
Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear
Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear
- Attempt
Join us as we attempt a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, taking in mighty glaciers, peaceful fjords and Arctic wildlife under the enchanting midnight sun.
The town at the top of the world
After a flight from Oslo, your expedition starts in Longyearbyen, the town at the top of the world. Get a taste of what it feels like to live this far north of the world as you meet the resilient residents of this unique settlement. From here, we traverse the stunning terrain of North West Spitsbergen National Park. Explore picturesque fjords, steep mountains and beautiful offshore islands while searching the landscape for wildlife.
Looking out for bears and birds
Eastern Svalbard boasts the highest population of polar bears in the archipelago. Over our three-day exploration of Spitsbergen’s eastern seaboard, we’ll be on the lookout for these iconic but shy predators. The cliffs in this region attract huge numbers of birds, with Svalbard being home to a wide variety including thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemots, gulls and Kittiwakes.
Awe inspiring scenery
Prepare to explore the majestic landscape and geology of Hornsund. The rugged mountains and breathtaking fjords here make for some of Svalbard’s most scenic panoramas. After exploring this area, we’ll sail north towards the Isfjord before concluding our expedition cruise in Longyearbyen.
This epic expedition cruise will see us attempt to find a way through the Arctic’s ever-changing sea ice and venture above the 80th parallel north. Our goal is to successfully complete a circumnavigation of the island of Spitsbergen, if the ice allows us.
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Day 1
Oslo / Longyearbyen
From 59º N to 78º N
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Day 2
Longyearbyen
The Norwegian stronghold in the High Arctic
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Day 3-5
North West Spitsbergen National Park
Exploring amazing fjords with fascinating history
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Day 6-7
Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserve
Enjoy expedition days in the Arctic
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Day 8
South Spitsbergen National Park
The expedition continues
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Day 9
The Isfjord
Fjords and wilderness
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Day 10
Longyearbyen / Oslo
End of the expedition
Departures
2022
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
2023
What's included
Included in your voyage
Flights
- Return flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
Hotel
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch
Transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (on MS Fram only)
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported. When in Svalbard, there is no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage except in Longyearbyen or Barentsburg.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
Ships
MS Spitsbergen
Year built | 2009 |
Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
Shipyard | Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR) |
Passenger capacity | 180 |
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.
MS Fram
Year built | 2007 |
Year of refurbishment | 2022 |
Shipyard | Fincantieri, Italy |
Passenger capacity | 250 (200 in Antarctica) |
Beds | 276 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 11 647 T |
Length | 114 m |
Beam | 20.2 m |
Speed | 13 knots |
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Practical information
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