MS Spitsbergen

• MS Spitsbergen was rebuilt as an expedition ship in 2016 and sails to remote parts of the Arctic region.
• Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, the biggest island in the region, MS Spitsbergen offers a range of exciting itineraries to explore Svalbard and the Norweigan coast.
• The ship offers a range of cost-effective itineraries, making it the perfect choice for an expedition cruise on a budget.

Why Choose MS Spitsbergen?

MS Spitsbergen is an expedition cruise ship built for adventure and discovery. As a member of the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fleet, it is designed for voyages to the Arctic and the Norwegian coast.

Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, the ship MS Spitsbergen embodies the spirit of polar exploration, which involves journeying through polar waters or Norwegian fjords.

With contemporary cabins, public spaces and advanced technology, MS Spitsbergen is the ship for you if you want the ultimate expedition cruise. Whether you like Norway’s wild landscapes or the Arctic’s remote wonders, this ship will give you an unforgettable cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions.

MS Spitsbergen is a small, intimate ship allowing easy access between areas. The sauna and hot tubs on MS Spitsbergen offer fantastic views and relaxation.

MS Spitsbergen was built in 2009 in Portugal and was initially designed as a ferry ship. After a complete reconstruction in 2016, it joined the Hurtigruten fleet. The ship has a capacity for 220 passengers and takes 200 on expedition voyages to Svalbard. It has six passenger decks, 24 inside rooms, 101 outside rooms, and one restaurant.

The stabilised ship travels at 17 knots, is 320 feet long and has 220 volts. MS Spitsbergen is now mainly used for Spitsbergen cruise itineraries, with scheduled departures on the same dates as other ships in the fleet for easy planning.

Dining On Ms Spitsbergen

One restaurant on the MS Spitsbergen serves all meals and delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The ship’s dining options cater to different dietary needs and preferences, focusing on local and sustainable ingredients.

Soft drinks and other beverages are available throughout the day, and the ship’s photo centre has services and equipment.

Cabins On Ms Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen has a range of cabins, including Arctic Superior cabins with double beds and upper and lower berths.

Some suites, like the Expedition Suites, have a private balcony, hot tub and seating area for extra luxury and comfort for solo travellers.

Each cabin is designed for comfort, privacy and practicality, with features like storage options and large windows for great views.

The ship’s cabins cater for double occupancy and solo travellers.

Onboard Experience

MS Spitsbergen features large panoramic windows in public areas for excellent views. The observation deck and sun deck have expansive windows for great views of the surrounding landscape to spot wildlife or the Northern Lights.

With its small size, MS Spitsbergen allows quick access to outside decks during wildlife sightings. The bow of MS Spitsbergen provides unobstructed views for wildlife and scenery watching.

The Explorer Lounge is the central hub on the ship, with lectures, entertainment, and a comfortable seating area to relax and enjoy the views. Each day, the expedition team conducts briefings and lectures in the Explorer Lounge. MS Spitsbergen provides evening entertainment focusing on personal interaction rather than formal shows.

The Science Centre has high-tech gadgets, touch screens, and lecture halls, providing a unique learning experience in the polar regions.

The ship has a modern gym with exercise bikes, a rowing machine, a ping-pong table, and free weights, a pool deck, and two hot tubs. A door leads directly from the gym to the pool deck, so you can easily transition from workout to relaxation. MS Spitsbergen also has a sauna and two hot tubs.

The staff on MS Spitsbergen is friendly, helpful, and very engaging with passengers. The shop onboard MS Spitsbergen sells clothing suitable for Arctic weather and local snacks.

Activities and Excursions

The Expedition Team, including wildlife experts and scientists, is with you throughout the journey. As part of the educational experience, you can participate in hands-on activities, including collecting and analysing water samples.

The ship visits various destinations and ports of call, such as the Norwegian coast, the Svalbard archipelago, and the Norwegian fjords. The Northern Lights promise and polar bear cruise options are unforgettable, with the ship’s crew and guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Whether you want to see the Northern Lights on a Northern Lights cruise or go on an ultimate expedition cruise, there’s an itinerary for every explorer. The ship’s Expedition Team, with wildlife experts and scientists, enriches each voyage with lectures and hands-on activities in the Science Centre.

Guests can explore the geology, wildlife, and culture of the Arctic and Norwegian coasts and visit remarkable ports of call like Ny Alesund, Longyearbyen, and Tromso. Each expedition is designed to offer a mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty, so every cruise with MS Spitsbergen is an immersive and memorable experience.

About HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is a leading expedition cruise company with a fleet of ships, including MS Spitsbergen. The company offers itineraries and destinations on the Norwegian coast, the Svalbard archipelago, and Norwegian fjords.

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. The company’s crew and guides provide travellers with a unique and immersive experience, focusing on education, conservation and community engagement.