August
SVALBARD – NORTHWESTERN NAVIGATION BEYOND 80°N
Join an Italian-guided expedition to Svalbard: a small-group journey from Longyearbyen among glacie...
An expedition to Svalbard is a journey into the heart of the Arctic, among glaciers, fjords and expanses of ice, where nature sets the pace of exploration. From Longyearbyen, we will follow the western coast of Spitsbergen and, conditions permitting, reach the archipelago’s most remote regions.
This is a small-group Arctic expedition rather than a traditional cruise: the route changes according to weather, ice and sightings. During the voyage, we will look for walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and reindeer. The polar bear, Svalbard’s iconic animal, may appear along the way, but all wildlife encounters are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
You will travel with a maximum of 12 passengers, accompanied by experienced guides and photographers. Italian-speaking guidance will help you explore the nature, geography and history of polar exploration.
Sailing, Zodiac outings and possible shore excursions will be organised according to local conditions and safety rules. Expedition goals include Ny-Ålesund, Kongsfjorden and other fjords in the region; we will also attempt to reach 81°N and approach the pack ice, if this can be done safely.
Every Svalbard expedition is different: ice, weather and wildlife continually transform the landscape and programme. This flexibility makes the journey an authentic experience, far from the pace of large cruise ships.
Discover the details of our Svalbard expedition cruise beyond 80°N and read our advice on preparing for a Svalbard expedition. Before departure, also consult the information about Svalbard regulations.
To learn more about the destination, visit the official Visit Svalbard website and the Governor of Svalbard’s information for travellers.
The expedition includes several shore landings along the route. Some involve walks of 500 m to 6 km, with relatively manageable gradients. You may encounter ice, snow, mud or other natural conditions. Temperatures can vary, approximately between 1°C and 12°C, so appropriate clothing is essential. The programme may change according to weather and ice conditions. During landings, Arctic guides provide all necessary safety and polar bear protection equipment; it is important to follow their instructions carefully.
Polarfront combines a maritime and scientific history with an intimate travel experience. With 12 passengers, eight suites and a large crew relative to the ship’s capacity, she offers a more personal way to explore the North.
For travellers seeking a small-group Arctic expedition, a deeper understanding of the landscapes and a flexible itinerary, Polarfront is a distinctive ship. She is a mobile base from which to observe the Arctic closely, with time to listen to its silence and follow its changes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The itinerary below is indicative and may change significantly due to sea, ice and safety conditions. The onboard expedition leader will decide how to proceed in unfavourable conditions.
2027
ICE PACK – 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
4–9 August: 6 places remaining, from €8,950 per person.
SPITZBERGEN – 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
9–13 August: 8 places remaining, from €6,750 per person.
2028
26 July–1 August
1–7 August
7–13 August
Full details coming soon.
Arrival in Longyearbyen, meeting with the FRAMTours guides and private transfer to the port to board Polarfront. The crew will explain onboard safety and emergency procedures, and the expedition team will introduce our High Arctic journey. Enjoy a welcome dinner; if conditions permit, we will begin with a short glacier walk. Overnight onboard in your private cabin.
Wake up in Magdalenfjorden and land on the Gravneset peninsula to visit the remains of an old Dutch whaling station. In the afternoon we continue north to Virgohamna, a historic departure point for North Pole expeditions. Late in the evening we will try to cross 80°N towards the pack ice, looking for Arctic wildlife. Overnight onboard while sailing north.
Depending on ice and weather conditions, we will try to reach the pack ice beyond 81°N, looking for wildlife among extraordinary landscapes and light. If conditions allow, we will anchor by the ice, step onto the pack and enjoy an unforgettable barbecue. In the early afternoon we begin sailing south. Overnight onboard.
We explore northwestern Spitsbergen, visiting the Monacobreen glacier. In the afternoon we reach Moffen and its walrus colony, crossing 80°N. In the evening we sail south towards Krossfjorden. Overnight onboard.
A full day sailing south aboard Polarfront. Enjoy the sauna and stern hot tub while keeping watch for blue whales, fin whales and narwhals. In the late afternoon we approach the coast and Krossfjorden. Overnight onboard.
Explore Krossfjorden and the impressive Lilliehöökbreen glacier. In the afternoon, land on Blomstrandhalvøya at Ny-London, the historic Northern Exploration Company site. Continue with a glacier cruise and wildlife watching at Ossian-Sarsfjellet, then visit the international research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. After Ny-Ålesund, enjoy a farewell dinner as we sail towards Longyearbyen, arriving the following morning.
Explore Krossfjorden and the impressive Lilliehöökbreen glacier. In the afternoon, land on Blomstrandhalvøya at Ny-London, the historic Northern Exploration Company site. Continue with a glacier cruise and wildlife watching at Ossian-Sarsfjellet, then visit the international research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. After Ny-Ålesund, enjoy a farewell dinner as we sail towards Longyearbyen, arriving the following morning.
After an early breakfast onboard, disembark and transfer to town for a visit to Gruve 3. Continue to the airport in time for your flight, or to your hotel if you have booked an extension.
After an early breakfast onboard, disembark and transfer to town for a visit to Gruve 3. Continue to the airport in time for your flight, or to your hotel if you have booked an extension.
The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions. This can include adjustments such as advancing or postponing a landing, altering the route to avoid storms, and, in extreme cases, seeking a safe harbor to wait out the bad weather
Around 3,500 polar bears live in the wider Svalbard region, while approximately 350 live on the islands of the archipelago; however, spotting them is not as easy as it might seem. The archipelago is vast, and it can happen that no bears are seen for several days. It should also be noted that strict regulations prohibit approaching the animals closer than 500 or 300 meters, depending on the season. Summer is still the period with the highest chances of sightings: as the snow and sea ice melt, the bears tend to come closer to the coast to hunt seals. All that remains is to hope for some luck and always stay alert
Our attempt to reach the pack ice increases the chances of a sighting.
Temperatures can range from a few degrees below zero to a few degrees above. It is therefore essential to dress in layers to be prepared for any situation. It is also important to protect extremities with gloves and a hat. For footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended
After booking, we will send a detailed packing list, distinguishing recommended items from essential equipment.
Landing is one of the most fun activities to do in Svalbard and is definitely the best way to explore the area. The boat is equipped with Zodiacs, small inflatable boats that allow you to reach the shore safely and easily. From there, you can explore abandoned villages, spot wildlife, and discover places that few—or almost no one—has ever visited before.
