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Arctic Norway Frontier – Svalbard, Fjords & Oslo

Arctic Norway Frontier – Svalbard, Fjords & Oslo

From AUD $8,838

Description

Begin in Svalbard with a wildlife and glacier tour by electric catamaran, then sail our Signature Svalbard Line through remote fjords and historic Arctic sites beneath the Midnight Sun. From Bergen, end your journey with a scenic rail adventure through Norway’s mountains to Oslo.

Trip Name
Arctic Norway Frontier - Svalbard, Fjords & Oslo
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 135,75 m Passenger Capacity: 500 Built/Refurbished: 2003/2021 MS Midnatsol, named after the magical Midnight Sun of northern Norway, offers a warm, Art Deco-inspired atmosphere, where golden hues reflect the beauty of endless summer days. Built in 2003 and lightly refurbished in 2021, the ship features three unique restaurants, an Explorer Lounge & Bar, a panoramic sauna and fitness room, and inviting cabins designed for comfort. Its interiors are adorned with Norwegian art and natural colour palettes that create a cosy yet modern maritime experience. Onboard, guests are guided by an expert Expedition Team who bring Norway’s landscapes and heritage to life through enriching talks and guided excursions. From scenic hikes and cultural tours to locally sourced cuisine and relaxing hot tubs, MS Midnatsol blends contemporary comfort with the rugged romance of Norway’s coast. The ship is set to become a Signature vessel in 2026, offering upgraded features and future voyages to Svalbard.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Arrival in Longyearbyen
Welcome to Svalbard, where rugged brown and green mountains ripple up from the Arctic tundra and snowmelt rivers glisten under the summer sun. Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the Svalbard archipelago’s largest settlement. Once a coal mining colony, it’s now a lively hub for adventurers, scientists and engineers working on world-renowned research projects such as the Global Seed Vault. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel Funken Lodge for check-in. If you have the time, explore the surrounding area or simply relax before your first activity. In the early evening, a bus collects you for a short 10–15 minute drive through the vast Adventdalen (Advent Valley) to Camp Barentz – a cluster of cabins, including a replica of the one where Willem Barentz, Svalbard’s discoverer, overwintered in 1596. You’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable host, who’ll be armed with polar bear protection, and welcomed into the warmth of the firelit cabin. Over drinks, homemade reindeer bidos, coffee, and dessert you’ll learn fascinating facts and stories about the ‘King of the Arctic.’ Afterwards, step outside to photograph the wild landscape, perhaps spotting reindeer, grouse or foxes before returning to your hotel in Longyearbyen.Please note that for 2027 sailings, there will be a change to the program on Days 1 and 2. The Camp Barentz excursion will take place on Day 2 instead of Day 1, and dinner will be served at the hotel on Day 1.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Catamaran wildlife cruise and dinner
Today you’ll go on an unforgettable Wildlife and Glacier tour. After breakfast, a bus will take us to the harbour, where the hybrid electric catamaran MS Bard awaits. For the next few hours you’ll experience Svalbard's beautiful scenery up close, all while minimizing wildlife disturbance thanks to the vessel's quiet propulsion. We’ll glide silently along the ice edge of Billefjorden, taking in the breathtaking Nordenskiöldbreen glacier and the ghost town of Pyramiden. Enjoy spacious outdoor decks and panoramic windows for spectacular views. After this special cruise, there’s time to relax and perhaps explore the town on your own. In the evening we’ll enjoy the delicious ´Full Experience´ dinner at Funken Lodge. The restaurant here provides a fine dining experience that is unmatched in Longyearbyen, with the kitchen presenting intriguing flavour combinations inspired by international cuisine. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience while admiring the amazing views over Longyearbyen. Please note that for 2027 sailings, there will be a change to the program on Days 1 and 2. The Camp Barentz excursion will take place on Day 2 instead of Day 1, and dinner will be served at the hotel on Day 1.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Sailing the Svalbard Line - Embarkation
After breakfast there is still some time left before you are transferred in the afternoon to the ship.  Spend this time however you like and at your own pace. But whatever you do, take a moment to just be here, now, in Svalbard. You’re at a latitude more than 78°N and under 1,500 kilometres from the North Pole itself. The air of this Arctic desert is fresh and pure, and temperatures in summer average between zero and eight degrees Celsius thanks to a warm northern branch of the Gulf Stream.  In the evening, your ship will cast off from Longyearbyen and your sea voyage begins. Get settled into your cabin, and with the sun still high in the sky, watch Longyearbyen retreat into the horizon as you sail away into the spectacular Isfjord and head even further north. 
Day 4 - Day 4 - Science on the Arctic frontier
At the tip of the Brøgger peninsula, on one of the Kongsfjord’s shores, is Ny-Ålesund. Like Longyearbyen, it began as a coal mine but became host to scientific stations from the mid 20th century. During the summer, there are over a hundred researchers based in the town, representing 20 glaciology and climate institutes from more than 10 countries. Wander around what is one of the northernmost settlements in the world, drop in at the local museum and souvenir shop, or send a far-flung postcard back to friends and family from the small post office. Be aware that due to the sensitive scientific instruments this is a ‘radio silence’ zone, meaning mobile phones must be turned off. Finally, you will get to experience pure peace!If you weren’t up in time to enjoy the impressive views of Kongsfjord on the way to Ny-Ålesund, make sure you’re on deck as we leave. It’s one of the largest fjords in the area, with an entrance guarded by two colossal creaking glaciers that regularly deposit ice into the fjord. This stretch is also a good place to look out for walrus basking on the shores and for many different species of migrating birds, including puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots. Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land, while the white beluga whale has been known to surface in the waters here too. If we’re lucky, we might even see a polar bear prowling the coast searching for prey. Leaving Ny-Ålesund, we turn the ship around and begin to head out across the Barents Sea in the direction of mainland Norway.  
Day 5 - Day 5 - Leaving Svalbard
Today is a day at sea – a chance to slow down and simply enjoy life on board. If the weather is kind, step out on deck to soak up the Arctic summer light and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins or other sea life breaking the surface. Join one of the Expedition Team’s talks in the main hall for fascinating stories of Norway’s history, culture and wildlife, or unwind with a drink and good conversation in the bar. Meals on board celebrate Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, showcasing fresh local ingredients and authentic regional flavours. Later, you might find a quiet corner in the lounge, book in hand, as the ship glides steadily south.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Exploring ‘Little Norway’
After a day at sea, we arrive in mainland Norway. Our first stop of the day is Tromsø, to drop off any cargo from Svalbard and pick up cargo bound for ports to the south, before we continue south to Senja. The island is one of the country’s largest, and northern Norway’s fast-rising star destination, as you’d expect for a place ranked among CNN’s top ten most beautiful islands in the world. Often proudly described by locals as a ‘mini Norway’, Senja has a concentration of diverse landscapes that mirror different parts of the Norwegian coast, from the sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lofty mountains of its northern coast to the rocky coastline and pine forests of southern Senja and Ånderdalen National Park. You'll find rolling hills and birch forests to the east. Disembark in the charming fishing village of Torsken and explore by bus, e-bike, on foot, or take to the fjords on a wildlife safari on one of the optional excursions. 
Day 7 - Day 7 - Fall in love with Lofoten
Start the day with a few hours in Stokmarknes, an historic town with a special place in our hearts. It’s the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. It’s a fitting place for the Hurtigruten Museum, where you are immersed in the atmosphere of a different era on our retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken, proudly encased in glass on the waterfront. After Stokmarknes, we’ll sail via Raftsundet and Trollfjord to Lofoten. The rest of the day is all about exploring this breathtaking archipelago. Hailed as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway, you’ll understand why as you see its jagged green cliffs rise dramatically out of the ocean, climbing high into the sky like giant teeth. The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær where your ship will be based. There are shops and restaurants to enjoy, and the hours can be spent exploring and getting to know the town yourself. To experience the mountains, islands, and villages around Svolvær, choose from a variety of handpicked top Lofoten excursions. You can go fishing, kayaking, or sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery on foot or on a bus tour. 
Day 8 - Day 8 - Welcoming Bessaker
From the Lofoten Islands, we head south across the open sea and the Arctic Circle. Soak up the ocean views from the deck or simply soak in the hot tub. You’ll catch sight of the beautiful Norwegian coast again about an hour before we arrive in Bessaker, a small village in Trøndelag county.    We’ll spend the afternoon at Bessaker. Home to just 200 residents, it’s known for its excellent fishing opportunities and the surrounding waters boast plenty of skrei, coalfish and pollock. The annual fishing festival, held on the third weekend of July since 1979, attracts thousands of visitors.  Explore Bessaker and its impressive natural surroundings at your own pace – you can expect live music, a warm welcome in the museum and tasty coffee and cake in the local pub and cafe to be waiting for you – or opt to join a hike, go on a bus tour to a local organic farm, sail on a nostalgic cutter fishing boat, or enjoy a guided e-bike tour.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Secret of the Sunnmøre Alps
The ship will make a brief stop in the town of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque position on a peninsula below Mount Aksla. If you’re joining the overland excursion to Hjørundfjord and Sæbo, this is where you disembark, or you can explore the town on foot. Near to Ålesund, cutting through the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, some 1,700 metres high, is magnificent Hjørundfjord. Its picture-perfect position embedded in the Sunnmøre Alps means it is the area’s hidden gem and a secret from most other ships. On the banks of one of Hjørundfjord’s branches is the idyllic village of Sæbø. It's a beautiful spot to enjoy at your own pace – but don’t miss the free concert in the church. You can see more of the area on an optional guided walk through the beautiful scenery of the Urke Valley.    We are fast approaching the last day of our sea voyage. What better way to celebrate our Svalbard Line experience than a farewell dinner on our last night.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Beautiful Bergen
We arrive in Bergen early in the morning. After one last hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell – to the ship, the crew who made your Svalbard Line voyage so memorable, and the fellow travellers who shared it with you. Together, you’ve journeyed along Norway’s legendary coast, through landscapes that linger as memories forever. But your adventure isn’t over. A transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of Bergen, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the city’s impressive history and charm. Founded in 1070 CE, Bergen still wears its heritage proudly. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, where colourful wooden wharfs recall the city’s Hanseatic past. Explore cobbled alleyways, stop by a cosy café, or ride the Fløibanen funicular for sweeping views of the city and sea. Don’t miss the lively fish market – alive with the scents and sounds of Norway’s famous coastal tradition. 
Day 11 - Day 11 - 'Norway in a Nutshell' begins!
After breakfast a transfer bus will bring you to the train station where you start your captivating rail journey through the breathtaking landscapes of western Norway. Sit back and enjoy panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, and stunning nature. You arrive in Voss after a good hour's drive and change from Bergen train to a bus. This bus trip is through the heart of Norway's fjord country. Along the route you will see stunning vistas of lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering cliffs. During the summer season, there will be a photo stop at Stalheim, overlooking the stunning Nærøydalen valley.   After a drive you arrive in Gudvangen. Gudvangen is a tiny village nestled in the Nærøyfjord. It is the starting point for your fjord cruise and boasts an authentic Viking village, Njardarheim.  The UNESCO Nærøyfjord cruise takes the form of a remarkable electric boat ride through the awe-inspiring beauty of the Nærøyfjord, a designated World Heritage site. In the narrow and stunning fjord, you will be treated to breathtaking views of towering cliffs, pristine waters, and charming villages. A truly unforgettable journey, lasting around two hours, end in Flåm, a small fjord village in the Aurlandsfjord. After checking in at your hotel you can spend the rest of the day however you like. Either with a nice hike, a visit to the railway museum, and then enjoying a delicious cold beer at the local brewery.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Welcome to Oslo
Today, another highlight awaits you. The famous Flåm Railway is one of the most incredible railway journeys in the world. The scenic railway takes you on a captivating journey with unrivalled views of cascading waterfalls, deep ravines and lush landscapes along the way. The journey takes around an hour and ends in Myrdal, where you change again to the Bergen train - with Oslo as your final destination. 
Day 13 - Day 13 - End of the tour
Sadly, today is the end of the tour. You’re travelled all the way from Longyearbyen on a combination of ships, trains and even an electric catamaran, but now it’s time to say goodbye, but not without a last delicious breakfast at your hotel.  We know you’ll have had an amazing experience exploring Norway and Svalbard with us and we hope that we see you again in the future.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I4
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I4
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2D
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I4
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I4
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2D
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - QJ
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I4
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
28-08-202709-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - I2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - L2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - N2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - P2D
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Polar Inside - K2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - J3
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Polar Outside - O2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - YA3
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Arctic Superior - U2D
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - Q2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MG
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - M2
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $0Expedition Suite - MX

Inclusions

    • On an all-inclusive Signature voyage at a relaxed pace
    • Silent sailing makes for an unforgettable experience in Svalbard’s unspoiled nature
    • Experience 24-hour sunlight in the Arctic Circle, from mid-June to late July
    • Enjoy a gourmet local dinner and a wilderness evening at a historic lodge
    • Travel through jaw-dropping scenery on Norway’s Flåm Railway

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