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Discover the Arctic's wild islands, from Svalbard's polar bears to Iceland's volcanic landscapes, on this all-inclusive 16-day expedition cruise with flights, transfers, and Oslo stay
- Explore Svalbard's dramatic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife
- Discover Iceland's volcanic wonders and coastal villages
- Sail to remote Jan Mayen, home to the world's northernmost active volcano
Trip Details
- Departs
- 13 September 2027
- Returns
- 28 September 2027
- Ship
- MS Spitsbergen
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
16-day all-inclusive Iceland and Svalbard expedition cruise from Oslo to Bergen
The 14-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Longyearbyen to Bergen, calling at Hornsund, Ny-Ålesund, Jan Mayen, Akureyri, Husavik - hofn, Bakkagerdi, Elduvik, Thorshavn and Lerwick, with 3 days at sea.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
- Overnight in Oslo before your expedition cruise, including breakfast
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise
- Begin in Svalbard's blue October twilight, when polar bears roam the shores and the Northern Lights return.
- Sail south through Iceland's volcanic coast, the Faroe Islands' clifftop villages, and Shetland's Norse heritage.
- Spot whales, seabirds, and Arctic wildlife across four countries and five wild island archipelagos.
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
- 13 Sep 2027 - 28 Sep 2027
from $13,142 pp twin share / $21,566 pp sole use *
- Polar Outside from $13,142 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $14,450 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $17,503 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
Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital, a city rich in history with a thriving art scene. Wander the Ekebergparken sculpture park, admire the striking Opera House and Munch Museum, relax in a floating sauna on the harbour, or head to Sørenga for urban beach life and New Nordic cuisine, before settling in for the night in an airport hotel.
- 2
Longyearbyen
The town at the top of the world
After an early breakfast, you’ll fly to Longyearbyen.
A short panoramic bus tour offers a first glimpse of the town and its surroundings before lunch. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Longyearbyen before being transferred to the ship for boarding.
This former coal-mining settlement is small and easy to explore on foot. Wander along the main street, lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and inviting restaurants. You might even spot a Svalbard reindeer wandering by.
Come evening, we’ll set sail.
- 3
Scenic Spitsbergen
Days 3–5A land of spectacular beauty
Svalbard’s largest island Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, glaciers, and islands.
Over the next four days, you'll explore some of the world's most dramatic fjords, listening for the creaks of glaciers as they calve icebergs into the sea.
Delight in the rare chance to seek the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear, in its natural environment following the sea-ice edge hunting for seals.
We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking expedition boats ashore for hiking and other activities. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in near-perfect silence.
- 6
At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Jan Mayen
As we head towards the island of Jan Mayen, enjoy a day at sea.
There's plenty to do on board. Why not scan the seas for marine wildlife from the deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna or a soak in a hot tub. Visit the Science Centre for insights into the destinations ahead on your island-hopping expedition.
Enjoy a fascinating lecture from the Expedition Team or help collect important data to contribute to Citizen Science projects. Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers on how to capture wildlife and landscapes from our onboard photographer. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar a great place to read, chat with other guests, or just watch the world glide by.
- 7
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.
- 8
To Iceland's north coast
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland
As we sail from Jan Mayen to Akureyri, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in a hot tub while doing so!
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your expedition. Learn about Iceland’s stunning landscapes, cultures, and beliefs.
- 9
Akureyri and Akureyri
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.
- 10
Whale watching in Húsavik
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 Exploration Museum here has a section dedicated to space. Because Húsavík's geology resembled lunar rocks, NASA sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions here to train. You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.
- 11
Magical Bakkagerði
Local folklore and 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.
Or tour a local brewery and visit KHB Brugghús, the only distillery in Iceland that produces Landi, the true Icelandic Moonshine.
- 12
Enjoy a day at sea
Learn about the Faroe Islands and relax on board
Today we sail from Iceland towards the Faroe Islands. Take this opportunity to enjoy all the comforts your expedition ship has to offer and get ready for the days ahead.
You may have unanswered questions about things you've seen in Iceland, or things to come in the Faroe Islands. As ever, your Expedition Team will be on hand hosting lectures and offering insights about these remarkable islands.
The Science Center will keep enquiring minds busy. Work out in the gym or relax in the panoramic sauna, where you can watch the views as you sail. Look out for birds and wildlife from the decks, or just take the time to sort through all those photos you’ve been taking.
- 13
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, it 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.
- 14
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.
- 15
The Shetland Islands
Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isle
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.
- 16
Disembark in Bergen
Discover colourful and picturesque Bergen
Your expedition cruise ends in Bergen. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the old capital is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities.
Discover the city on your own with a stroll through UNESCO-listed Bryggen and discover its colourful wooden wharfs. Why not pick up some souvenirs or gifts in the artisanal boutiques before heading home. Across from here, you'll also find the city's famous fish market.
Or, join our Post-Programme for a guided hiking tour.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise.
- Overnight in Oslo before your expedition cruise, including breakfast.
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before 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.
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
Hotels
Overnight in Oslo before your expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Day 1 – Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Center Oslo Airport
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.
- J3 – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 11–12 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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