Price from
Unavailable
Departure Dates
5 departures between May 2026 and Jun 2026
Duration
9 days
Ships
Departure Dates
5 departures between May 2026 and Jun 2026
Duration
9 days
Ships
Multiple Offers
Cruise Overview
Svalbard cruise | Explore Svalbard in spring when polar bears roam the pristine sea ice in search of food
Spring offers some of the best chances to see polar bears on sea ice along frozen fjords, including young polar bear cubs together with their mother.
HX has explored Svalbard since 1896 and our Expedition Team combines decades of insight with technological innovation to navigate deeper.
Our team is trained through a specialist safeguarding programme recognised by the Princess Royal Training Awards for safe and respectful polar bear encounters.
Journey into the stillness of spring landscapes, with fewer ships, quieter landings, and the thrilling return of sunshine and dramatic sunsets.
Prime for Polar Bears
Spring is a good time to spot polar bears in Svalbard as the sea ice provides the hunting grounds they need. Our Expedition Team monitors real-time ice drift, wildlife movement, and weather patterns to make the most of every opportunity, whether spotting pawprints or scanning the horizon for signs. With stable conditions, we may even venture past 80° North — a rare latitude that few travellers reach.
Wildlife on the Move
As temperatures rise and daylight returns, wildlife begins its seasonal shift. Polar bears track along sea ice margins in search of seals, their primary prey. Arctic foxes emerge from dens to scavenge and hunt, while Svalbard reindeer start grazing on lichen and early growth. Seabirds like fulmars and guillemots begin to reclaim nesting sites, signalling the start of the Arctic breeding cycle.
A Landscape Transformed
Spring in Svalbard offers brilliant snowfields, sculpted icebergs, and the soft glow of low Arctic sun. With us, you'll explore by small boat or land ashore in places few ever reach. Every activity is led by HX’s expert Expedition Team in line with AECO guidelines and regulations from the Norwegian government, ensuring that this beautiful region remains protected for generations to come.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
2
Available Dates
2025
Travelling solo? View dates and prices exclusive to solo travellers
No available cabins
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Arrive in Longyearbyen
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen
From Oslo to the town at the top of the world
After a flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen.
A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If you have time, head out to explore this special town, before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.
If you'd like to spend two extra days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings before your voyage, see this voyage option. It includes the same sailing itinerary but with additional Arctic land adventures.
Longyearbyen adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen adventures
Explore this colourful frontier town
After breakfast it’s time to experience Longyearbyen.
The former coal mining settlement is small enough to explore on foot. Stroll down the main street lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and restaurants. You might even see a Svalbard reindeer saunter by.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a deeper look at this isolated and remote region at the top of the world.
Hornsund and Bellsund
Day 3-4
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.
Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Day 5-6
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.
Ice edge attempt
Day 7
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.
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Day 8
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Experience science, serenity and epic scenery.
Today, you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighboring 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, the town is a hub for global science and climate research, and you can still see remnants of its 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 boats (RIBs), go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
Return to Longyearbyen
Day 9
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.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Program?
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 in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including a 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 (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
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that 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 our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer 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
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (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 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
Up to 35% off with our anniversary offer
Offer available on all-inclusive expeditions to Antarctica, Alaska, Galápagos, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Set sail from $4,762.
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Free Suite Upgrade – Expedition Suites from just $8,297
To mark 130 years since our first expedition, we’re offering you the chance to celebrate your very own adventure with a Suite for the price of a Superior cabin. Book now and enjoy the suite life! T&Cs Apply.
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