Description
This Arctic expedition is one of a kind! We will sail above 80º N, to take you to the ice edge of the Arctic Ocean while circumnavigating Svalbard. Enjoy excursions including hiking, kayaking and traversing a glacier in the largest Arctic wilderness in Europe, with a great chance of sighting polar bears.
With more polar bears than people, Svalbard provides an excellent chance to see these magnificent predators.
This expedition is one of a kind, with a multitude of landing sites and exciting experiences in the Arctic. We aim to sail above 80º N, to take you to the ice edge of the Arctic Ocean. The adventure will include several excursions including hiking, kayaking and other activities on land and on the water. There’s also a good chance that we’ll see a polar bear – after all, there are more polar bears than there are humans on Svalbard.
Highlights of the Arctic
Starting in Longyearbyen, we sail well above the 80th parallel and place you closer than 600 nautical miles from the Geographical North Pole. Explore the great national parks and some of the most spectacular highlights of the Arctic. One might expect it to be unbearably cold this far north. However, thanks to the Gulf Stream, the Svalbard archipelago boasts a surprisingly mild climate in summer. Among a large variety of plants and wildlife are seals, thousands of seabirds, the Arctic fox and reindeer and the top predator: the polar bear.
Deep fjords, mighty glaciers and pure wilderness
In the summer, beautiful colours and contrasts provide the frames for dramatic glaciers, majestic mountain formations, deep fjords, buzzing bird cliffs and endless arctic tundra with its diverse flora and fauna. The midnight sun makes it possible to fill your days and nights with experiences.
Join in for a Beach Clean Up on Svalbard
In recent years, marine litter has become a major problem for the world’s oceans and beaches. Hurtigruten, as a proud member of the “Clean up Svalbard” team, invites our guests to participate in a beach clean up activity during one of our landings in the area.
Two ships, same itinerary
If you wish to join this expedition, you can choose between two ships. Our original explorer ship, MS Fram, sails around Svalbard in June 2019, while our new and intimate MS Spitsbergen sails in July 2019. The itinerary is the same for both, and you are in for an extraordinary experience no matter which ship you end up boarding. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: your voyage rates include return economy flights between Longyearbyen and Oslo
Length: 114m
Passenger Capacity: 276
Built: 2007
MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand.
MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.
