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Discover the return of the sun and the pristine landscapes of Svalbard on this 10-night expedition cruise aboard the intimate MS Spitsbergen
- Explore Svalbard's majestic glaciers, wildlife, and pioneer history
- Sail to the edge of the polar ice cap for wildlife viewing
- Experience the serenity of Ny-Ålesund, a hub for global science
Trip Details
- Departs
- 13 June 2028
- Returns
- 23 June 2028
- Embarks
- Ship
- MS Spitsbergen
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
10-night Svalbard expedition cruise aboard MS Spitsbergen
The 7-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Longyearbyen, calling at Hornsund, Bamsebu, Calypsobyen, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerburg, Ny-Ålesund and Krossfjorden, with 1 day at sea.
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 Jun 2028 - 23 Jun 2028
from $14,491 pp twin share / $21,752 pp sole use *
- Polar Inside from $14,491 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $15,726 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $17,064 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $20,062 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
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.
- 2
Hornsund and Bellsund
Days 2–3Majestic glaciers, birds and pioneer history
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. The cliffs here are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots and Northern Fulmars along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer below. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers reaching into the sea, and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the first female trapper to hunt in Svalbard.
Then we head to admire the classic beauty of the snowcapped mountains of Bellsund – a historic area where you can see the evidence of former whaling and mining activity on the shoreline.
Our activities will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Hornsund and Bellsund. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day.
- 4
Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Days 4–5Explore pristine snowscapes under the Midnight Sun
Over the next two days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park where steep mountains, glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape.
We’ll scout for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. Early in the season, there’s a good chance we may spot polar bears too, so we’ll always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. And as we progress further into June, we may see whales returning to the region for summer and birdlife such as Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese.
From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Leader decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions.
- 6
Ice edge attempt
Experience the opportunity of sailing to the edge of the polar ice cap
If conditions allow, we’ll sail north and cross the 80th parallel to explore the ever-changing ice edge.
The transition zone between the ice cap and the sea is a magical yet ephemeral place where the waters are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From the ship, there are great opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge on the sparkling ice. And if the conditions are right, we’ll lower our expedition boats into the water and enjoy an unforgettable experience amid the floating ice.
The ice edge isn’t a fixed boundary, and it moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it will be an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, as summer progresses, it retreats further towards the pole, meaning it may be out of reach for us. If so, we’ll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast.
- 7
Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
Experience science, serenity and epic scenery
Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history.
You’ll be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our small expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.
- 8
Return to Longyearbyen
A last day on 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 you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (only on MS Fram).
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- A wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
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.
- 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
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
What style of accommodation is used?
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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