hurtigruten fram polar bear cruise spitsbergen

Circumnavigating Svalbard - In the Realm of the Polar Bear

  • Overview
    With more polar bears than people, Svalbard provides an excellent chance to see these magnificent predators. 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. 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.
    Duration: 10 days
    Passengers: 318 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Oslo, Norway
    Disembarkation Point: Oslo, Norway
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary

    • Day 1 - Oslo to Longyearbyen; Arrival Day

      This Arctic Circumnavigation starts with an evening flight from Oslo. Norway's capital is often called 'the blue, the green and the city in between' because of its idyllic setting, nestled between fjord and forest. Spend a day checking out the museums, parks and intriguing architecture, or relax in one of the many cafés or bars.

      Then, set foot in an entirely different world when you arrive in Longyearbyen after your flight. This tiny town perched on the edge of the Arctic wilderness is surprisingly cosmopolitan, with first-class facilities, charming architecture, an internationally renowned museum and several bars and restaurants.

      Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

    • Day 2 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; Embarkation Day

      After an overnight stay in one of our hotels, you can join an exciting excursion to get to know this unique town and the surrounding area. The mighty Arctic wilderness dominates life here, but the town maintains a lively cultural life in spite of its remote position. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to modern-day life and serves as a prime destination for adventure travelers. Enjoy the singular atmosphere of this colourful frontier outpost before boarding your ship.

    • Day 3/5 - North West Spitsbergen National Park

      The North West Corner is scattered with islands, fjords and beaches. The ocean here can be full of drifting ice especially in the early season and the frozen landscape changes constantly. Due to strong winds and currents, the Captain monitors conditions closely before deciding where we can land or sail. This is why all our itineraries are flexible; we work with the elements, not against them, and safety is our first priority. If we are able to land, this area is excellent for exploring Svalbard’s history. You will have the chance to see the remnants of ancient blubber ovens used to render whale oil. 

      We might visit Kongsfjorden, considered one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Spitsbergen, with mighty glaciers calving icebergs into the sea, framed by stunning mountain formations. On the shore of Kongfjorden is the former mining settlement of Ny-Ålesund, now an international centre for research, with a picturesque mix of old and new buildings.

      In the Magdalenafjorden and Gravneset areas, you may have the chance to actually swim and earn a rare Arctic swimming certificate. There will also be exciting hiking and scenic kayaking opportunities, featuring the nearby Gully Glacier.

      We may also get to see the enormous Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord, and enjoy a chance to cruise in small boats.

    • Day 6/8 - Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Park

      Eastern Svalbard boasts the highest population of polar bears on the archipelago – we have high hopes of seeing one on this journey!

      If conditions allow, we will to sail to Isflakbukta on Phippsøya, part of Sjuøyane (Seven Islands), which are located at the far north of the Svalbard archipelago. Thousands upon thousands of seabirds mate here, while walrus dive for clams in the bays.

      We also aim to cruise in Sorgfjorden, which borders the North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve, and was the site of a famous 17th-century battle between whalers. If the weather is favourable here, we can hike in beautiful Eolsneset or enjoy tender boat cruising in the Hinlopen Strait area.

      Another part of our journey may be a visit to Torellneset, which is an excellent place to spot walruses sunning themselves on the flat beach.

      We continue on to Edgeøya, the third-largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. On its western shores, the landscape is largely un-glaciated, unlike most other places on the east side of Spitsbergen. Kapp Lee is a wonderful site where you will find cultural heritage from all eras of human exploration of Svalbard.

      We make our way to the southern cape and the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, where Hornsund hosts a wonderfully varied landscape and geology. Ice being pushed into the fjord early in the season attracts polar bears that hunt on the floes, so with a bit of luck, we may spot some of these magnificent predators.

    • Day 9 - The Isfjord

      We will spend the day exploring the Isfjord, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard. In the inner parts of Isfjorden, the landscape changes constantly. The immense U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers that covered the area some ten thousand years ago, are home to large populations of Svalbard Reindeer.

    • Day 10 - Longyearbyen to Oslo; Disembarkation

      Every good explorer's voyage comes to an end. You will probably sense that time has passed faster than expected. Many report a subtle exhilaration due to having taken a journey to the very top of the globe, just a few hundred miles from the Geographical North Pole. The transfer vehicle takes you early in the morning to the airport for your flight back to Oslo.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    The Polar Bear

    To many people, the polar bear is the Arctic. The sight of such an impressive silky white bear wandering the frozen Arctic seas in search of seals symbolizes the cold, isolated nature of the Arctic so well. Polar bears are marine mammals because they spend so much of their lives away from land. In the high Arctic where there is always some sea ice to travel on, polar bears range over ice floes in the pack ice hunting seals all summer. In some areas (e.g. southern Hudson Bay, southern Svalbard) they are simply forced to come ashore. Polar bears rarely venture inland.

  • Inclusions

    Hotel in Longyearbyen

    One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage, including breakfast and lunch and time to explore this quaint city.

    Expedition Jacket

    Wind and water resistant jacket

    Fram: Return flights Oslo to Longyearbyen

    You voyage includes return economy flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All shore excursions and lectures in the itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Aurora ex spitsbergen odyssey
  • Gallery

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  • Vessel

    FRAM

    The ship is purpose-built as an expedition vessel with a higher ice-class, chart drawing tools,ship depth sounding database, extractable forward sounding sonar, iceberg search lights, autonomous tracking system, oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency, and a full ‘expedition tools-deck’ equivalent to a car-deck that holds 25 vehicles. We believe that as an explorer you need an ‘expedition base-camp’ that is comfortable – something that combines ‘all oceans capabilities’ with safety, flexibility and environmental friendliness. That’s Fram – simply the best expedition ship imaginable. The observation lounge, with comfortable sitting areas at the top of the ship and large panoramic windows, gives you incredible views of nature. A pair of binoculars is installed for spotting wildlife and details of the ever changing landscape. In the restaurant on deck 5, you can enjoy the finest cuisine. The floor has different levels, so no matter where your table is placed; there are views to the outdoors. The restaurant is located in the aft of the ship, on your way there you walk through an exhibition of original artefacts from the historic expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. At the far end of the restaurant there is a balcony for taking pictures when wildlife show up during a meal. On deck 7 you will find a well-equipped fitness room, with its panoramic ocean view there is no better place to exercise. On top of the ship you can get warm and cosy in the sauna or bathe in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis. Let the warm water surround you while the icebergs float silently past the side of the ship. With 127 cabins on Fram, you have a choice of comfortable cabins and a number of superior suites to choose from. Our suites are named after Norwegian polar heroes, MS Fram travels in the wake of these great explorers. We are very proud of the art commissioned for MS Fram – local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making her a modern masterpiece. The ‘tender pit’ is where we embark, fully dressed in suitable expedition and excursion gear, on our sturdy Polarcirkel boats to take you safely from ship to shore. The original Fram was a ship for broadening the understanding of the world – let the new MS Fram do the same for you.

    Features & Facilities
    • Enhanced expedition vessel
    • Superior accommodation
    • Observation lounge with panoramic windows
    • Restaraunt
    • Gym with panoramic windows
    • Sauna
    • Outdoor Jacuzzies
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 318
    Crew #: 75
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 113m
    Width: 20
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 11647
    Registry: Norway
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
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We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

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  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Polar Outside Upper Deck

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Twin cabin, private facilities, with a limited view.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Inside Middle Deck - Twin

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Twin cabin, private facilities, some with double bed.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Inside Middle Deck - Quad

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Quad cabin, private facilities, some with double bed.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Arctic Superior - Middle Deck Twin

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Twin cabin on upper or middle deck, private facilities, some with double beds.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Expedition Suite

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Twin cabin on upper deck, sitting room, private facilities, most with double beds.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Expedition Grand Suite

11 Jun 2019 - 20 Jun 2019
Twin cabin, private facilities, sitting room, some with double bed, bathtub, private balcony, and/or bay window.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA