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Explore five beautiful islands across four countries and three archipelagos with stunningly wild landscapes and abundant wildlife on this all-inclusive Iceland and Svalbard expedition cruise
- Sail deep into the Arctic, keeping watch for spectacular wildlife in this birdwatching and whale-watching paradise.
- Attempt to land at Jan Mayen, home to the world's northernmost active volcano.
- Sail aboard the intimate and comfortable expedition vessel MS Spitsbergen.
Trip Details
- Departs
- 16 May 2027
- Returns
- 30 May 2027
- Ship
- MS Spitsbergen
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
15-day all-inclusive Iceland and Svalbard expedition cruise from Bergen to Oslo
The 14-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Bergen to Longyearbyen, calling at Lerwick, Thorshavn, Elduvik, Bakkagerdi, Husavik - hofn, Akureyri, Jan Mayen, Svartisen and Ny-Ålesund, with 3 days at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flight in economy class from Longyearbyen to Oslo after the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen after the expedition cruise
- Explore five beautiful islands across four countries and three archipelagos with stunningly wild landscapes.
- Keep watch for spectacular wildlife in this birdwatching and whale-watching paradise as we sail deep into the Arctic.
- We’ll attempt to land at Jan Mayen, home to the world’s northernmost active volcano.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
Departures & Pricing
- 16 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
from $13,415 pp twin share / $22,297 pp sole use *
- Polar Outside from $13,415 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $14,824 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $18,154 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
- Guests
- 150
- Gross tonnage
- 7,344
- Speed
- 14.5 knots
- Length
- 100 m
- Launched
- 2009
- Beam
- 18 m
- Deck plans
- 6
Deck 8
Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Beginning in Bergen
Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and mountain peaks
Your adventure begins in the charming city of Bergen. Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, Norway's old capital is also one of its most picturesque cities.
If you have time before boarding the ship, why not stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the city's famous fish market.
You can even take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for a refreshing hike and amazing views of the city, the mountains and sea beyond.
- 2
The Shetland Islands
Explore Scotland's northernmost town
Welcome to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery.
Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge.
By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall.
Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.
- 3
10th century Tórshavn
A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands
Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor’s Harbour – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.
Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.
About half a mile out of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for Eider Ducks and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings
- 4
Peaceful, tiny Elduvík
Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese nature
Today we’ll stop to explore the tiny village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. Set in the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Elduvík is split in two by the river Stórá.
While small, Elduvík comes complete with a school, church, dock and pier. From the pier, enjoy the view across the sparkling waters to the nearby island of Kalsoy – it’s astonishingly peaceful here.
As you walk through the village's charming streets, listen for the songs of seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves coming to shore from the fjord. You'll notice that the roofs of many houses are built in the traditional Icelandic style: covered in grass instead of slate, offering much-needed insulation and protection against the weather.
- 5
At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland
As we sail towards Bakkagerði, time is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swap stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge, relax in a hot tub on deck while scanning for seabirds and marine life, or join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre as they set the scene for northern Iceland: its stunning landscapes, cultures, and beliefs.
- 6
Magical Bakkagerði
Look for elves in natural beauty
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.
The area around Bakkagerði is a popular hiking area. You can join the Expedition Team to walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks.
The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
- 7
Whale watching in Húsavík
Iceland's best whale watching spot
Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales.
Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.
The town’s Exploration Museum has a section dedicated to space. As Húsavík's geology resembles lunar rocks, NASA sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions to train here. You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.
- 8
Akureyri and Goðafoss
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It’s also known as a great place to spot humpbacks and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.
A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
- 9
Relax and learn at sea
Time to relax and discover what adventures lie ahead
As we cross the Arctic Circle and head towards Jan Mayen, you’ll enjoy a day at sea. There's plenty to do on board. Scan for marine wildlife from the deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna or soak in a hot tub, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a great place to read or watch the world glide by.
The Expedition Team will also be on hand to share insights on what’s to come over the next few days exporing the Arctic.
- 10
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife
Today we reach Jan Mayen, a volcanic island suspended 500 km offshore with no permanent residents and almost no visitors. The only inhabitants are temporarily stationed Norwegian military personnel, meaning we join a very select group given the chance to set foot here.
Dominated by Beerenberg, the world's northernmost active volcano, the landscape feels almost alien: volcanic rock, moss, and lichen stretching to the horizon. Conditions permitting, we'll go ashore to explore. While there are no land mammals, Jan Mayen is a designated Important Bird Area, home to large colonies of northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots, and little auks. Keep watch for whales and seals in the surrounding waters too. This is one of the true highlights of any Arctic expedition.
- 11
Enjoy a day at sea
A peaceful interlude in your adventure
Spend the day at your leisure as we sail across the Barents Sea deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Watch the open water slip by from the Explorer Lounge & Bar, soak in a hot tub on deck while scanning for seabirds, or work up a sweat in the gym. The Expedition Team will set the scene for what's ahead with lectures on Svalbard's history, geology, and wildlife. This time is yours to enjoy.
- 12
Scenic Spitsbergen
Days 12–14A land of spectacular beauty
Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, is a wilderness of steep mountains, glaciers, and scattered offshore islands.
Over the next few days, we'll explore dramatic fjords where glaciers creak and calve icebergs into the sea, push north towards Northwest Spitsbergen National Park where sea ice may shape our route, and scan for the wildlife that thrives here: polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and colonies of seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Each day will be different. Landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hikes: be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team read the conditions and seize every opportunity the Arctic offers.
- 15
Longyearbyen
A last day at the top of the world
Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo.
You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived – and with memories of an incredible experience.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Flight in economy class from Longyearbyen to Oslo after the expedition cruise.
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen after the expedition cruise.
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
Not included
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Accommodation
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.
Polar Inside
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.
- I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
- K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².
Polar Outside
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.
- O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
- O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
- J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².
Arctic Superior
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.
- QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
- YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
- P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
- U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
Expedition 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.
- MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
- MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
- Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².
Common questions about this voyage
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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