This 11-day expedition cruise takes you from Tromsø, via the remote Bjørnøya (Bear Island), to Longyearbyen in Svalbard – to a time when the northern light shines tirelessly and the sea is still dotted with ice floes . It is early summer beyond the Arctic Circle : the sea awakens, the sun shines brightly in the sky, and yet snow, fjord ice, and glittering glaciers dominate the scenery.
This journey into the light takes you through a world of rugged cliffs, deep blue fjords, and shimmering ice sheets – a landscape that is both harsh and breathtakingly beautiful. Here, polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer roam freely. Puffins and auks circle above the rocks as the expedition team guides you in small groups to the most fascinating landing sites . Bjørnøya (Bear Island) , first discovered by Willem Barents in 1596, tells the story of the whalers and early explorers who once explored this remote part of the world.
Zodiac landings , short coastal excursions , and fascinating lectures by the experienced expedition team allow you to experience the flora, fauna, and history of this remote region up close. Comfortable cabins and full board on board complete the adventure – a journey for all those who want to discover the Arctic in the light of early summer and in the face of the ice.
Conclusion : An impressive expedition full of light, silence, wildlife and Arctic history – perfect for explorers who want to experience the magic of the far north beyond the Arctic Circle.
Your comfortable expedition ship for unforgettable polar voyages.
The MS EXPEDITION is a G Adventures expedition ship specifically designed for polar exploration . With a maximum of 128 guests and a guest-to-expert ratio of approximately 10:1, it offers ideal conditions for immersive nature and wildlife encounters . Built in Yugoslavia in 1976, the ship underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2017. New engines, modernized cabins with private bathrooms , and upgraded common areas create a comfortable environment for demanding expedition cruises . Thanks to its high ice class 1A , the MS EXPEDITION is perfectly suited for voyages in polar waters – through fjords , between ice fields , and along remote coastal regions . On board, you can expect spacious outer decks with excellent views of icebergs and glaciers , as well as comfortable indoor spaces such as a lounge, lecture and film room, library, and panoramic hall . The atmosphere is relaxed and experienced in expedition cruising ; smart casual attire is appropriate for the Captain’s Dinner . The equipment combines comfort with functional expedition quality , so you can fully concentrate on your adventure .
Ship data | EXPEDITION
Cabin categories
Triple : Main deck, size: approx. 13.5 m², beds: 2 lower + 1 upper bed, porthole, private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Lower Deck Twin : Lower deck, size: approx. 11 m², beds: 2 lower beds, porthole, private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Main Deck Twin Porthole : Main deck, size: approx. 11 m², beds: 2 lower beds, porthole, private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Main Deck Twin Window: Main deck, amidships (Deck 2): Size: approx. 11 m², Beds: 2 lower beds, 2 windows, Private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Superior: Captain’s or upper deck, size: approx. 12 m², beds: 2 lower beds, large panoramic window, private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Deluxe: Captain’s deck, size: approx. 13 m², beds: 2 lower beds, large panoramic window, private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Suite : Captain’s Deck, Size: approx. 20 m², Double bed (consisting of 2 single beds), Sofa and seating area, Large panoramic window, Private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
Owner’s Suite: – Bridge deck, stern, size: approx. 19 m², double bed (consisting of 2 single beds), large sitting area with sofa, panoramic window to port, starboard or aft (depending on cabin), private bathroom with shower/toilet and hairdryer.
All cabins feature a private bathroom with shower/toilet, individually controlled air conditioning/heating, safe, hairdryer, and shampoo/shower gel. Size, location, and view vary depending on the category.
Arrival from Germany, Switzerland, or Austria in Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to gain initial impressions of this vibrant city north of the Arctic Circle. Visit the striking Arctic Cathedral with its impressive architecture, discover fascinating stories about early expeditions in the Polar Museum, or take the cable car up Storsteinen mountain, which offers a magnificent view of the city, the islands, and the sea. Overnight stay in a hotel in Tromsø.
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll through the city center or along the harbor promenade before boarding the EXPEDITION in the afternoon. Norway’s northernmost major city welcomes you with crisp air and the bright light of the midnight sun. As the ship departs in the golden evening light, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner, preparing for the days ahead in the ice – a journey that will take you step by step further into the light.
You sail north across the open sea, where ice floes and shimmering ice floes dance on the surface. The sun accompanies you around the clock, and the sea reflects the endless light of the sky. Soon you reach Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a remote, windswept island with towering cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest. Puffins, guillemots, and fulmars fill the air with life. Zodiac excursions offer breathtaking wildlife viewing, while the expedition team shares fascinating insights into the wildlife, geology, and history of this region.
Your journey continues north along Spitsbergen’s south coast, where the sea meets the ice. Mighty glacier tongues reach right into the water, and even in early summer, fjord ice is still omnipresent. You’ll explore Hornsund Fjord and the Bellsund area , two of the archipelago’s most spectacular regions. Zodiac excursions will take you to small bays and close to icefalls. With a bit of luck, you might spot polar bears hunting for prey or walruses resting on ice floes. The interplay of light, water, and ice creates an unparalleled atmosphere.
Depending on weather and ice conditions, your expedition will continue along the west coast of Spitsbergen, a region of impressive scenic diversity. Deep fjords cut between snow-covered mountains, and mighty glacier fronts calve directly into the sea.
You will explore impressive locations such as Recherchefjord , Magdalenefjord , and Kongsfjord near Ny-Ålesund , home to one of the world’s northernmost research stations. During Zodiac excursions and shore landings, you will experience Arctic wildlife up close: walruses, seals, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and numerous seabirds such as thick-billed murres and glaucous gulls.
Your wildlife viewing will be supported by the expedition team, who will provide fascinating explanations about wildlife, history, and climate change. Depending on ice and weather conditions, you will explore nearby coastlines, fjords, glacier fronts, or bird colonies – all from the ship or in a Zodiac. For unique perspectives, you can also go ashore to visit historical sites and experience the tundra.
In the evening, the soft light of the midnight sun bathes mountains, glaciers and sea in pastel-colored glow – unforgettable moments that make the magic of Spitsbergen particularly intense.
Your journey continues to more fjords and imposing glacier fronts. In places, the sea is still covered with fjord ice, which cracks softly as the Zodiacs glide through. On shore excursions, you’ll witness how early summer slowly pushes back the ice, while seabirds circle above the cliffs. The expedition team will provide scientific and historical background information, while you simply absorb the clear air, the light, and the vastness of the Arctic.
In the morning you will arrive in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world – surrounded by mountains, snow, and the bright light of the Arctic summer. After disembarking, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Oslo. You will arrive in Oslo in the evening, where an overnight stay in an airport hotel is planned.
Breakfast at the hotel and onward flight to Germany, Switzerland or Austria. Arrival on the same day.
note
The programs we have presented reflect a possible expedition itinerary.
Since shore excursions depend on local weather and ice conditions, alternative plans sometimes have to be made. This is the only way we can ensure you experience the greatest possible variety of landscapes and wildlife. The captain and expedition leader will decide on the final itinerary. A daily program with the planned activities will be provided to you on site each day.
Please bear in mind: Flexibility is crucial for the success of expedition cruises.
We are obliged to point out that this trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.
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