Cruise · HX Expeditions · 7 nights

Ultimate Norway at Christmas - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

Sail aboard the modern, expedition-ready MS Spitsbergen
Indulge in traditional Norwegian cuisine and festive cheer
Flexible itinerary to make the most of the winter wonderland

$7,401 pp twin share

$7,401 pp solo share

7 nights

Enquire

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Ultimate Norway at Christmas - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

Ultimate Norway at Christmas - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights – route map

Depart from Tromsø

Exploring Lyngen Fjord and Alps

Senja

Vesterålen

Lofoten

Christmas in Lofoten

Towards Tromsø

MS Spitsbergen

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Discover the magic of a white Christmas in Norway, with an all-inclusive Arctic expedition under the Northern Lights aboard the intimate MS Spitsbergen

Explore Norway's stunning fjords, mountains, and villages
Enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing and kayaking
Witness the breathtaking Northern Lights display

Trip Details

Departs: 19 December 2026
Returns: 26 December 2026
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
Operator: HX Expeditions

Norway cruise – Ultimate Norway at Christmas – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

The 7-night Norway voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Tromso, calling at Lyngen, Senja, Lofoten, Svolvær, Trollfjord, Stokmarknes and Lonkanfjorden.

Magical white Christmas in Norway. Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure, with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food and onboard yuletide cheer.
Flexible-itinerary Arctic Norway expedition during the ‘winter wonderland’ season – the best time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities.

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.

$7,401

pp twin share

$7,401

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

19 December 2026

Returns

26 December 2026

Duration

7 nights

From pp twin share

$7,401 pp

From pp solo cabin

$7,401 pp

19 Dec 2026 - 26 Dec 2026
from $7,401 pp twin share / $7,401 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Polar Inside from $7,401 pp twin share
Polar Outside from $8,247 pp twin share
Arctic Superior from $9,163 pp twin share
Expedition Suite from $11,352 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.

Life in transit

MS Spitsbergen

Details · HX Expeditions

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

MS Spitsbergen · Deck plans

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.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Depart from Tromsø
Discover the gateway to the Arctic
Tromsø was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the High Arctic.
If you arrive early in Tromsø, take the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over this city, located some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll past the modernist Arctic Cathedral, duck into cosy cafés glowing with festive lights, and keep one eye on the water: whales are sometimes spotted offshore.
2
Exploring Lyngen Fjord and Alps
The scenic Lyngenfjord
Over the next week we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.
Stretching out to just about 50 miles long is Lyngenfjord, a region of dramatic mountains and valleys, framed by the glacier-capped Lyngen Alps. It’s an incredible place for winter activities. Conditions permitting, you can tackle a hike, try snowshoeing, kayak in the icy waters, or join nature landings where you might spot otters and potentially even orcas and humpback whales.
Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, a deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.
3
Senja
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them.
We plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.
4
Vesterålen
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes – the perfect place for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and morning kayaking.
In the afternoon we enjoy another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served a Christmas themed dinner in this very special heritage setting.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
5
Lofoten
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær to, we aim to cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing between towering cliffs. As we do so, you’ll enjoy great views from the deck, and we sail so close to the sides it feels like you can almost touch them!
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!
Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays late into the night here. It’s a small town, but it’s the biggest you’ll find in these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here if you fancy trying a Lofoten snack or brew. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
6
Exploring Lofoten
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
7
Towards Tromsø
Experience a final day on expedition
We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the winter sun illuminating the landscapes and mountains or enjoy the magic of the polar night. We also pass through areas where we’re likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
8
Return to Tromsø
Another opportunity to explore Tromsø
Your expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here.
We hope your time in Arctic Norway has been as rewarding as it has been memorable. After days spent in the stillness of the season, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and soft winter light, you’ll return home with a deeper sense of where you’ve been and memories of a lifetime.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

A stay in a cabin of your choice.
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
A complimentary reusable Ocean Bottle water.
Wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Not included

International flights
Depending on your flight arrival, an additional overnight might be needed
Travel insurance
Luggage handling

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Spitsbergen

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.

From the operator