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Following a sold-out debut in 2025, we're delighted to announce two new departures for 2026. ‘COMO Journey: Into the Arctic' pairs our signature luxury COMO Cuisine and COMO Shambhala wellness treatments with the expedition expertise of Natural World Safaris, specialists in remote, wildlife-rich destinations.

Guests will sail aboard the M/S Polarfront from the Norwegian town of Longyearbyen to explore the pristine wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago.

Expedition One: May 13th to 23rd 2026 (11 days, 10 nights)
Expedition Two: September 13th to 24th 2026 (12 days, 11 nights)

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Webinar Series: with the experts

An Introduction to the Arctic

January 28th 2026 | 12pm GMT / 7am EST / 8pm SGT

Join Will Bolsover, Founder and CEO of Natural World Safaris, in conversation with Sophy Roberts, travel journalist and author, for a lively discussion about Svalbard, its wildlife and the spirit of Arctic adventure.

Register now

Hear from the Experts, Chef and Guide

February 4th | 9am GMT / 5pm SGT

Join Chef Daniel Moran, Culinary Vice President at COMO Hotels and Resorts, and Ben Rowley, Polar Specialist from Natural World Safaris, to hear more about the rhythm of the expedition, from dining to wildlife sightings.

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Arctic Inspiration, Wellness to Wildlife

February 17th | 12pm EST / 5pm GMT

Katie Losey, Head of Partnerships and Conservation at Natural World Safaris, and Matteo Pasquali, expert physiologist and onboard COMO Shambhala therapist, discuss expedition highlights, from Zodiac wildlife encounters to restorative wellness in one of the world's most peaceful landscapes. 

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YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE: MAY OR SEPTEMBER

Both journeys offer transformative polar experiences, but with differing seasonal perspectives. The May expedition is in the Arctic's early season, whilst the September departure captures the final colours of Arctic summer.

The Arctic awakens

May 13th to 23rd 2026 (11 days, 10 nights)

An early-season expedition when the Arctic is at its most pristine, when sea ice limits access and heightens the sense of remoteness. The light is endless, casting a silvery glow across frozen fjords under the midnight sun. Polar bears patrol the ice, walruses occupy drifting floes, seals lounge, and nesting bird colonies take over cliff faces in a burst of sound and flight.

Choose May if you want to experience the Arctic at its most raw and icy, with continuous daylight, dramatic sea ice, and opportunities to see polar bears and other ice-dependent wildlife.

More details

The Arctic's final glow

September 13th to 24th 2026 (12 days, 11 nights)

The Arctic begins its gentle retreat. Sea ice pulls back, opening new routes for navigation, while wildlife shifts into a late-season rhythm. Whales become more commonly sighted, reindeer and Arctic foxes roam the shoreline, and walrus haul-outs grow larger. The last remnants of sea ice still offer potential glimpses of a polar bear. The night sky darkens, bringing the chance of an aurora display.

Choose September if you prefer milder temperatures, softer light, and the chance to see vibrant autumn tundra colours. There are more opportunities for hiking, longer shore landings, sightings of whales, and a chance to catch the northern lights.

More details

Into the Arctic

M/S Polarfront will depart Longyearbyen on an unforgettable COMO Journey toward the remote northern reaches of the Svalbard archipelago a vast area of fjords, snowy islands and unspoilt polar wilderness. Specialist leaders will share their knowledge on the wildlife, sustainability, culture and history of the region. Expect to go in search of polar bears as they hunt, spot walruses basking in the sun and whales breaching the icy seas.

Getting Here

Longyearbyen is the capital city of Svalbard, with the archipelago's airport, serviced by two flights per day directly from Oslo in Norway, or via Trømso. The direct flight from Oslo takes approximately two hours and 50 minutes, while the flight from Trømso takes an hour and a half. We recommend arriving at Longyearbyen at least one day before your expedition in case of any travel complications due to weather.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on a rare opportunity of a lifetime in style, comfort and flexibility. Relax in luxury with eight suites, nourishing cuisine, COMO Shambhala wellness offerings and expert-led polar adventures.

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Wellness by COMO Shambhala

Also included in your booking is access to our COMO Shambhala treatments on board - an ideal remedy for the body after a day of exploration. Balance mind and body with a selection of signature massages with expert bodyworker Matteo Pasquali. A sauna and hot tub are also available on board when sea conditions are suitable.

View treatment menu
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Activities by NWS

Our Expedition Leaders will guide you on daily off-ship zodiac and land trips in search of the majestic polar bear, also known as the ‘King of the Arctic', sun-seeking walruses, 17 different species of whales, the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and beautiful Arctic flora. They will also share their knowledge through workshops, discussions and lectures on photography, wildlife, sustainability, culture and history of the region.

A Bowl Of Soup 3

COMO Cuisine

Emphasising wholesome, healthy recipes, your journey features classics from COMO Cuisine - fresh, comforting, East-West cooking inspired by recipes from our global portfolio of hotels and resorts. We feature salads, soups, meats and fish dishes. due the remote location of the expedition, ingredients may be substituted based on availability.

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Wellness by COMO Shambhala

Also included in your booking is access to our COMO Shambhala treatments on board - an ideal remedy for the body after a day of exploration. Balance mind and body with a selection of signature massages with expert bodyworker Matteo Pasquali. A sauna and hot tub are also available on board when sea conditions are suitable.

View treatment menu

Activities by NWS

Our Expedition Leaders will guide you on daily off-ship zodiac and land trips in search of the majestic polar bear, also known as the ‘King of the Arctic', sun-seeking walruses, 17 different species of whales, the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and beautiful Arctic flora. They will also share their knowledge through workshops, discussions and lectures on photography, wildlife, sustainability, culture and history of the region.

COMO Cuisine

Emphasising wholesome, healthy recipes, your journey features classics from COMO Cuisine - fresh, comforting, East-West cooking inspired by recipes from our global portfolio of hotels and resorts. We feature salads, soups, meats and fish dishes. due the remote location of the expedition, ingredients may be substituted based on availability.

About M/S Polarfront

Overview

M/S Polarfront is a 55m by 10m expedition ship carrying just 12 guests. Built in Norway in 1976 as a research vessel for the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, she was recommissioned in 2017 for polar voyages. Today, she offers exclusivity in the polar travel market, combining luxury and spacious comfort with the capability to navigate the far north.

Polarfront's ice-capable design and advanced stabilisation system provide a smooth and comfortable journey. Capable of cruising at steady knots, she has recently been fitted with a brand-new propulsion system and newly installed engines, making her more environmentally friendly. Polarfront is also equipped with two Mark V Zodiacs, ready to take you closer to the Arctic's landscapes, wildlife, and historic landing sites.

Decks and Facilities

There are a total of three decks, each designed to balance exploration, comfort and wellbeing.

Deck One: Houses a fitness and recreation room equipped with a treadmill, rowing machine, bicycle, weight training, and floor exercise equipment.

Deck Two: Dedicated to comfort and privacy, this deck features eight ensuite guest cabins with double or twin beds (except for Suite 1 fitted with twin beds only), along with a dining room where guests gather to enjoy nourishing meals by COMO Cuisine together.

Deck Three: The perfect place to unwind with a view, offering an outdoor hot tub and panoramic windowed sauna, along with the Coriolis Lounge - the ship's central social space for guide talks and relaxing with fellow guests. The open navigation bridge offers unobstructed views for photography and observation of the stunning polar environment and its rare wildlife.


ACCOMMODATION

M/S Polarfront can accommodate 12 guests, featuring light-filled single or double occupancy suites. Ranging from 16.7m2 to 26.8m2, all rooms are complete with large portholes and en suite bathrooms. Choose from the Polarfront Suite, Deluxe Suites, Grande Suites or indulge in the Owner's Suite.

Room Types

Polarfront Suite: Our Polarfront Suite is single occupancy and is equipped with a private en suite and multiple porthole windows.

Deluxe Suite: Deluxe Suites are spacious single or double occupancy rooms with private en suites and extensive closet space.

Grande Suite: Situated towards the bow, Grande Suites are among our most spacious and are double occupancy suites.

Owner's Suite: The double occupancy Owner's Suite offers luxurious space and comfort, with a large living and sleeping area, separate toilet and shower facilities, copious storage and four working porthole windows.

Double occupancy rooms are offered with your choice of one large bed or two twin beds.

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

Polarfront Suite

Grande Suite

Owner's Suite

Price and Inclusions

A Snowy Mountain Side
Rates have been revised from January 5th 2026

RATES

Starting from rates are as below: 

Expedition One: May 13th to 23rd 2026 (11 days, 10 nights)

  • Cabin for one guest : £2,150 per night. Total 10 nights
  • Cabin for two guests: £3,630 per night. Total 10 nights 

Expedition Two: September 13th to 24th 2026 (12 days, 11 nights)

  • Cabin for one guest: £2,191 per night. Total 11 nights 
  • Cabin for two guests: £3,627 per night. Total 11 nights

More rates are available upon enquiry.
 

Inclusions

Your booking includes:

  • On arrival, 1-night accommodation at Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen, with dinner and wine pairing
  • 9-nights (May) or 10 nights (September) accommodation onboard M/S Polarfront
  • Full-board meals including signature COMO breakfast, COMO Cuisine classics, COMO Shambhala Ginger Tea and cookies freshly prepared by COMO Culinary Chef
  • Selected range of COMO Shambhala wellness therapies, when sea conditions are calm, with expert bodyworker Matteo Pasquali
  • All excursions and activities, including lectures and workshops, in good company with Expedition Leaders
  • Services of Expedition Leaders
  • COMO-branded goodies
  • Muck boots rental
  • Hot tub and sauna amenities on board
  • COMO Shambhala in-cabin bath amenities
A Boat On The Water

Exclusions

Your booking excludes:

  • International flights to/from Longyearbyen
  • Any additional accommodation in Longyearbyen that is not part of specified itinerary
  • Polar clothing
  • Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance
  • Tips for crew and guides
  • Any personal expenses

About the Expedition Leaders

With a range of backgrounds, all of our Expedition Leaders have years of experience working aboard ships in Svalbard. Whether they focus on photography, wildlife, history, culture or a mixture of all these things, they are fascinating people who will greatly add to your Arctic experience.

Hadleigh Measham

Hadleigh Measham has spent nearly 15 years exploring the polar regions, completing over 150 expeditions across West Antarctica, Svalbard, East Greenland, the Russian Arctic, and Canada.

Originally from Beaconsfield, England, he spends most of his time aboard ice strengthened vessels and icebreakers or working in remote field camps. A passionate diver, skier, mountaineer, and mountain biker, he once led dives with beluga whales in Arctic Canada. He also lectures on polar fauna, ice ecology, and history, with a deep interest in Arctic anthropology. When home, he explores his artistic side, painting large canvases inspired by his polar adventures.

Anaïs Afrika

Born in Santiago, Chile, Anaïs Afrika is a photographer and adventurer with a deep connection to the outdoors. Raised among mountains, she finds inspiration in hiking, diving, and exploring remote landscapes. With Chilean and Polish heritage, she brings a global perspective to her work, capturing the raw beauty of nature.

Since 2019, Afrika has documented Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands, guiding expeditions and teaching photography. Passionate about pristine environments, Afrika seeks new challenges, always in pursuit of the next breathtaking shot that tells the story of our planet's wildest places.

In Our Guests’ Words

From our 2025 Expeditions

"It was incredibly memorable. Very beautiful, very striking, and very educational. I have to particularly single out Hadleigh and Anais. There aren’t enough good things one can say about either one of them. They’ve got a complementary yin/yang quality, in temperament and style. As a pair, they are, in my opinion, the ideal people to be guided by. In short, I’m deeply grateful. It was a wonderful trip, and everything I hoped it might be"

“Had a great time onboard. Appreciated the lengths the chef went to (i.e fresh pastries). Crew and stewards were excellent, everyone was very welcoming. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Masseuse service worked well.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As you prepare for this unforgettable adventure, we have compiled answers to common queries you may have about travelling to Svalbard from logistics to wildlife encounters, weather conditions to money matters.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Contact Details

Complete our enquiry form here or email us at [email protected].