To confirm your reservation, a $300-per-person deposit is required when booking a 7-day or shorter vacation. When booking an 8-day or longer vacation, a deposit of $600 per person is required. Deposit is required within 24 hours of booking. Booking information must include passenger’s full name, nationality, date of birth, and gender. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Checks, money orders, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted as forms of payment.

Travel is in Economy Class via IATA carriers, according to the route of the published itinerary. All airfares are subject to change without notice. SAS, Finnair, Icelandair, or other IATA carriers are responsible only for the air travel portion of the program in accordance with the terms and conditions of the airline ticket.

Group bookings are welcome. Special booking conditions apply. Please inquire with our reservations department for further details.

The MV Polar Star, built in 1969, is the first former icebreaker to be fully converted for expedition cruising, and therefore ranks highly among Arctic expedition cruise ships. The ship has a comfortable restaurant, large lounge, lecture room, a library, and a bar. There are no elevators on the ship.

MS Fram was built in Fincantieri, Italy in 2007 and is owned by Hurtigruten. MS Fram is specifically designed for expedition voyaging. She operates in Spitsbergen and Greenland in the summer and Antarctica in the winter. MS Fram has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. The ship has a beautiful dining room, a large observation lounge, lecture halls, a library and fitness room.

Both ships have a fleet of Zodiacs and Polarcirkel boats for excursions

A limited selection of triple cabins, as well as double cabins for single occupancy, is available on all ships. Four bed cabins are available on MS Fram.

Smoking is only permitted out on deck.

There is no dress code on board. To be adequately dressed on shore excursions, you should pack a pair of hiking boots (except for Antarctica as hiking boots are not allowed there), waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, a warm hat, a pair of windproof gloves, innergloves (we recommend wool), two sets of long underwear, a warm woolen sweater, and warm socks. In addition, we suggest two or three changes of indoor clothing, a pair of regular shoes to wear on board ship, a warm jacket (down), and a pair of solid rubber boots.

A small backpack for shore excursions is recommended, as are high UV -factor sunblock and a pair of good-quality sunglasses. There are limited goods in the gift store on board so you should bring whatever toiletries you might need during the voyage, as well as a supply of any medications you take. In the height of summer in Greenland, mosquitos can be abundant, so remember to bring mosquito repellent. If you plan to use any electrical equipment, an adapter and converter are required. Should you suffer from seasickness, don’t forget your remedies. And last but not least, binoculars and a camera are a must! (A limited supply of film is sold on board.)

We strongly encourage passengers to purchase travel insurance.

To protect and preserve the environment, around 60 percent of Svalbard has been designated national parks, nature reserves, or bird or plant sanctuaries. There are only three land mammals on Svalbard—Polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic fox—but there are a number of sea mammals, including walruses, seals, White-nosed dolphins and various whales. More than 100 species of birds have been identified in the area, and the number of plants is far higher than might be expected so far north.

It is quite something to see a Polar bear in its natural habitat. Polar bears normally do not attack humans, but they can be extremely dangerous. Our tour guides have rifles and also carry safety equipment, such as signal pistols, for the unlikely necessity of scaring away bears.

The average temperature is around 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with daylight around the clock. There is normally very little rain, but fog and low clouds can occur, especially early in the season. Chilly winds are common, and early in the season there is snow in northern Spitsbergen.

Yes, as long as the weather is clear, the Midnight Sun can be seen in Spitsbergen from late April to August.

Most of the landings (about two per day) are by Zodiac or Polarcirkel boats, and the terrain on shore may be fairly rugged, so you should be reasonably sure-footed. Other than the landings, the tour does not make any special physical demands on the participants.

We consider it a priority to have well-qualified tour leaders and guides on board who coordinate every aspect of the tour and share their knowledge of Svabard and Arctic conditions during shore excursions and on-board lectures.

There is a doctor on board, as well as access to a rescue helicopter or ship in case of an emergency or serious illness.

On board the MV Polar Star, all cabins are outside with window or porthole. Most double cabins have two lower berths. Two suites and four junior suites with queen-size berths are also available.

On board the MS Fram most cabins are double cabins, inside or outside. There are several grand suites, suites and mini-suites available as well as some 4 beds cabins, and 2 disability cabins.

MV Polar Star is not equipped for physically-challenged guests. MS Fram has two cabins for physically-challenged guests.

Both ships are equipped with laundry facilities.

On our Spitsbergen programs, there is no set policy regarding tipping.

There is no luggage handling on our Spitsbergen cruises.

Bus transfers are included in Spitsbergen between the ship/hotel and airport. In Oslo, you’ll get vouchers for the Express Train between the airport and downtown.

The ships have an electrical supply of 220 volts. An adapter and converter are required.

We do our best to meet special dietary needs. Special meal requests should be made well before departure.

A current passport is required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter Norway. A visa is not necessary.

Inoculations are not necessary for travelers to Spitsbergen.

MV Polar Star accepts Visa, and MasterCard. The gift shop on board also accepts U.S. dollars and Norwegian kroner.

MS Fram accepts American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. We will also accept US D, EURO, GBP and NOK in cash.

Members of AARP enjoy a discount of $100 per cabin. Be sure to regularly check our website for special offers.

Most travel guide books on Norway have a section regarding Spitsbergen. You’ll also find a list of suggested reading material on our website.