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MS EXPEDITION | In the far north of Spitsbergen, between glaciers, fjords, and polar bears

In the far north of Spitsbergen, among glaciers, fjords, and polar bears | EXPEDITION 

Experience the majestic wilderness of the Arctic on an extraordinary expedition ! From the modern capital city of Oslo, you will fly  to Longyearbyen , the gateway to the Arctic, into the untouched nature of Spitsbergen – the realm of polar bears , glaciers and the midnight sun .

On board the comfortable expedition ship EXPEDITION, you will embark on an unforgettable voyage of discovery through the northernmost waters of Europe. Accompanied by an experienced expedition team, you will explore remote bays , majestic fjords, and spectacular glacier fronts by Zodiac . Amidst the silence of the Arctic, you can expect encounters with walruses, seabirds, Arctic foxes, reindeer – and with a bit of luck, even the king of the Arctic, the polar bear .

This journey offers an unforgettable nature experience in Spitsbergen – an expedition for adventurers, photographers and nature lovers who want to experience the magic of the Arctic in its purest form.

Conclusion : An unforgettable Arctic expedition in Spitsbergen: Experience the immense beauty of the North , the magic of the midnight sun and encounters with the wild wildlife on board the EXPEDITION.

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

  • Flag: Bahamas
  • Year of construction: 1976 (Yugoslavia), Renovation: 2017
  • Length: 102 m
  • Width: 16.2 m
  • Maximum diving depth: 4.65 m
  • Gross registered tons: 4,614 ITC
  • Stabilizers: 2 x Sperry Gyrofin (1998), starboard/port
  • Ice class: 1A
  • Passenger capacity: max. 128
  • Crew: 14 expedition guides (10:1 guest-to-expert ratio)
  • Electricity: 220V (Euro plug)

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.

Fly to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. This city on the Oslofjord offers a fascinating blend of modern architecture, culture, and nature. Visit the Royal Palace, the City Hall, the Opera House, or the Fram Museum – a must-see for all polar enthusiasts. Art lovers will be drawn to the Munch Museum, while foodies can savor Nordic cuisine in cozy local pubs or elegant restaurants. Overnight stay in an airport hotel in Oslo.

Flight to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and embarkation on the expedition. As the ship departs in the afternoon, enjoy your first views of the dramatic fjord landscape and the Arctic light of the midnight sun. Your expedition cruise begins – heading north!

Over the next few days, you will explore Svalbard on a genuine expedition. The exact itinerary depends on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings – the goal: to experience the Arctic nature in all its diversity.

Go ashore by Zodiac to discover immense glaciers, historical sites, and secluded bays. Experience the silence of the tundra, the creaking of the ice, and the cries of seabirds above the rocks. Observe walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and countless seabirds—and perhaps even spot a polar bear.

Expert lecturers will accompany you with fascinating presentations on flora, fauna, and the history of polar exploration. In the evenings, you can enjoy the warm atmosphere on board as the sun glides over the Arctic horizon and bathes the ice in golden hues.

You will arrive back in Longyearbyen early in the morning. After breakfast, disembarkation and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Oslo and overnight stay in an airport hotel.

 

Today your expedition ends with your return flight to your home airport. You’ll take with you unforgettable memories of a journey to the ends of the earth.

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.

Includes/Excludes

  • Scheduled flights with Lufthansa or SAS from Germany, Switzerland or Austria via Oslo to Longyearbyen and back in Economy Class
  • 1 overnight stay with breakfast in an airport hotel in Oslo before the cruise
  • 1 overnight stay with breakfast in an airport hotel in Oslo after the cruise
  • 7 nights on board the EXPEDITION in the booked cabin category from/to Longyearbyen
  • Full board on board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • 24-hour coffee, tea and water on board
  • English-speaking expedition team and scientific lectures
  • All Zodiac excursions and landings according to the daily program (weather dependent)
  • Transfers between airport and ship in Longyearbyen
  • Free loaner rubber boots on board
  • Expedition anorak as a gift (handed over on board)
  • Spitsbergen travel guide per cabin
  • Digital logbook after the trip
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (recommended)
  • International health insurance including medical repatriation (mandatory)
  • Gratuities on board (recommended: approx. USD 15 per person/day)
  • Internet access on board (for an extra charge, if available)
  • Optional activities such as kayaking (bookable in advance)

Notes 

  • The advertised itinerary serves as an example. Changes due to ice and weather conditions, official landing permits, or wildlife sightings are possible.
  • Taking out international health insurance with medical repatriation coverage is mandatory.
  • A medical questionnaire (online) must be completed before the start of the trip.
  • Solo travelers: If a single cabin is not booked, accommodation will be in a shared cabin (same gender, possibly international occupancy). No additional costs, except for any single room supplements in hotels.

 

Mobility notice

  • 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.

Overview

  • Tour Type:Group tour, Private tour
  • Language:English, German, Korean

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