Cruise Overview
Svalbard cruise | Circumnavigating Spitsbergen: In the Realm of the Polar Bear
Join us as we attempt to find a way through the Arctic’s ever-changing sea ice, venturing above the 80th parallel to 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.
Crossing the 80th parallel north
On this epic expedition cruise, we will attempt to find a way through the sea ice and venture above the 80th parallel. Ice conditions permitting, our goal is to successfully circumnavigate 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 Isfjord. Venturing into the realm of the polar bear, take in scenic views as we scout for these elusive predators and other wildlife like Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer.
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Day 1
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have some time, we recommend exploring the city center.
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. You can also try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Longyearbyen adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen adventures
Explore colorful Longyearbyen
After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world’s northernmost town, a colorful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles.
Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer pass by. Although wild, they’re curious and gentle.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion after lunch for a glimpse of this amazing region at the top of the world inhabited by polar bears.
Expedition days
Day 3-5
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. Surrounded by steep mountains, stark glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for Arctic animals, including whales, seals, walruses, and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear from the ship’s Observation Deck. 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 set out in our small boats (RIB) to go ashore and hike or participate in a beach cleanup.
Exploring the east
Day 6-7
Exploring the east
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds, and walruses
Be ready for anything, as this stage of your journey becomes 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 will 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 boats (RIBs) to Edgeøya or Barentsøya.
In true expedition style, our exact route will depend on the day’s conditions. 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 pass by calving glaciers, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.
Beautiful Hornsund
Day 8
Beautiful Hornsund
Majestic glaciers, rich vegetation, and seabirds
As we sail toward the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, we’ll enter Hornsund, one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colorful vegetation transforms into towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, admire Mount Hornsundtind, and watch glaciers calving into the sea.
The green patches of land you’ll see here are fertilized by little auk colonies. This in turn attracts Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, so keep your eyes peeled. In the evening, we’ll journey north toward Isfjord, past beautiful Bellsund.
Astonishing Isfjord
Day 9
Astonishing Isfjord
Witness living history and ecology
Our Svalbard circumnavigation continues into Isfjord’s lush fjord system, where you’ll see immense, glacier-carved valleys rich in wildlife, vegetation, and human history.
To the north, Alkhornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes. Clear traces of the area’s whaling and hunting past are visible on beaches and in bays. Farther south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio satellite communication station, which is now one of the world’s most beautifully situated hotels.
Today’s activities will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions in Isfjord. Each day, your Expedition Team will decide on the best options for exploring.
Return to Longyearbyen
Day 10
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 when you arrived. You’ll also have lifelong memories of this 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
flights
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen include an excursion with lunch before the expedition cruise
hotel
- Overnight stay in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including light dinner and breakfast
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
- Depending on your individual flight times, an additional overnight stay in Oslo might be necessary (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to international flight schedules
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise