Beyond the Arctic Circle - MS Expedition
Norway and Svalbard
Set sail from Norway and its beautiful fjords en route to the remote Bear Island and then onwards to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard on this dazzling 11-day odyssey. Explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit arctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, and so much more. Every day of this journey reveals a new icy wonderland on the water. Perfect for travellers big on adventure but short on time, this expedition packs in wildlife sightings, jaw-dropping fjords, and endless Arctic wonder
Highlights
- Depart Tromsø and sail north on a 10-day voyage aboard M/S Expedition for this Svalbard small-ship expedition.
- Explore Bear Island’s rugged seabird colonies, remote tundra and dramatic Arctic wilderness.
- Navigate glacier-lined fjords of Spitsbergen, scan for polar bears on the pack-ice and spot walrus, seals and Arctic fox.
- Engage in Zodiac cruises and landings to explore ice floes, tundra and historic whaling sites.
- Enjoy expert-led briefings, small-group exploration and flexible routing to maximise wildlife and nature contact.
Set sail on a thrilling Svalbard small-ship expedition that begins in Tromsø and ventures into the remote Arctic wilderness via the dramatic cliffs of Bear Island and the glacier-sculpted fjords of Spitsbergen. This polar bear cruise Spitsbergen delivers immersive Zodiac cruises, ice-edge exploration and expert-led wildlife searches for polar bears, walrus, reindeer and seabirds under the endless daylight of summer. With flexible routing to chase the ice, this is true expedition travel far from the crowd.
On Sale
On Sale now - Rates shown reduced by 20% for Main Deck Window cabins and above. Cabins are Subject to availability.
Stewart's Take
Perfect to combine a Norway visit and reach to the High Arctic
Overview
Set sail from Norway and its beautiful fjords en route to the remote Bear Island and then onwards to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard on this dazzling 11-day odyssey. Explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit arctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, and so much more. Every day of this journey reveals a new icy wonderland on the water. Perfect for travellers big on adventure but short on time, this expedition packs in wildlife sightings, jaw-dropping fjords, and endless Arctic wonder
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tromsø Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Tromsø in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included. Days 2-3 - Bear Island Sail northward from Tromsø spending a day at sea to travel to Bear Island, an untouched beauty of the Arctic. Think rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and very dramatic landscapes. The island is home to millions of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and little auks. Bear Island is a remote and often overlooked part of the Svalbard Archipelago, allowing those who do visit an off-the-beaten-path adventure and epic wildlife. Days 4-5 - Svalbard Continue sailing along the coast of Svalbard and explore near South Spitsbergen National Park. The fjords are characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and icy seas, offering stunning views. Start by seeing the Hornsundtind massif where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape and potentially view wildlife. The fjord cuts deep into the island creating a memorable visual experience. Search for bearded seals and maybe polar bears. The group will also visit Bellsund for other interesting historical sites and wildlife viewing. Days 6-8 - Svalbard/Greenland Sea This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Your wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. Always be on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, have your eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Days 9-10 - Greenland Sea/Svalbard Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore more of Svalbard, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history. Day 11 - Svalbard/Longyearbyen On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduledSea Kayaking
Selected departures may include an option for Sea Kayaking – contact us for availability! Sea kayaking on a polar expedition brings you face-to-face with the polar wilderness from a unique, water-level vantage. Glide silently among icebergs and beside glaciers, drift past curious birds or seals, and explore remote fjords and coastline not accessible by ships. Kayaking becomes a deeply immersive, sensory experience—crisp air, icy water, wildlife calls and the hush of untouched nature. Guided by expert polar staff, you paddle safely in small groups, often with Zodiac support close by. Whether you choose a single paddle outing or a full kayak program, this adventure gives you an intimate connection with polar landscapes few ever experience. >>Read More Details on this information page!
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Vessel
EXPEDITION VESSEL: M/S EXPEDITION
Formerly known as Ocean Adventurer, starting the 2025/25 season the vessel is now renamed as the MS Expedition. This is ship that blends comfort and capability in all the right ways. Extensively refurbished, it features upgraded engines, refreshed cabins with ensuite bathrooms, and larger social spaces for a perfect mix of slick performance, creature comforts, and that community feel. And when it’s time to brave the Drake? Its Ice Class 1A technology, upgraded stabilizers, and a modern propulsion system deliver smoother, quieter sailing, and all with a significantly smaller carbon footprint. With just 128 passengers, the vessel enables twice-daily excursions (weather-permitting) — something larger vessels can’t offer. That means more time off ship doing what really matters: being fully immersed in Antarctica’s magic. This highly-experienced expedition ship was originally built in 1975 but with multi-million conversions in 1998 and again in 2017, to ensure that decor and creature comforts are second to none. The ice-strengthed hull and fleet of zodiacs ensure that the vessel is fully prepared for polar exploration.
Booking Information
Essential Information
Share Bookings and Single Travellers
If you are travelling alone and wish to share a cabin you will be matched with another person of the same gender and pay only the share room rate. If you wish to have a sole use cabin, the single supplement is 1.6 X the respective room rate (excluding Category 1).
Deposits
Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of US$1000 / EUR 1000 / GBP 500 / AUD 1000 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.
Final Payments
Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Balances can be paid by bank transfer - or by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge.
Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellation 120 days or more before departure: Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. Cancellation 119-60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked, Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. Cancellation less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked, Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by G Adventures Limited of Canada and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as those of the transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
*Lifetime Deposits
Should you cancel, the specified deposit amount will be held as a ‘Lifetime Deposit’ with the Shipping Company for the MS Expedition, G Adventures, subject to the full extent of their terms and conditions. This Lifetime Deposit has no expiry and may be used as a deposit on one future tour with MS Expedition. Any specific permit costs above the deposit amount are subject to different terms and conditions as applied by the Company. The Lifetime Deposit has no cash value. Only one Lifetime Deposit may be applied per tour. All Lifetime Deposits must be applied to a new tour that is of equal or greater value than the cancelled tour. A booking may not be cancelled, and have the Lifetime Deposit applied to the same or similar dates of travel or a tour at a price lower than the cancelled tour. The Lifetime Deposit may be transferred or gifted to another Client.
Included
- Cruise on board the M/S Expedition
- All meals included on board the ship
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lecture and educational programs
- Airport transfers depending on your flight details
- Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Excluded
- Flights are not included in this tour. We recommend arriving at least 1 day prior to the sailing of the ship to guarantee your arrival. While flight delays are not common sometimes they do happen.
- Pre and post-land arrangements
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended).
- Extra expenses (excess baggage charges, bar and beverage charges, meals ashore, communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc).
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).
Tour Dossier
Beyond the Arctic Circle - MS Expedition
Board the M/S Expedition in Norway for an 10 night cruise to Arctic Spitsbergen via remote Bear Island. See mountains and wildlife and Arctic ice!
File Creation date: 2025-12-13 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/beyond-the-arctic-circle-ms-expedition_133
Beyond the Arctic Circle - MS Expedition
Duration: 11 days
Location: Norway and Svalbard
Available: June
Start: Tromsø, Norway
Finish: Longyearbyen, Norway
Highlights
- Depart Tromsø and sail north on a 10-day voyage aboard M/S Expedition for this Svalbard small-ship expedition.
- Explore Bear Island’s rugged seabird colonies, remote tundra and dramatic Arctic wilderness.
- Navigate glacier-lined fjords of Spitsbergen, scan for polar bears on the pack-ice and spot walrus, seals and Arctic fox.
- Engage in Zodiac cruises and landings to explore ice floes, tundra and historic whaling sites.
- Enjoy expert-led briefings, small-group exploration and flexible routing to maximise wildlife and nature contact.
Itinerary
Set sail from Norway and its beautiful fjords en route to the remote Bear Island and then onwards to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard on this dazzling 11-day odyssey. Explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit arctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, and so much more. Every day of this journey reveals a new icy wonderland on the water. Perfect for travellers big on adventure but short on time, this expedition packs in wildlife sightings, jaw-dropping fjords, and endless Arctic wonder
Ship Information
EXPEDITION VESSEL: M/S EXPEDITION
Formerly known as Ocean Adventurer, starting the 2025/25 season the vessel is now renamed as the MS Expedition. This is ship that blends comfort and capability in all the right ways. Extensively refurbished, it features upgraded engines, refreshed cabins with ensuite bathrooms, and larger social spaces for a perfect mix of slick performance, creature comforts, and that community feel. And when it’s time to brave the Drake? Its Ice Class 1A technology, upgraded stabilizers, and a modern propulsion system deliver smoother, quieter sailing, and all with a significantly smaller carbon footprint. With just 128 passengers, the vessel enables twice-daily excursions (weather-permitting) — something larger vessels can’t offer. That means more time off ship doing what really matters: being fully immersed in Antarctica’s magic. This highly-experienced expedition ship was originally built in 1975 but with multi-million conversions in 1998 and again in 2017, to ensure that decor and creature comforts are second to none. The ice-strengthed hull and fleet of zodiacs ensure that the vessel is fully prepared for polar exploration.
Beyond the Arctic Circle - MS Expedition
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/beyond-the-arctic-circle-ms-expedition_133
Included
- Cruise on board the M/S Expedition
- All meals included on board the ship
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lecture and educational programs
- Airport transfers depending on your flight details
- Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Excluded
- Flights are not included in this tour. We recommend arriving at least 1 day prior to the sailing of the ship to guarantee your arrival. While flight delays are not common sometimes they do happen.
- Pre and post-land arrangements
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended).
- Extra expenses (excess baggage charges, bar and beverage charges, meals ashore, communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc).
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).
General Terms and Conditions
BOOKING ENQUIRIES:
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