Join the MS Fram as she sails along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, journeying through a landscape of breathtaking fjords and gigantic glaciers, all set before a magical backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. The coastline here is surprisingly rich in wildlife and historical remains too, offering a fascinating insight into the heroic efforts of the polar explorers of old.

Dates: July 28, 31; Aug 4, 7, 2011

ITINERARY: THURSDAY - MONDAY

DAY 1: LONGYEARBYEN AND BARENTSBURG
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in the high Arctic. There is time for a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the educational and highly interesting Svalbard Museum, as well as the beautiful Svalbard Gallery. Embark on the
MS Fram, your home for the next few days.

Set sail in the evening. Arriving in Barentsburg later today, you are invited to enjoy the Barentsburg folklore show.

DAY 2: NORTH WEST SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK
As you pass “The Seven Icebergs” you enter the realms of the North West Spitsbergen National Park. The plan today is to explore something of the extraordinary whaling history of Magdalenefjorden and visit Raudfjorden.

DAY 3: LIEFDEFJORDEN, THE MONACO GLACIER AND MOFFEN ISLAND
The magnificent Liefdefjorden is home to the impressive glacial landscapes of the Monaco Glacier, a sight of truly awe-inspiring grandeur. Later this evening you cruise towards the 80th parallel and the large walrus colonies of Moffen Island.

DAY 4: KONGSFJORDEN AND NY ÅLESUND
Take in the piercing towers of the ”Three Crowns” today, whose craggy ridges slice through the spectacular vistas of Kings Glacier. You also visit Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is the northernmost permanently inhabited Arctic Research Station on Earth. This evening we navigate a course that takes you parallel to the extended coastline of Prince Karl’s Forland, another of the region’s national parks.

DAY 5: BACK IN LONGYEARBYEN
This incredible Arctic adventure ends today with your flight back to Oslo.

ITINERARY: SUNDAY - THURSDAY

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN THE ARCTIC
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in the high Arctic and stay overnight.

DAY 2: LONGYEARBYEN AND BARENTSBURG
In Barentsburg you are invited to enjoy the folklore show, before an evening sailing out of the Isfjorden. Turning north, and following the coast of the Prince Karl’s Forland, we pass Kongsfjorden and “The Seven Glaciers” before reaching the northwest corner of Spitsbergen.

DAY 3: LIEFDEFJORDEN, THE MONACO GLACIER AND MOFFEN ISLAND
The magnificent Lieftdefjorden is home to the impressive glacial landscapes of the Monaco Glacier, a sight of truly awe-inspiring grandeur. Later this evening we cruise towards the 80th parallel and the large walrus colonies of Moffen Island.

DAY 4: KROSSFJORDEN, KONGSFJORDEN AND NY ÅLESUND
Krossfjorden, with its intricate network of inlets and bays, hides a rich mixture of birdlife and cultural heritage. We spend this morning exploring the fjord, before continuing to Ny Ålesund. A former mining settlement, the town today is the northernmost permanently inhabited Arctic Research Station on Earth and what better way to explore it than by joining our guided walk. This evening we navigate a course that takes you along the extended coastline of Prince Karl’s Forland, another of the region’s spectacular national parks.

DAY 5: LONGYEARBYEN
Arriving in Longyearbyen this morning you can enjoy a guided tour of the town, taking in the educational and highly interesting Svalbard Museum, as well as the beautiful Svalbard Gallery before your return flight to Oslo.

Information on MS Fram, including a deck plan

For other Spitsbergen expeditions, click here

Spitsbergen Film

Dates: July 28, 31; Aug 4, 7, 2011

Early Booking rates from USD 2895 per person for the Polar Encounters 5-day voyage. Early booking prices are in USD per person, double occupancy, subject to withdrawal and availability.

VACATION PRICE INCLUDES
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Transfers as applicable
- Roundtrip economy class flights between Olso and - Longyearbyen including current taxes and surcharges.
- Wind and water proof jacket
- Lectures, guided landings and assistance from expedition team
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Gratuities

Fuel surcharge is US$8 per night

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