Circumnavigating Svalbard - The Ultimate Expedition

10 Aug 2026
15 Nights
MS Fram
Arctic
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 town After 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

Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses Be ready for anything as this stage of your voyage continues to be truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll continue east, exploring the pristine wilderness of northeast Svalbard before heading south in our attempt to fully circumnavigate the archipelago. Perhaps we’ll head to the immense Bråsvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls tumbling into the icy depths, or lower our small boats around Kvitøy. Every day in the east will be a new opportunity to look for polar bears roaming the ice. Continuing south, we may head to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya. In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips, and look out for wildlife. And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass to the east, you’ll experience just as much adventure: we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard or attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by soaring mountains, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.

Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walrusesBe ready for anything as this stage of your voyage continues to be truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll continue east, exploring the pristine wilderness of northeast Svalbard before heading south in our attempt to fully circumnavigate the archipelago. Perhaps we’ll head to the immense Bråsvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls tumbling into the icy depths, or lower our small boats around Kvitøy. Every day in the east will be a new opportunity to look for polar bears roaming the ice. Continuing south, we may head to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya. In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips, and look out for wildlife like polar bears, walruses, guillemots and gulls.And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass to the east, you’ll experience just as much adventure: we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard or attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by soaring mountains, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.

A last day at the 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. 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.

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

10 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

11 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

Krossfjord

12 Aug 2026

Krossfjord

Day 3

Ny-Ålesund

12 Aug 2026

Ny-Ålesund

Day 4

Magdalenefjord

13 Aug 2026

Magdalenefjord

Day 5

Liefdefjorden

14 Aug 2026

Liefdefjorden

Day 6

At Sea

15 Aug 2026

At Sea

Day 7

Ice Edge Cruising

16 Aug 2026

Ice Edge Cruising

Day 8

Isflakbukta, Phippsøya

17 Aug 2026

Isflakbukta, Phippsøya

Storøya

18 Aug 2026

Storøya

Day 9

Bråsvellsbreen Glacier

18 Aug 2026

Bråsvellsbreen Glacier

Day 10

Sundneset Peninsula

19 Aug 2026

Sundneset Peninsula

Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walrusesBe ready for anything as this stage of your voyage continues to be truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll continue east, exploring the pristine wilderness of northeast Svalbard before heading south in our attempt to fully circumnavigate the archipelago. Perhaps we’ll head to the immense Bråsvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls tumbling into the icy depths, or lower our small boats around Kvitøy. Every day in the east will be a new opportunity to look for polar bears roaming the ice. Continuing south, we may head to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya. In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips, and look out for wildlife like polar bears, walruses, guillemots and gulls.And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass to the east, you’ll experience just as much adventure: we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard or attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by soaring mountains, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.

Negribreen Glacier

20 Aug 2026

Negribreen Glacier

Day 11

Boltodden, Spitsbergen

20 Aug 2026

Boltodden, Spitsbergen

Day 12

Gnålodden

21 Aug 2026

Gnålodden

Day 12

Burgerbukta, Hornsund

21 Aug 2026

Burgerbukta, Hornsund

Day 13

Bjørnsund

22 Aug 2026

Bjørnsund

Day 14

Longyearbyen

23 Aug 2026

Longyearbyen

Hornsund

24 Aug 2026

Hornsund

Day 16

Longyearbyen

25 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.

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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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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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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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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.