
MS Spitsbergen
Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of HX's 1896 'Sports Route' between mainland Norway and Svalbard. She is a modern and environmentally progressive ship, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-track.
Good for
Daily excursions, Onboard Science Centre, Meals included, Gratuities included, Expert lectures
What to expect from MS Spitsbergen
Overview
Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of HX's 1896 'Sports Route' between mainland Norway and Svalbard. She is a modern and environmentally progressive ship, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-track.
Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 150 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.
On every voyage, you’ll be joined by our dedicated Expedition Team — a close-knit group of naturalists, historians, and guides. They lead landings, host science lectures, and share stories that deepen your understanding of the places we explore. From spotting whales to discussing Norwegian friluftsliv
, they make each encounter more meaningful.
Welcome aboard
An HX trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks* and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Accommodation
Expedition Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.
Arctic Superior
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
Polar Outside
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
Polar Inside
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
Expedition Suite | Owners Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.
- Upper-deck two-room suite
- Private balcony
- Seating area
- Some are wheelchair accessible, may be available for general booking
- Double bed
- Sofa bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 4 | Size: 32-33 m2
- Cabin Code: MX
Expedition Suite | Grand Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.- Upper-deck suite
- Private balcony
- Double bed
- Sofa bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 4 | Size: 28-29 m2
- Cabin Code: MG
- Double bed
Expedition Suite | Mini Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.- Lower-deck suite
- Window
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 16-17 m2
- Cabin Code: Q2
Expedition Suite | Mini Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.- Lower-deck suite
- Window
- Double bed
- Sofa bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 3 | Size: 22-23 m2
- Cabin Code: Q3
Expedition Suite | Mini Suite
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.
- Lower-deck suite
- Window
- Double bed
- Sofa bed
- Pullman bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 4 | Size: 21-22 m2
- Cabin Code: Q4
Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
-
Upper-deck cabin
- Window (limited or no view)
- Double bed
- Some with sofa bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 4 | Size: 14-18 m2
- Cabin Code: QJ
Arctic Superior | Wheelchair-Accessible
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
-
Upper-deck cabin
- Window (limited or no view)
- Wheelchair-accessible cabin, may be available for general booking
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 18 m2
- Cabin Code: YA
Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
- Upper-deck cabin
- Double bed
- Window
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 13-14 m2
- Cabin Code: U2D
Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
-
Upper-deck cabin
- Window (limited or partly obstructed view)
- Some with an observation deck
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 11 m2
- Cabin Code: P2D
Polar Outside | Outside cabin - Lower deck for up to 3 travellers
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
- Lower-deck cabin
- Window
- Two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths)
- Twin bed that converts into a sofa
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 3 | Size: 13-14 m2
- Cabin Code: O3
Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
- Upper-deck cabin
- Window (limited or no view)
- Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berth)
- Single sofa bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 3 | Size: 11-12 m2
- Cabin Code: J3
Polar Outside | Outside cabin for 2 travellers
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
- Lower-deck cabin
- Window
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 13-14 m2
- Cabin Code: O2D
Polar Outside | Outside Cabin
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.- Upper-deck cabin
- Window (limited or no view)
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 11-12 m2
- Cabin Code: J2D
Polar Inside | Larger inside cabin for 2 travellers
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
- Upper-deck cabin
- No window
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 15-20 m2
- Cabin Code: K2D
Polar Inside | Superior Inside Cabin
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
- Lower- or upper-deck cabin
- No window
- Double bed
- Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berths)
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 4 | Size: 15-20 m2
- Cabin Code: K4D
Polar Inside | Inside Cabin
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
- Lower-deck cabin
- No window
- Double bed
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: 2 | Size: 9-14 m2
- Cabin Code: I2D
Decks
Deck 8
- Observation Deck
Deck 7
- Hot Tubs
- Sauna
- Gym
- Observation Deck
- Polar Inside Cabins
- Polar Outside Cabins
- Arctic Superior Cabins
Deck 6
- Explorer Lounge & Bar
- Polar Outside Cabins
- Polar Inside Cabins
- Arctic Superior Cabins
- Expedition Suites
-
Science Centre
Deck 5
- Aune Restaurant
- Explorer Lounge & Bar
- Reception
- Brygga
- Observation Deck
- Shop
Deck 4
- Polar Outside Cabins
- Polar Inside Cabins
- Expedition Suites
- Luggage
- Gangway
- Medical Centre
Deck 3
- Expedition Launch Pad
Gratuities
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX Expeditions and we’ll never add discretionary charges onto your bill (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
Entertainment
Life on MS Spitsbergen is casual, calm, and connected to nature. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the window or watching the world go by from the observation deck, the spirit of discovery stays with you, even between landings.
Explorer Lounge & Bar
This relaxed space is where the day’s stories gather. With sweeping views and a warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for sharing discoveries, attending briefings, or simply watching the waves roll by.
Shop
Located on Deck 5
Observation Decks
The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Reception
Located on Deck 5.
Library
The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.
Enrichment
Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new. You will be joined on the Norwegian coast and on expedition voyages by expert Expedition Teams, all hand-picked due to their knowledge and experience. They will give lectures and lead activities all designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the areas you're sailing in. Learn about the history, cultures and wildlife.
Expedition Team
The onboard Expedition Team is composed of the Expedition Leader, the Assistant Expedition Leader, the Expedition Coordinator plus several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on board. In the ships science center, you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions and activities.
Shore Excursions
We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English-speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.
In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability.
Science Centre
The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals
Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.
This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.
Expedition Launch
Located on Deck 3
Lectures
The ship’s experienced lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program.
Dining
Food connects us to place. That’s why, wherever possible, flavours on board are inspired by the regions we explore. Expect seasonal ingredients, regional dishes, and sustainable seafood, all served in relaxed surroundings.
Take Away: Prefer a quieter evening? Aune’s takeaway service lets you enjoy a freshly prepared meal in the comfort of your cabin or suite, perfect for laid-back nights in.
Aune
MS Spitsbergen’s main restaurant serves three meals a day from generous breakfast buffets, casual lunches, to beautifully plated dinners that spotlight regional dishes.
Brygga Bistro
A casual venue new since 2025 serving snacks and light meals between restaurant hours. Perfect for when you've worked up an appetite in between landings.
Health and Fitness
Whether you want to relax after a day of excursions or to get moving after wildlife watching out on deck, MS Spitsbergen has everything you need.
Fitness Centre
Well-equipped and compact, the gym includes treadmills, bikes, weights — and even a ping pong table. Finish your workout with a breath of fresh air on deck.
Panoramic Sauna
Perched high on the ship, the sauna offers not just heat but horizon. The ultimate way to warm up and wind down after a day in the elements.
Hot Tub
Two open-air hot tubs, each with space for five, offer a soothing way to soak in the scenery. Ideal for easing tired muscles or simply watching the world roll by.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: ocean
Class: Explorer
Ship Size: medium
Style: expedition
Operator Reference: hurtigruten-expeditions
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
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