Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo
Join us as we attempt to venture above the 80th parallel and circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the largest island in the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
Under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun, experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords and Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, whales, and perhaps even polar bears.
Discover Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, and scan for wildlife in the stunning Northwest Spitsbergen National Park.
Crossing the 80th parallel north
Embark on a true High Arctic expedition as we set our sights on the 80th parallel, on the doorstep of the North Pole. Depending on favourable ice conditions, we'll attempt a bold circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, exploring rugged landscapes in one of Earth’s most remote regions and encountering remarkable wildlife along the way.
Land of the polar bear
Under the Midnight Sun, enjoy 24 hours of daylight, ideal for wildlife watching with our expert guides. From the ship or by Zodiac, you'll have the chance to spot polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, and a variety of seabirds, all thriving in their natural habitat.
Expedition SuitesExploration, Enhanced
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital, a city rich in history with a thriving art scene. Wander the Ekebergparken sculpture park, admire the striking Opera House and Munch Museum, relax in a floating sauna on the harbour, or head to Sørenga for urban beach life and New Nordic cuisine, before settling in for the night in an airport hotel.
The town at the top of the world
After an early breakfast, you’ll fly to Longyearbyen. A short panoramic bus tour offers a first glimpse of the town and its surroundings before lunch. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Longyearbyen before being transferred to the ship for boarding.
This former coal-mining settlement is small and easy to explore on foot. Wander along the main street, lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and inviting restaurants. You might even spot a Svalbard reindeer wandering by.
If you’d like to experience even more of Longyearbyen’s unique surroundings, consider joining our voyage with an extended stay in Longyearbyen.
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 Zodiacs, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
Experience pristine Arctic wilderness
Over the next two days, we'll explore the rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park, where steep mountains, glaciers, and offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape.
We'll scout for seals, walrus, and reindeer, and early in the season there's a good chance of spotting polar bears too, so we'll always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. This is also one of Svalbard's most historically rich areas, full of artefacts from its exploratory past.
Be ready for adventure: we'll seize any opportunity to launch kayaks, head ashore by Zodiac to hike, or take part in a beach clean-up.
Sail 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 for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge 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.
And if the conditions are right, we’ll lower our Zodiacs into the water and enjoy an unforgettable close-up experience amid the floating ice.
The ice edge isn't a fixed boundary. It shifts with the season and conditions, so reaching it is an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, as summer progresses, it retreats further towards the pole and may be out of reach. If so, we'll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers, and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast.
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses
Be ready for anything. If sea ice permits, we'll venture into the frozen seascape of Eastern Spitsbergen, scouting for polar bears, walrus, and colonies of Brünnich's guillemots through the legendary Hinlopen Strait. We may head south to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee, or explore Edgeøya and Barentsøya by Zodiac.
In true expedition style, where we go depends on conditions. If the ice doesn't allow passage east, we'll delve deeper into western Svalbard, navigating deep fjords and past calving glaciers in search of remarkable Arctic wildlife. Either way, expect exhilarating landings, hikes, and kayak trips at every turn.
Majestic glaciers, birds and pioneer history
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. The cliffs here are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots, and northern fulmars, along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer below.
Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers reaching into the sea, and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the famous female trapper to hunt in Svalbard.
Then we head to admire the classic beauty of the snowcapped mountains of Bellsund: a historic area where you can see evidence of former whaling and mining activity on the shoreline.
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.
A final day on 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.
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
What's included?
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Our Expedition Team will confirm timings once you’re on board. Selected activities can also be booked before departure.
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Svalbard ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
Expedition Suites
Exploration, Enhanced
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book my international flights with HX?
Yes. International flights aren't included in the standard package, but our flight team can arrange flights from most regional airports to help you reach your embarkation port. You're also welcome to book your own — but there are good reasons to let us handle it.
Flights coordinated with your expedition
Your flight schedule is planned around ship operations and charter flights, helping each leg of your journey connect with your voyage.
Support when plans change
If a flight is delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled, our team will work with the airline on your rebooking. If a significant schedule change means you can no longer arrive in time for your ship, we'll arrange a suitable alternative at no extra cost, subject to the applicable arrangements.
If you book your international flights independently, we cannot assist with rebooking those flights. Any changes and associated costs will be your responsibility or may need to be covered by your travel insurance. Delays could also affect your ability to reach your ship in time.
A dedicated team to help you
Our flight team monitors your travel arrangements and helps manage disruption. If something changes, we'll work with you to find a solution and keep your expedition plans on track.
Flight options to suit your journey
We can arrange flights from most regional airports to help you reach your embarkation port. Changes to your departure airport and cabin upgrades may also be possible, subject to airline rules, availability, and additional costs where applicable.
