A voyage along the entire western coast of Spitsbergen aboard the luxurious MS Fram - from its southernmost extremes all the way up to 80th Parallel North. In the course of an intense week of exploration, experience the island’s spectacular natural environment, flora, and fauna. This is the voyage of choice for passengers who want to experience Norway’s sometimes fierce, near-polar Arctic regions firsthand.

Day 1: Depart Oslo for Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
You’ll depart Oslo by air, bound—via Tromso — for Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen; transfer to Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen upon arrival.

Day 2: Longyearbyen–Barentsburg
Free time in morning, followed by a welcome meeting and lunch at the Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen. After lunch, we sightsee in Longyearbyen, including a visit to the Svalbard Museum. You embark the MS Fram at 5:30 p.m.; we sail for the Russian outpost of Barentsburg at 6 p.m. Upon arrival at 8:30 p.m., enjoy sightseeing and free time on your own. Take in a folklore show at the Culture House (tickets included) before descending the 263 steps back down to the harbor. We sail from Barentsburg at 11 p.m. By night, we sail out of the Icefjord, then head south along the western coast of Spitsbergen.

Day 3: Gashama–Gnalodden
We arrive at the beautiful Hornsund fjord, where we make landings at either Gashamna or Gnalodden before lunch. On board the ship, lectures will be given. After lunch, we enjoy the scenery of Brepollen, or cruise in the Hamburgerbukta. In the afternoon, we sail south toward Bjornoya, or Bear Island.

Day 4: At Sea (Bjornoya)
Before lunch, we arrive at the southern tip of Bjornoya. The famous cliff Stappen is home to hundreds of thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots, birds that nest here during the high Arctic summer. Enjoy a lecture about Svalbard’s birds. On our way north, we are on the lookout for whales. The most common species here are the Fin, Humpback, and Minke whale. The Fin whale is the largest of these, measuring up to 80 feet long.

Day 5: Calypsobyen
When you wake up, we are in the Bellsund sound. We make a landing, on either the Ahlstrands Peninsula or in Calypsobyen. After lunch, we sail towards the beautiful Varsolbukta. In the afternoon, we cruise north towards the Magdalenefjord.

Day 6: Magdalenefjord–Moffen Island
We arrive in the Magdalenefjord, a famous fjord at the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, and make a landing on Gravneset, with its interesting whaling history. During lunch, we depart towards Moffen Island and the ice edge, depending on ice conditions. If we’re successful, we celebrate as we cross the 80th Parallel North. We arrive on Moffen in the afternoon; alternatively, we spend time close to the ice edge, looking for wildlife.

Day 7: Krossfjord–Ny-Alesund
We arrive in the Krossfjord by night. After breakfast, enjoy a possible Polarcirkel boat cruise, with a lecture, to the Lilliehook glacier. We sail into the harbor at Ny-Alesund, the world’s northernmost settlement, at 4 p.m. Embark on a guided walk, touching on the history of coal mining and Arctic exploration. After the tour, enjoy free time. At 6:30 p.m., we set sail again, southbound.

Day 8: Forlandssund–Skansbukta
In the morning, we cruise the Forlandssund, with lectures on the St. Jonsfjord and Poolepynten. By 3 p.m., we arrive at Skansbukta in the Billefjord. We go ashore for a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Longyearbyen–Departure for Oslo
We cruise into Longyearbyen at 2 a.m. Direct airport transfers are provided for passengers with early morning flights to Oslo. Passengers with later departures or additional nights in Spitsbergen may disembark by 8 a.m. Transfers from the harbor to the Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen where you can have breakfast and store luggage.

PROGRAM DATES 2010: 
JUNE 7-15; JUNE 14-22; JUNE 21-29; JUNE 29 - JULY 7. (Sailing Dates: June 8, 15, 22, 29, 2010.)

Rates from US$3500 per person based on double occupancy.

Rates include:
- Accommodations in select cabin category
- 1 night accommodation in Longyearbyen
- Transfers in Spitsbergen as indicated in itinerary
- Services of expedition guides
- Meals daily shipboard
- Port charges

Flights to/from Longyearbyen and fuel charges are not included.

We can also offer a shorter 6-day Polar encounter program departing July 7, 2010. Rates from US$2200 per person in an inside cabin. Please contact us for details.

Information on MS Fram, including a deck plan

For other Spitsbergen expeditions, click here

To view a video of Spitsbergen, click here.

We offer the right Spitsbergen cruise at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book