Embark on a 9-day Arctic cruise aboard the MS Fram. Begin your Arctic expedition with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town. Explore its compact streets before boarding your ship to continue north. Sail through the scenic fjords of Hornsund and Bellsund. Navigate the stunning landscapes of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, where retreating shore ice allows access to rugged mountains, glaciers, and prime whale-watching zones. Weather permitting, attempt to reach the ice edge past the 80th parallel for a close-up experience among drifting pack ice. Visit Ny Alesund, a former mining town turned scientific hub, and explore nearby fjords with opportunities for landings and hikes. End your journey in Longyearbyen with a transfer to the airport for your return flight to Oslo.
Highlights
Wander Longyearbyen’s colorful streets and spot reindeer in town
Explore Hornsund’s towering peaks and rich Arctic wildlife
View Bellsund’s bird cliffs and historic whaling-era remnants
Discover Ny Alesund’s research legacy and polar exploration roots
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
After flying from Oslo, begin your Arctic journey with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen—the world’s northernmost town.
This distinctive frontier outpost, where snowmobiles outnumber residents, offers a rare glimpse into life on the edge of the polar wilderness. If time allows, take a walk through town and experience its unique atmosphere before a relaxed evening at your leisure.
After breakfast, set out to explore Longyearbyen on foot.
The compact town is easy to navigate, with boutique shops and local eateries lining the main street—keep an eye out for Svalbard reindeer, which often wander through town. Though wild, they’re known for being calm and approachable.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon to continue your Arctic journey, take part in an included excursion for a deeper look at this polar region shaped by its unique environment. To explore even more of Longyearbyen and its surroundings, consider adding your optional pre program.
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colorful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers calving into the sea.
Then, head to Bellsund, whose cliffs are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots and Northern Fulmars, along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer below. Look out for the early mining settlements here and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the first female trapper.
Your 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.
Making your way to the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, cruise into Magdelenefjorden and through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives you plenty of time to explore this breathtakingly scenic area.
Over the next coming days, explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park. In the wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, scan for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. At this time of the year much of the shore ice has receded, meaning you can venture into areas that are inaccessible at other times.
It’s also peak whale season in the archipelago, so you can scan the seas for species such as humpback, blue and sperm whales. There’s a good chance you may spot polar bears too, so look out for these iconic but elusive predators. Marvel at the array of majestic glaciers and get an insight into the area’s whaling past. On the cliffs above, look out for thousands of Arctic birds like Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese.
Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Leader decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions.
If conditions allow, sail north and cross the 80th parallel to explore the ever-changing ice edge. The transition zone between the ice cap and the sea is a magical yet ephemeral place where the waters are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From the ship there are great opportunities here for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge photogenically on the sparkling ice. And if the conditions are right, the team will lower the expedition boats into the water and enjoy an unforgettable close-up experience amid the floating ice.
The ice edge isn’t a fixed boundary, and it moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it will be an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, as summer progresses, it retreats further towards the pole, meaning it may be out of reach for you. If this is the case then you can instead explore the no-less-impressive deep fjords, mighty glaciers and enchanting scenery of the Svalbard coast. In late July and into August, this is a time when the wildflowers appear, blanketing the landscape with a blaze of beauty and color.
Today, discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighboring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means you must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now, the town is a hub for global science and climate research, and you can still see remnants of its history.
Be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as you explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure. The team will seize any opportunity to launch the small boats (RIBs), go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Oslo. Return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived. You can also have lifelong memories of this incredible experience.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Polar Inside - I
Size: 10-13 m2. Upper-deck cabin, No window, Double bed (optional twin)
Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
