Como Hotels Is Bringing Back Its Ultra-luxury Arctic Yacht Expedition—and It Promises Glaciers, Northern Lights, and Wildlife

When a name like COMO Hotels and Resorts announces a foray into Arctic waters onboard a luxury expedition yacht, it’s hardly a surprise that the two departure dates are a total sell out — especially when there’s only a maximum of 12 guests per sailing.

So successful was its 2025 debut that “COMO Journey: Into the Arctic” is returning for a further two itineraries in 2026. That’s guaranteed to be a ray of polar sunshine not only for those who missed out last year, but also for travelers ready to venture to one of the planet’s most remote edges with COMO’s Shambhala wellness and culinary program at their fingertips.

These sailings into the farthest reaches of the Svalbard Archipelago onboard the MS Polarfront set COMO apart as the first luxury hospitality brand to propose yachting expeditions to the Arctic, and are organized in partnership with Natural World Safaris, specialists in small-group, expert-led journeys.

The 10- and 11-night departures in May and September set sail from Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard. The exact itinerary will remain fluid, guided by weather conditions, the thickness of the ice, and wildlife spotting opportunities. What those onboard can be certain of, however, is an untouched polar landscape of ice-capped fjords and islands. The scene is a playground for polar bears, seals, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer, birds, and more.

Both cruises are led by specialist expedition leaders and promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the least-charted reaches of the world, but offer their own distinct seasonal character.

Setting sail between May 13-23, “The Arctic Awakens” allows guests to enjoy the first days of the new season, when the region is bathed in round-the-clock light. Expect to see polar bears, walruses and seals, as well as nesting bird colonies, as you meander through the Arctic at its wildest.

September’s departure, “The Arctic’s Final Glow”, runs between September 13-24 ,and, as the name suggests, is an autumn voyage that captures the fading colors of the season. With milder temperatures, you’ll be on shore for longer and, as night returns, so does the possibility of northern lights viewing.

As of last year, new regulations mean only ships carrying 200 passengers or fewer are allowed to land in Svalbard’s protected areas. With just eight suites, MS Polarfront is one of the most intimate vessels to cruise the region’s waters. A former Norwegian weathership converted into an ice-capable luxury explorer yacht, features include two zippy Zodiac’s for shore excursions and an on-deck hot tub and sauna.

A program of COMO’s signature Shambhala massages are also included in the fare, while COMO’s Vice President of Culinary, Daniel Moran, has overseen a tailor-made menu of healthy dining inspired by dishes from COMO’s hotels and resorts around the world. The cuisine draws upon locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Rates start from £21,500 ($29,389), all inclusive, for single occupancy, a price that includes one night pre-departure in Longyearbyen. Both expeditions can also be booked as private charters.

See comohotels.com for more information.