Cruise Overview
Arctic Island Odyssey - Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
Setting out from Oslo to Greenland via Svalbard, explore the largest national park and the grandest fjord system on Earth.
Discover epic scenery and captivating nature in true explorer style as our flexible route makes the best of the conditions.
Fully immersive learning experience with onboard lectures, Citizen Science projects and demos.
From Svalbard to Greenland
Setting sail from Longyearbyen, we’ll first visit the polar research station of Ny-Ålesund before heading to Greenland to explore the Northeast Greenland National Park. This gigantic natural reserve of 375,000 square miles occupies the remote northeastern quarter of the country. In the absence of people, wildlife abounds and with some luck you might see iconic Arctic species like musk oxen and even polar bears.
From Greenland to Iceland
Further south, Scoresby Sund is an immense system of fjords and glaciers fanning out over 24,000 square miles. Expect majestic fjord landscapes, historical ruins, abundant Arctic wildlife, and a potential visit to one of the most remote communities in the world before we sail to Iceland at the end of the voyage.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Available Dates
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Day 1
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time, why not explore the city centre on your own.
With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You'll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Welcome to Longyearbyen
Day 2-4
Welcome to Longyearbyen
Get to know the town at the top of the world
After a morning flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two nights in the world’s northernmost town. A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, you’ll discover that Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness.
Spend the next two-and-a-half days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings. The town is perfect for getting around on foot – stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. But don’t worry, although wild, they're curious and tame.
To give you a wider look, local guides will take you on an e-bike tour of the area and present the historic backdrop to the town at the top of the world.
From the expedition centre you’ll head out of town and along an unpaved road to Hotellneset, which has a lake and showcases the remnants of the area’s mining past. Svalbard’s very first hotel was built here by Hurtigruten pioneer Richard With before the modern town we see today had even been constructed.
We’ll then head back into Longyearbyen along the ‘Burma Road’, which was an important link for coal being shipped from the harbour, enjoying panoramic views as we ride. Sights along the way include an old funicular, the historic Svalbard Church and the ruined remains of the original Longyearbyen, which was bombed during WWII.
From here we’ll continue under the steep cliffs of the Plateau Mountain, passing the graveyard and the iconic Huset – a building which has been everything from a cinema to bar, school and church. We will continue on to Coal Miners’ Cabins, the original miners’ home, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before completing our tour and returning to the hotel.
On Day 4 you’ll have the morning to finish off looking around Longyearbyen before boarding the ship in the afternoon and beginning our expedition cruise.
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Day 5
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Experience science, serenity and epic scenery
Today, you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and one of the northernmost settlements in the world, strategically located at the entry into beautiful Kongsfjord.
The coal deposits were claimed in 1909 and exploitation started shortly after, supported by investors from the Norwegian town of Ålesund, hence the name of Ny-Ålesund. After operations ceased in 1962, the town was abandoned until polar scientists realised it would be a fantastic base for all kinds of Arctic research.
Now an international hub for global science and climate research, including China’s Yellow River station, you can still see remnants of the town’s history, closely connected to Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’.
Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Relaxing at sea
Day 6-7
Relaxing at sea
Getting ready for Greenland - Kalaallit Nunaat
As we sail into the Greenland Sea on our way to the world’s largest island, it’s time to relax, find your sea legs and get acquainted with the onboard facilities.
The Expedition Team will give talks about your upcoming adventure and will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and Indigenous Arctic communities. In the lecture hall, you’ll find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the stunning fjords of Scoresby Sund.
If you’re feeling active, head to the gym and do a workout with a view. On the other hand, you could sample the sauna, laze in a hot tub, indulge yourself at the onboard eateries or just find a quiet corner to read a book with a hot drink. Love science? Then why not join one of our onboard Citizen Science projects, a fun and engaging way to contribute to global research.
Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund expedition days
Day 8-15
Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund expedition days
Explore the wild east
We’ll spend the next eight days exploring Greenland’s remote and pristine east coast. Extending for over 1,740 miles from north to south, this long stretch of coast is cold, isolated, and remote even by Greenlandic standards. The south-flowing East Greenland Current brings lots of sea ice directly from the Arctic Ocean, challenging human settlement but creating a heaven for ice-dependant wildlife, including the polar bear.
Local weather and ice conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan is to sail first to Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. You’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged region, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains. If conditions permit, we’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit – the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere.
Should the sea ice be favourable, we’ll continue our journey north to the beautiful Northeast Greenland National Park – the world’s largest national park. Visiting this fragile Artic wilderness is a rare privilege as only a few visitors are permitted here each year.
Apart from old trapper huts, some science research stations, and a military outpost, there are very few traces of human life in this 375,000 square mile park. Be assured that this is one of the quietest places on Earth, and you’ll enjoy a feeling of great peace as we explore this beautiful wilderness.
As this is an expedition cruise, the Captain and Expedition Team will guide us to the most favourable spots on a daily basis. Our goal will be to pack in as many shore landings, small boat cruises, nature walks, kayaking adventures and wildlife sightings as possible.
Denmark Strait
Day 16
Denmark Strait
Heading to Iceland
After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we set our course back for Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales.
As you reflect on your cruise, from witnessing the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice, east Greenland’s beauty is sure to have left its mark on you.
Reykjavík
Day 17
Reykjavík
End of the expedition
We say a fond farewell to MS Fram as we end our expedition cruise in the lovely city of Reykjavík. With its interesting museums, stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Iceland’s capital.
And if you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey!
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
Hotel
- One overnight in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
Transfers
- All transfers and excursions in Longyearbyen
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise