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Crossing the 80th parallel north  
This epic expedition cruise will see us attempt to find a way through the sea ice to venture above the 80th parallel and explore the ice edge. Ice conditions permitting, our goal is to successfully complete a circumnavigation of the island of Spitsbergen, discovering incredible Arctic wildlife and breathtaking scenery. 


Land of the polar bear  
Your adventure takes you to Longyearbyen, Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the breathtaking Hornsund mountains and the stunning Bellsund. Venturing into the realm of the polar bear, take in the scenic panoramas as we scout for these elusive predators and other wildlife like Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. 

Highlights


• Join us as we attempt to find a way through the Arctic’s ever-changing sea ice, venturing around the 80th parallel to explore the ice edge and circumnavigate Spitsbergen.

• Under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun, experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords and Arctic wildlife, including whales, reindeer and perhaps even polar bears.

• Discover Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, and scan for wildlife in the stunning Northwest Spitsbergen National Park.

DAY 1 Arrive in Longyearbyen


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.  

DAY 2 Longyearbyen adventures


Explore colourful Longyearbyen 

After breakfast, it’s time to experience Longyearbyen. 

The town is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame.   

Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a glimpse of this amazing polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world. And if you’d like to discover even more of Longyearbyen’s special surroundings, why not join our optional Pre-Programme. 

DAY 3 Peaceful Ny-Ålesund


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. 

DAY 4-5 Expedition days


Experience pristine Arctic wilderness 

Over the next three days, you'll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear from the Observation Deck of the ship. In stunning Kongsfjord, you may see impressive glaciers calving into the sea. 

Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up.

DAY 6 Ice edge attempt


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. 

DAY 7-8 Eastern Spitsbergen


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 venture to the frozen seascape of Eastern Spitsbergen.  

We have high hopes you’ll see the elusive polar bear over the next two days. We'll also scout for walrus and colonies of Brünnich’s Guillemots and other seabirds in the Hinlopen Strait. We may head south 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 if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass through Hinlopen Strait, you’ll experience just as much adventure as we delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by calving glaciers, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife. 

DAY 9-10 Hornsund and Bellsund


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 snowcapped mountains of 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. 

DAY 11 Return to Longyearbyen


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 home. 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. 

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

28 June, 2025 to 08 July, 2025
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Polar Outside. From

$15,922 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$17,441 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$22,116 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

05 July, 2025 to 15 July, 2025
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Book now

Polar Outside. From

$16,273 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$17,090 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$21,297 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

Polar Inside. From

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

19 July, 2025 to 29 July, 2025
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Book now

Polar Inside. From

$14,245 AUD pp
Polar Inside. From
Our Polar Inside cabins are situated on lower deck and offer a cosy atmosphere. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of the cabins have separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Polar Outside. From

$16,284 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$17,844 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$22,643 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

26 July, 2025 to 05 August, 2025
ship icon Fram
Book now

Polar Inside. From

Polar Inside. From
Our Polar Inside cabins are situated on lower deck and offer a cosy atmosphere. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of the cabins have separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Polar Outside. From

$16,273 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$17,090 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$21,297 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

20 June, 2026 to 30 June, 2026
ship icon Fram
Book now

Polar Outside. From

$17,967 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$18,882 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$23,584 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

04 July, 2026 to 14 July, 2026
ship icon Spitsbergen
Book now

Polar Inside. From

$15,851 AUD pp
Polar Inside. From
Our Polar Inside cabins are situated on lower deck and offer a cosy atmosphere. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of the cabins have separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Polar Outside. From

$18,156 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$19,918 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$25,342 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

11 July, 2026 to 21 July, 2026
ship icon Fram
Book now

Polar Outside. From

$18,562 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$19,511 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$24,393 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

25 July, 2026 to 04 August, 2026
ship icon Spitsbergen
Book now

Polar Inside. From

$15,851 AUD pp
Polar Inside. From
Our Polar Inside cabins are situated on lower deck and offer a cosy atmosphere. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of the cabins have separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Polar Outside. From

$18,156 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$19,918 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$25,342 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

01 August, 2026 to 11 August, 2026
ship icon Fram
Book now

Polar Outside. From

$18,562 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated on lower deck and they all have bathrooms with shower/wc. Most of them offer separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa, and others offer upper and lower berths. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Arctic Superior. From

$19,511 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Our Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable cabins situated on both upper and middle deck, where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. All the cabins have bathrooms with shower/wc. You will also find coffee and tea facilities in these cabins. Most of them have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa and some have double beds. Some of the cabins have more facilities than others.

Expedition Suite. From

$24,393 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

Fram

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 114m

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.

Cabin layout for Fram

Spitsbergen

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 100 metres

Passenger Capacity: 335

Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016

MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. 

After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters. 

Expedition team on board

MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey.

Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here. 

Ship facilities

Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge – Explorer lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

Cabin layout for Spitsbergen

Inclusions


HX Expedition voyages include
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• On board lectures
• Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks and more
• Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer
• Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails available across the day and evening
• All-day coffee, tea & soft drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Our interactive science programme, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships
• Access to sauna, hot tubs, fitness room and more
• Professional photos from the onboard photographer
• Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through Hurtigruten
Foundation.
• Take home expedition jacket and reusable water bottle
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Coastal Express include
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
• Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team on board
• Engaging onboard activities and lectures:
• Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway’s history, biology, geography, geology, and culture
• Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
• A welcome event, and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
• Presentations about the ports we visit
• Presentation of excursion programmes
• Point of interest presentations out on deck
• Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
_______
• Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
• All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise
• Overnight in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including light dinner and breakfast

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Transfers unless otherwise stated
• Optional Excursions
• Pre and Post voyage accommodation
• Beverages on board unless otherwise stated (Premium drinks (top shelf spirits, vintage wines, champagne, etc.)​
• Meals while ashore
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
• Some specialist excursions and experiences with limited capacity​
• Fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant​
• For those who want to set sail in style for a little bit extra, our Expedition Suites offer a complimentary bottle of champagne, unlimited access to our Lindstrøm fine dining restaurant, laundry and turn-down service and more.

Notes
• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements
Fram
Spitsbergen ExpeditionExpedition
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11 Days from
$1,295 AUD per day
Map for Circumnavigating Spitsbergen | In the Realm of the Polar Bear 11 Day Expedition
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