Travel Advice
Duration
14 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
11 Ports
30 August
Setting sail from Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
31 August - 1 September
At sea
2-4 September
Greenland: Myggbukta, Blomster Bugt, Ella Oya
5 September
At sea
6 September
Greenland: Alpefjord (Northeast Greenland National Park)
Immerse yourself in the world’s largest national park, established in 1974 and covering some 375,000 square miles of uninhabited Arctic wilderness. The park is home to wildlife including polar bears, Arctic hares and musk oxen, and species including walrus, beluga whale and narwhal can be spotted around the coast.
7-11 September
Greenland: Bear Island
Norway: Rypefjord
Greenland: Rodefjord, Danmark Island, Hurry Inlet
12 September
At sea
13 September
Arriving in Reykjavik
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavik is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and with 24 hour daylight in the summer months, you can play golf at midnight, or choose the perfect place to view the midnight sun such as the lighthouse at Grotta or on the waterfront by Sólfar - the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you're like us, you will find travelling out of Reykjavik by land or sea to be unforgettable.
Don't miss
Take a boat tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to see the numerous whales of Faxaflói Bay: harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and humpback whales.
Your home from home
This purpose-built ice class expedition vessel is perfectly kitted out for polar exploration, with zodiacs and expert lecturers on board, and accommodates 318 guests in comfortable cabins.
What we love
Fram emerges in 2020 from an extensive refurbishment, with upgraded cabins, suites and public areas. Designed for polar cruising, she regularly visits the Arctic and Antarctic, with an ice-strengthened hull and a wealth of technological gizmos on board. Cabins are simple but comfortable, and the observation lounge and restaurant are designed to provide wonderful views of the ever-changing landscape outside. If you're feeling brave there are even outdoor Jacuzzis to keep you warm as the icebergs float past!
| Capacity | 250 Guests (200 in Antarctica) |
|---|---|
| Style | A Hurtigruten voyage is all about the destination, with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere on board. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
Extend your stay in Reykjavik
Enjoy Icelandic design chic at the super cool 101 Hotel, with a perfect central location.
Private tours from Reykjavik
A helicopter tour is a must do here; the unforgettable spectacular day-tours will give you a completely different perspective.
