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Cruise · HX Expeditions · 12 nights

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - In the Realm of the Polar Bear With Extended Stay in Longyearbyen

  • Sail aboard the intimate MS Spitsbergen, rebuilt for exploration with modern Scandinavian-inspired interiors
  • Enjoy included amenities like an indoor gym, sauna, outdoor hot tubs, and expedition team
  • Immerse yourself in the region's history and culture with a stay in Longyearbyen
From
$18,888 pp twin share
$30,307 pp solo share
12 nights
Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
12 Nights

Immerse yourself in the pristine Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, home to polar bears, seals, and majestic glaciers, on this 12-night expedition cruise

  • Explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
  • Attempt to reach the ever-changing ice edge and spot wildlife like seals and walruses
  • Discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and its history as a former mining town and research hub

Trip Details

Departs
20 June 2028
Returns
24 September 2028
Embarks
Ship
MS Spitsbergen
Operator
HX Expeditions

12-night Svalbard expedition cruise aboard MS Spitsbergen

The 9-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Krossfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Nordvesthjørnet med Raudfjorden, Liefdefjorden, Freemansundet, Hornsund and Bamsebu, with 1 day at sea.

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.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
20 June 2028
Returns 24 September 2028
Returns
24 September 2028
Duration
12 nights
From pp twin share
$18,888 pp
From pp solo cabin
$30,307 pp
  • 20 Jun 2028 - 02 Jul 2028
    from $18,888 pp twin share / $30,307 pp sole use *
  • 11 Jul 2028 - 23 Jul 2028
    from $19,395 pp twin share / $31,169 pp sole use *
  • 01 Aug 2028 - 13 Aug 2028
    from $19,395 pp twin share / $31,169 pp sole use *
  • 22 Aug 2028 - 03 Sep 2028
    from $18,888 pp twin share / $30,307 pp sole use *
  • 12 Sep 2028 - 24 Sep 2028
    from $18,888 pp twin share / $30,307 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
  • Polar Inside from $18,888 pp twin share
  • Polar Outside from $20,625 pp twin share
  • Arctic Superior from $22,507 pp twin share
  • Expedition Suite from $26,805 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen
Details · HX Expeditions
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.

Guests
150
Gross tonnage
7,344
Speed
14.5 knots
Length
100 m
Launched
2009
Beam
18 m
Deck plans
6
MS Spitsbergen · Deck plans

Deck 8

MS Spitsbergen — Deck 8 deck plan

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Longyearbyen

    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.

    Come evening, we’ll set sail.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    Northwest Spitsbergen National Park

    Days 3–4

    Experience pristine Arctic wilderness

    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.

    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.

  4. 5

    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 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 so, we’ll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast.

  5. 6

    Eastern Spitsbergen

    Days 6–7

    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.

  6. 8

    Hornsund and Bellsund

    Days 8–9

    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.

  7. 10

    Return to Longyearbyen

    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.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice.
  • All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
  • Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (only on MS Fram).
  • A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
  • A wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
  • Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

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

  • Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.

  • All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.  

  • K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².

Polar Outside

  • 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).

  • 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.
  • J3 – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 11–12 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.

  • They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.

  • 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.

  • 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.
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Jun 2028 and 24 Sep 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
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.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise
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