This all-inclusive expedition cruise with HX takes you deep into Svalbard, the very heart of Arctic Norway, with the chance to spot rare wildlife, explore majestic landscapes and even attempt a crossing of the 80th parallel. It all begins, however, with a couple of days exploring Norway’s capital city, Oslo, with its vibrant waterfront and world-leading museums. Don't get too used to city life, though, as you'll soon be flying to Longyearbyen in the far-flung Svalbard archipelago. Feel your way into life north of the Arctic Circle with a night in a hotel before boarding MS Spitsbergen, a luxury small-ship expedition vessel designed to get you up-close to the region's unique scenery and wildlife. You'll also benefit from the expert guidance of your Expedition Team, who will determine the best daily routes and ports of call based on up-to-the-minute weather conditions. Highlights include Hornsund and Bellsund, and Northwest Spitsbergen National Park from where you'll make an attempt at crossing the 80th parallel to visit the edge of the polar ice cap. Enjoy it all under the soft glow of the Midnight Sun.
Arctic Explorations with HX
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover Arctic Norway in depth on this adventure-filled voyage
» 11 day expedition cruise
» Accommodation: Deluxe Outstanding accommodation with top-of-the-range facilities and excellent service, usually in a fantastic location (typically 5 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer
» Price from: £5,770 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Days 1-2 » UK to Oslo
Begin your journey by flying from the UK to Oslo. On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to the Amerikalinjen Hotel, your home for the next two nights and the perfect base from which to explore this compact city at your own pace. Perfect for travellers with varying interests, Oslo has several world-class museums. Art aficionados will enjoy the Munch Art Museum, dedicated to the life and artwork of renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built to protect the royal family, while also providing a royal residence in the capital. Polar exploration is, of course, very important to Norwegian history and culture, and the Fram Museum delves into this aspect of Oslo’s history.
Stay: Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Longyearbyen, Svalbard
After breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Oslo as you are privately transferred to the airport to board a flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival in the world’s northernmost town, you will be transferred to your hotel with time to explore before a light dinner.
Stay: Longyearbyen hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Longyearbyen
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to explore the colourful frontier town that is Longyearbyen. It’s perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street, perhaps spotting wild Svalbard reindeer sauntering by, curious and tame in nature.
Enjoy lunch and an included excursion to continue your Arctic discovery, giving you a glimpse at this polar bear-inspired region at the top of the world. If you want to discover even more of Longyearbyen’s special surroundings, join an optional pre-programme. This afternoon, board the MS Spitsbergen to begin your Hurtigruten cruise. Dinner is served onboard this evening.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 5-6 » Hornsund & Bellsund
Begin your expedition cruise by heading south, toward Hornsund. This is one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords, with rich vegetation making way for towering mountains along the waterway. On deck, you may spot seals and whales, along with Mount Hornsundtind and glaciers calving into the sea.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Bellsund. The cliffs of these snowcapped mountains are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots, and northern fulmars. Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer are also native to the valleys the cut between the peaks. Along with ample wildlife spotting opportunities, you'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for early mining settlements and take the chance to learn about Wanny Woldstad – the first female trapper.
The order of activities and destinations on these days will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions in and around Hornsund and Bellsund. Your knowledgeable Expedition Team will decide the best possible itinerary on the day.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 7-8 » Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
You’ll make your way into the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park for the next couple of days, cruising into Magdelenefjorden and through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives you plenty of time to explore this stunning region.
Spend the next two days immersing yourself in the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this national park. The wilderness is made up of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and picturesque offshore islands. Keep an eye out for some of the animals of the Arctic, including seals, walruses, and reindeer. Early in the season, you may even spot polar bears! As the year progresses, you may see whales returning to the region for summer and birdlife such as Little Aucks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks, and Barnacle Geese.
Again, your Expedition Team will decide the best itinerary on the day. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything based on the day’s conditions.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 » Ice Edge attempt
If conditions allow, head north from Spitsbergen National Park to explore the ever-changing ice edge. The waters between the ice cap and the sea are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From your ship, spot seals and walruses lounging photogenically on the ice. If conditions are right, expedition boats will be lowered into the water for an unforgettable close-up experience in the floating ice.
The ice edge isn’t a fixed boundary. It moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it is an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, it retreats further toward the pole, meaning it might be out of reach. If this is the case, explore the no-less-impressive fjords and glaciers of the Svalbard coast.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 » Ny-Ålesund
Discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords, including Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. This is a distraction-free day, as the nearby Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station necessitates switching off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town, is one of the northernmost settlements and the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north. You can still see remnants of the town’s history, but today, it is a hub for global science and climate research. Today will find you immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as you explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. It’s a day filled with adventure as your Expedition Team will take any opportunity to launch the fleet of small expedition boats to head ashore for hiking or cruising by majestic glaciers.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11 » Longyearbyen to UK via Oslo
You’ll disembark after breakfast this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Oslo. Make your connection for your flight back to the UK this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover Arctic Norway in depth on this adventure-filled voyage
» 11 day expedition cruise
» Accommodation: Deluxe Outstanding accommodation with top-of-the-range facilities and excellent service, usually in a fantastic location (typically 5 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer
» Price from: £5,770 pp incl. flights
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