
Passenger capacity 335
Beds 243
Car capacity 0
Gross tonnage 7,344
Length 100.54m
Beam 18m
Speed 14.5 knots

MS Spitsbergen will take you on a voyage beyond the ordinary. She cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Expedition sailings during the rest of the year.

Read more about MS Spitsbergen

The ship was refurbished in 2016. The fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea.
The ship was refurbished in 2016. The fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea.

Practical information

Sailing with MS Spitsbergen

Before you travel with MS Spitsbergen

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