Luxury hospitality leader COMO Hotels and Resorts has announced two exclusive Arctic cruise departures in 2026, offering a refined, intimate expedition through the icy wilderness of Svalbard, a remote archipelago in the Arctic Circle under Norwegian sovereignty. Designed in collaboration with specialist tour operator Natural World Safaris, these bespoke cruises promise a rare blend of Arctic wildlife encounters, luxury accommodation, and holistic wellness—raising the bar for polar tourism.
Following the success of their 2025 Arctic sailing, COMO is set to return to the far north with May and September 2026 departures aboard the M/S Polarfront, a former Norwegian weather vessel expertly repurposed as a luxury expedition ship.
Boutique Cruising on the M/S Polarfront: Exclusivity Meets Exploration
The M/S Polarfront is a boutique vessel limited to just 12 guests, offering an ultra-private, five-star experience in one of the world’s most remote locations. Outfitted with seven elegantly designed suites, including the spacious Owner’s Suite with a private lounge, the ship ensures the comforts of COMO’s hospitality—even amid floating sea ice.
Ranging in size from 178 to 947 square feet, each suite provides panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness, while the onboard sauna, hot tub, and open-air decks offer unique vantage points for soaking in the polar serenity.
Departing from Longyearbyen, the main town in Svalbard and one of the northernmost inhabited settlements on Earth, the vessel will journey through fjords and among icebergs teeming with wildlife. Guests can expect sightings of polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, and migrating whales in their untouched natural environment.
Two Distinct Seasonal Voyages
The first voyage, scheduled for May 13–23, 2026, occurs during the Arctic’s early summer, when 24-hour daylight creates dramatic lighting conditions across the icy landscape. This period is ideal for spotting wildlife as they become more active following the long polar winter.
The second cruise, September 13–24, 2026, coincides with the Aurora Borealis season. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, guests will have the rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky—an awe-inspiring spectacle visible only in these latitudes.
Both expeditions will feature daily Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings, led by experienced Arctic expedition guides with expertise in glaciology, ecology, and indigenous culture. These immersive activities ensure a deeper understanding of the fragile Arctic environment while minimizing ecological impact.
COMO Wellness and Gastronomy on Ice
Staying true to its wellness roots, COMO will provide in-room spa treatments, including sessions by renowned bodyworker Matteo Pasquali. Travelers can rejuvenate after cold-weather outings with warm therapies that align body and spirit with the Arctic atmosphere.
Onboard cuisine reflects COMO’s dedication to quality and sustainability. Guests will enjoy full-board meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, merging Nordic and Asian flavors. Signature COMO Shambhala cuisine, herbal teas, and comforting pastries will round out the culinary journey.
Each voyage begins with a pre-cruise overnight at Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen, complete with a gourmet wine-paired welcome dinner—a luxurious introduction to the Arctic adventure.
Pricing, Booking, and Availability
Due to the ship’s limited guest capacity, these cruises are some of the most exclusive Arctic experiences on the market.
- Single occupancy rates start at USD $3,100 per night
- Double occupancy costs USD $5,300 per night
This all-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, excursions, meals, wellness treatments, and the pre-expedition stay.
Bookings officially open on August 25, 2025, and demand is expected to be high among high-net-worth travelers seeking unique, eco-conscious experiences.
Conservation Meets Comfort: A Responsible Arctic Tourism Model
The initiative aligns with the rising demand for low-impact, high-value Arctic tourism, as highlighted in the Svalbard Tourism Strategy 2030, which promotes visitor management, environmental safeguards, and climate-conscious operations.
By using a retrofitted weather ship and adhering to strict guidelines from the Governor of Svalbard, COMO ensures that each journey is climate-responsible. The limited guest count, sustainable fuel use, and expert environmental planning underscore COMO’s dedication to preserving one of Earth’s last frontiers.
Moreover, the collaboration with Natural World Safaris—a company committed to wildlife conservation—adds an extra layer of ethical integrity to the voyages.
A New Benchmark in Polar Travel
COMO Hotels’ 2026 Arctic cruises are poised to redefine polar luxury, blending extreme remoteness with refined service and a strong conservation ethic. For travelers seeking transformational experiences in nature’s most pristine theater, this is more than a vacation—it is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition with purpose.
As interest in Arctic exploration grows, the combination of luxury, education, and environmental awareness promises to set a new standard for responsible tourism in one of the most delicate ecosystems on Earth.
Whether basking in the midnight sun of May or tracing the auroras in September, guests aboard the M/S Polarfront will return with not only breathtaking photos but a profound appreciation for the raw beauty and importance of the polar world.
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