MS Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen

Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of Hurtigruten's 1896 'Sports Route' between mainland Norway and Svalbard. She is a modern and environmentally progressive ship, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-track.

Daily Excursions, Onboard Science Centre, Superb Local Cuisine, Lectures and Activities, Fitness Centre

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What to expect from MS Spitsbergen

Overview

Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of Hurtigruten'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 220 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.

Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 220 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.

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

You’ll find a variety of stimulating and relaxing places aboard MS Spitsbergen, where you’ll quickly feel at home. It’s casual and comfortable, yet stylish and inspiring, with a fresh, Scandinavian chic.

Expedition Suites

The best accommodation on our expedition ships. Spacious, private, and with wide windows to watch the world drift by, suites are comfortable and calm havens at sea. Selected suites also offer a private balcony for added luxury.

Interior and Cabins

After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea.

Expedition Suite | Owners Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply). Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

  • 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

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply). Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

  • 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

Expedition Suite | Mini Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply). Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

  • Lower-deck suite
  • Window
  • Double bed
  • Bathrobes and slippers on request
  • Guests: 2 | Size: 16-17 m2
  • Cabin Code: Q2

Expedition Suite | Mini Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply). Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

  • 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

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply). Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

  • 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

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.  

Polar Outside | Outside cabin - Lower deck for up to 3 travellers

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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  

Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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 for 2 travellers

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • Lower-deck cabin
  • Window
  • Double bed
  • Bathrobes and slippers on request
  • Guests: 2 | Size: 13-14 m2
  • Cabin Code: O2D  

Polar Inside | Larger inside cabin for 2 travellers

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature double beds and some have additional Pullman beds. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • Upper-deck cabin
  • No window
  • Double bed
  • Bathrobes and slippers on request
  • Guests: 2 | Size: 15-20 m2
  • Cabin Code: K2D  

Polar Outside | Outside Cabin

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths). All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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 | Superior Inside Cabin

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature double beds and some have additional Pullman beds. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.  

  • 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 cosy Polar Inside cabins feature double beds and some have additional Pullman beds. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

  • 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

Kids and Teens

We do welcome children onboard. However, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to travel with us to Antarctica and South Georgia. For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered for participation in excursions at each landing.

For those travelling to the Galápagos on Santa Cruz II only - Parents with children below the age of 6 need to present at embarkation a release form signed by their parents or guardians to board a Galápagos cruise. If children between the ages of 6-18 are accompanied by one parent/legal guardian, a minor consent form signed by the other parent, or both parents if the minor is accompanied by a legal guardian, must be presented on boarding.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional. If you wish to tip, use the reception or the tipping box. Tips are shared among all crew members, excluding officers and the Expedition Team. Note: Gratuities for land services are detailed in your travel documents.

Entertainment

You’ll find a variety of stimulating and relaxing places aboard MS Spitsbergen, where you’ll quickly feel at home. It’s casual and comfortable, yet stylish and inspiring, with a fresh, Scandinavian chic.

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. 

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.

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

This is the core of the onboard experience. The Science Center is packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment. This is where guests and staff/crew meet, mingle, and create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore.

The flexible venue features lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. This is also where you'll find HX’ hand-picked Expedition Team.

Expedition Launch

Located on Deck 3

Dining

Superb local cuisine

Get ready for an expedition cruise that will delight all your senses. Our chefs are dedicated to delivering a world-class gastronomic experience that draws inspiration from the places we’ll visit.

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.

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. 

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 get your pulse racing or calm it down and feel each breath, your ship has everything you need. From intense exercise to deep relaxation, you’ll find just what the day requires for your mind and body.

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. 

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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