The Arctic in bloom
The adventure starts in Oslo when we fly to Longyearbyen. As we set sail you’ll discover a new side of the Arctic. Exploring western Svalbard and the peaceful Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, you’ll journey to a rugged landscape with serene fjords, green tundra, blooming wildflowers and thriving wildlife.
Wildlife reigns
With long days under the Midnight Sun, we’ll look out for Arctic birdlife such as Little Auks and Arctic Terns, as well as seeking mammals like Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and walruses. With luck, we may even see the elusive polar bear. Being peak whale season, we’ll scan the waves for these majestic ocean giants. As it’s summer, there’s a greater chance we’ll be able to sail above the 80th parallel north.
- See the Arctic in a new light on this summertime expedition cruise from Longyearbyen to western Svalbard.
- A concentrated Arctic adventure in which we explore Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, with its mighty glaciers, serene fjords and soaring mountains.
- See the Arctic tundra come alive with colourful flora and witness abundant birdlife under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun.
- Enjoy two days in Svalbard’s capital Longyearbyen before setting sail, and go on an e-bike tour to discover the town’s fascinating heritage.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time, why not explore the city centre on your own.
With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You'll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Get to know the town at the top of the world
After a morning flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two nights in the world’s northernmost town. A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, you’ll discover that Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness.
Spend the next two-and-a-half days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings. The town is perfect for getting around on foot – stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. But don’t worry, although wild, they're curious and tame.
To give you a wider look, local guides will take you on an e-bike tour of the area and present the historic backdrop to the town at the top of the world.
From the expedition centre you’ll head out of town and along an unpaved road to Hotellneset, which has a lake and showcases the remnants of the area’s mining past. Svalbard’s very first hotel was built here by Hurtigruten pioneer Richard With before the modern town we see today had even been constructed.
We’ll then head back into Longyearbyen along the ‘Burma Road’, which was an important link for coal being shipped from the harbour, enjoying panoramic views as we ride. Sights along the way include an old funicular, the historic Svalbard Church and the ruined remains of the original Longyearbyen, which was bombed during WWII.
From here we’ll continue under the steep cliffs of the Plateau Mountain, passing the graveyard and the iconic Huset – a building which has been everything from a cinema to bar, school and church. We will continue on to Coal Miners’ Cabins, the original miners’ home, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before completing our tour and returning to the hotel.
On Day 4 you’ll have the morning to finish off looking around Longyearbyen before boarding the ship in the afternoon and beginning our expedition cruise.
Majestic glaciers, birds and pioneer history
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colourful 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 we 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.
Our 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.
Explore the Arctic wilderness under the Midnight Sun
Making our way to the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, we’ll cruise into Magdelenefjorden and through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives us plenty of time to explore this breathtakingly scenic area.
Over the next coming days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park. In the wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll 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 we can venture into areas that are inaccessible at other times.
It’s also peak whale season in the archipelago, so we’ll scan the seas for species such as humpback, blue and sperm whales. There’s a good chance we 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.
Experience the opportunity of sailing to the edge of the polar ice cap
If conditions allow, we’ll 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, we’ll lower our 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 us. If this is the case then we’ll 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 colour.
Experience science, serenity and epic scenery
Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we 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 a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history.
You’ll be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our small expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
A final day on top of the world
Your 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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Fram
| Length | 114 metres |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity: | 276 |
| Built: | 2007 |
MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand.
MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.
Spitsbergen
Vessel Type: ExpeditionPassenger Capacity: 335Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016
Ship Facilities
- Compass Service Centre
- Brygga bistro
- Shop
- Torget main dining
- Wi-Fi
- Lift
- Guest launderette
- Panoramic deck 8
- Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8
