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
This epic expedition cruise will see us attempt to find a way through the sea ice and venture above the 80th parallel. 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 Isfjord. 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.
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Practical information you need to know
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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 time, why not explore the city centre.
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 or try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Longyearbyen adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen adventures
Explore colourful Longyearbyen
After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world's northernmost town, a colourful 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 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 after lunch, and get a glimpse of this amazing polar-bear inspired region at the top of the world.
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. 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.
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'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.
Beautiful Hornsund
Day 8
Beautiful Hornsund
Majestic glaciers, rich vegetation and seabirds
As we sail towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, we'll enter 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.
The green patches of land you’ll see here are fertilised 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, past beautiful Bellsund towards Isfjord.
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, Alkehornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The 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, now one of the world's most beautifully situated hotels.
Our activities today will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Isfjord. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day.
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 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
flights
- Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise
hotel
- Overnight 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 make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
- Depending on your individual flight times, an additional overnight in Oslo might be necessary (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage 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