Mirella Pandjaitan
Aug 18, 2025
The rare opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago aboard the seven-suite M/S Polarfront - a former Norwegian weather ship transformed into a boutique Arctic expedition vessel - is now available thanks to COMO Journey: Into the Arctic. COMO Hotels and Resorts is collaborating with Natural World Safaris, specialists in remote, wildlife-rich destinations, for this once-in-a-lifetime journey, scheduled for May and September 2026.
Each unforgettable expedition blends COMO’s signature elements - COMO Shambhala wellness, nutritious COMO Cuisine, and exceptional service - with the raw beauty and wildlife of the Arctic, guided by a team of seasoned experts.
Expedition 1, The Arctic Awakens
From 13th to 23rd May 2026, discerning travellers will step into a world of endless light and icy grandeur. This early-season voyage offers a rare glimpse of the Arctic at its most pristine, where dramatic sea ice dominates the landscape and wildlife stirs into action. Witness polar bears patrolling the floes, walruses basking on drifting ice, and seabird colonies erupting in sound and flight. Bathed in the glow of the midnight sun, this expedition is ideal for those seeking the Arctic in its rawest, most elemental form.
Expedition 2, The Arctic’s Final Glow
As the Arctic transitions into autumn, this late-season journey setting sail between 13th and 24th September 2026, reveals a softer, more colourful side of the polar north. Sea ice recedes, opening new paths for exploration, while whales breach more frequently and the tundra blazes with autumn hues. Reindeer and Arctic foxes roam the shoreline, and the darkening skies may unveil the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. This expedition is perfect for those who prefer milder temperatures, longer shore landings, and the chance to witness the Arctic’s vibrant seasonal transition.
There is more to the expeditions....
Boutique luxury afloat: The M/S Polarfront, accommodating up to just 12 guests, features seven light-filled suites with en-suite bathrooms, a sauna, and a hot tub, offering comfort and warmth amidst the frozen seascape.
COMO Cuisine: Enjoy nourishing, East-meets-West fusion dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients — a culinary experience that balances indulgence with wellbeing.
COMO Shambhala Wellness: Rejuvenate onboard with curated wellness treatments from expert bodyworker Matteo Pasquali, aligned with COMO’s holistic philosophy.
Expert-Led exploration: Gain exclusive insights through onboard lectures, photography workshops, and discussions on Arctic ecology, sustainability, and culture.
Immersive Arctic safaris: Explore ice-filled fjords, snow-capped peaks, and remote islands via Zodiac safaris and guided land excursions. Witness polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer in their natural habitat.
COMO Journey: Into the Arctic redefines expedition travel by seamlessly combining thrilling exploration with COMO’s signature hallmarks.
The 2026 Arctic Journeys go on sale from 25th August 2025. The 10-night May 2026 expedition starts from £23,000 (single occupancy) or £39,000 based on two sharing a Polarfront Suite and includes one night of pre-expedition in Longyearbyen.
Click here to make your bookings or gain further insights.