Cruise · HX Expeditions · 8 nights

Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun – MS Fram

Economy flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen included in the package
All transfers in Longyearbyen with an excursion and lunch arranged
Overnight stay in Longyearbyen with a light dinner and breakfast

$13,267 pp twin share

$18,421 pp solo share

8 nights

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Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun – MS Spitsbergen

Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun – MS Spitsbergen – route map

Arrive in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen adventures

Hornsund and Bellsund

Northwest Spitsbergen National Park

Ice edge attempt

Peaceful Ny-Ålesund

Return to Longyearbyen

MS Fram

When & how much

Choose your departure

4 departures

Cruise Snapshot

8 Nights

A 9-day Svalbard expedition cruise aboard MS Fram, with economy flights from Oslo and an overnight stay in Longyearbyen arranged for you

Seven-night round trip from Longyearbyen aboard MS Fram
Spring chances to see polar bears on sea ice
Attempt to sail above the 80th parallel north

Trip Details

Departs: Mon 17 May 2027
Returns: Tue 25 May 2027
Embarks: Longyearbyen
Ship: MS Fram
Operator: HX Expeditions

9‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo

The 7-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Fram sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Hornsund, Bamsebu, Calypsobyen, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerburg, Ny-Ålesund and Krossfjorden, with 1 day at sea.

Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:

Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen
Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast
All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise

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.
A concentrated Arctic adventure, you’ll experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords and snowcapped mountains, and attempt to sail above the 80th parallel north.
As Svalbard reawakens in spring, witness iconic wildlife, including walruses, seals, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic birdlife and with luck, even polar bears.

You sail aboard MS Fram. Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions. On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym.

$13,267

pp twin share

$18,421

pp solo share

Enquire

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Life in transit

MS Fram

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Fram

Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions.

Guests: 200
Gross tonnage: 11,647
Speed: 13 knots
Length: 114 m
Launched: 2007
Beam: 20.2 m
Deck plans: 7

MS Fram · Deck plans

Deck 8

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive in Longyearbyen
Mon 17 May
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.
2
Longyearbyen adventures
Tue 18 May
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.
3
Hornsund and Bellsund
Wed 19 May
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.
4
Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Fri 21 May
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.
5
Ice edge attempt
Sun 23 May
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.
6
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Mon 24 May
Experience science, serenity and epic scenery Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring 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 a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s 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 expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
7
Return to Longyearbyen
Tue 25 May
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.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast.
All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise.
A stay in a cabin of your choice.
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (only on MS Fram).

Not included

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Hotels

Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including a light dinner and breakfast

Day 1 – Funken Lodge

MS Fram

On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym; Onboard shop.

Polar Outside

Enjoy sea views from our Polar Outside cabins, most of which feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

N2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–13 m².
FJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, optional twin, 17–21 m².
SD – Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin: window, twin beds, one converts to a sofa, 15–16 m².

Arctic Superior

Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious.

These cabins feature a double bed which can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony.
All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.

U2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–11 m².
F2 – Outside cabin: window, some with limited view, double bed, 17–18 m².

Expedition Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fram and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.

Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
Suites feature double beds and a seating area, some with a sofa bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy dinner exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

MG – Grand Suite with balcony: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 20–27 m².
Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, sofa bed, 15–20 m².
Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 15–20 m².

From the operator