Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun with Extended Stay in Longyearbyen – MS Spitsbergen
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo and an extended stay in Longyearbyen
The 7-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Hornsund, Bamsebu, Calypsobyen, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerburg, Ny-Ålesund and Krossfjorden, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- Explore the west coast of Spitsbergen as Svalbard reawakens in early spring, its pristine snowscapes glowing under the soft light of the Midnight Sun.
- A concentrated Arctic adventure through mighty glaciers, serene fjords, and snowcapped mountains, with an attempt to venture above the 80th parallel north.
- Witness wildlife at its most active: walruses, seals, and reindeer on the snow, Arctic seabirds returning to breed, and polar bears at their most visible.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
- 13 Jun 2028 – 23 Jun 2028
from $13,977 pp twin share / $20,929 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Inside from $13,977 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $15,726 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $17,064 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $20,062 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Oslo
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.
Day 2 – 3 – Welcome to Longyearbyen
The town at the top of the world
After a morning flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two nights in Longyearbyen, a colourful frontier town at the edge of the Arctic wilderness, where snowmobiles outnumber people.
Beyond exploring the town at your own pace, join our curated two-day programme of excursions designed to reveal Longyearbyen’s history, nature and resilient spirit. Discover how a settlement once built on coal mining has reinvented itself around science, tourism and a deep connection to the Arctic wilderness, while retaining the traditions that unite those who call this remote frontier home.
Day 4 – Your Ship Awaits
Welcome to your expedition home
After two days exploring Longyearbyen, it’s time to board your expedition ship. The Expedition Team and crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, we’ll cast off and set course for the remote wilderness and extraordinary wildlife of the High Arctic.
Day 5 – 6 – Hornsund and Bellsund
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 first 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 the 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.
Day 7 – 8 – Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Explore pristine snowscapes under the Midnight Sun
Over the next two days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park where steep mountains, glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape.
We’ll scout for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. Early in the season, there’s a good chance we may spot polar bears too, so we’ll always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. And as we progress further into June, we may see whales returning to the region for summer and birdlife such as Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese.
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.
Day 5 – 6 – Hornsund and Bellsund
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 first 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 the 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.
Day 9 – 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 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 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 so, we’ll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast.
Day 10 – 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 11 – Return to Longyearbyen
A last 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.
Highlights
- Round-trip flights from Oslo and all transfers arranged
- Pre-cruise hotel stays in Oslo and Longyearbyen with meals included
- Curated excursions reveal Longyearbyen’s history, nature and Arctic way of life
11‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo and an extended stay in Longyearbyen
The 7-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Hornsund, Bamsebu, Calypsobyen, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerburg, Ny-Ålesund and Krossfjorden, with 1 day at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- Explore the west coast of Spitsbergen as Svalbard reawakens in early spring, its pristine snowscapes glowing under the soft light of the Midnight Sun.
- A concentrated Arctic adventure through mighty glaciers, serene fjords, and snowcapped mountains, with an attempt to venture above the 80th parallel north.
- Witness wildlife at its most active: walruses, seals, and reindeer on the snow, Arctic seabirds returning to breed, and polar bears at their most visible.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
Inclusions
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
- One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast.
- All transfers in Longyearbyen.
- Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
Exclusions
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
FAQs
Hotels
One overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
- Day 1 – Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Center Oslo Airport
- Days 2-3 – Funken Lodge
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.
Polar Inside
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature
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Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
- K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².
Polar Outside
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Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
- O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
- J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².
Arctic Superior
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
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They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
- YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
- P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
- U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.
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Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
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Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
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Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
- MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
- Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 13 Jun 2028 and 23 Jun 2028, subject to live availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: HX ExpeditionsFine Print
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