Handcrafted Cruise Holidays Since 1998
  • MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

launched 2009

crew 80

tonnage 7,344

length 100 m

capacity 220

Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of Hurtigruten’s 1896 ‘Sports Route’ between mainland Norway and Svalbard. She is a modern and environmentally progressive ship, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-track.

MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of traveling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the ‘Sports Route’.

After a complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel’s fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive and will undergo further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.

MS Spitsbergen has her own onboard Expedition Team which serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make cruising with her an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters in which we sail. The Expedition Team hosts a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck, you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of ‘friluftsliv’ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in ‘friluftsliv’ hikes and activities throughout the cruise.

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  • entertainment
  • health & fitness
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Expedition Suite | Owners suite on upper deck

These exclusive suites on the upper deck have a double bed, a separated seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, minibar, bathrooms with shower/WC, and a spacious private balcony. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable.

Please note that we have a wheelchair accessible cabin within this category, please contact us to book.

Expedition Suite | Grand suite on upper deck

These exclusive suites on the upper deck have one large room, a seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, bathrooms with shower/WC, complimentary internet access, minibar and private balcony. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable.

Expedition Suite | Mini suite for 2 travellers

This mini suite for up to two people on lower deck have double bed, TV, window, and bathroom with shower/WC.

Expedition Suite | Mini suite for up to 3 travellers

This mini suite for up to three people on lower deck have a double bed with an extra sofabed, window, TV, and bathroom with shower/WC.

Expedition Suite | Mini suite for up to 4 travellers

This mini suite for up to four people on lower deck have a double bed, one sofabed and one single bed, TV, window, and bathroom with shower/WC.

Arctic Superior | Upper deck for 2-4 travellers

These large, comfortable cabins for two to four people on the upper deck have double beds and bathrooms with shower and WC. Some cabins also have upper and lower berths and have a TV. The cabins have limited or no view.

Arctic Superior | Wheelchair accessible cabin for 2 travellers

This wheelchair accessible cabin on the upper deck has a wider door and adjusted bed. The cabin has a double bed, bathroom with shower and WC, and TV. This cabin has a limited view.

(We have a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins, so we ask that they are booked by guests who require these cabins. Please inform us in advance of your disability – you will find Hurtigruten contact information on the Booking Confirmation document.)

Arctic Superior | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

Outside Arctic Superior cabin with double bed, TV and kettle. Window view is party obstructed.

Arctic Superior | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

Smaller Outside Arctic Superior cabin with double bed, TV, table and kettle for up to two people.

Polar Outside | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

Outside cabin with double bed, TV and limited/no view for up to two people.

Polar Outside | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

Outside cabin with double bed, TV and window for up to two people.

Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers

These comfortable outside cabins for up to three people on the middle deck have separate beds and bathrooms with shower/WC. The cabins have limited or no view.

Polar Outside | Middle deck for 2 travellers

These outside cabins for up to two people on the middle and upper decks have bathrooms with shower/WC, upper and lower berths, and a limited view.

Polar Outside | Lower deck for 2 travellers

These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have bathrooms with shower/WC. All cabins have upper and lower berths.

Polar Outside | Outside cabin – Lower deck for up to 3 travellers

This comfortable outside cabin for up to three people on the lower deck have bathroom with shower/WC, separate beds, TV and a chair.

Polar Inside | Superior inside cabin for up to 4 travellers

Spacious inside cabin for four travellers, with one double bed and TV.

Polar Inside | Larger inside cabin for 2 travellers

Spacious inside cabin with double bed and TV for up to two travellers.

Polar Inside | Inside cabin for 2 travellers

Inside cabin with double bed and TV for up to two travellers.

Aune

On board, we serve a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all in accordance with your daily programme. Mealtimes will be announced in the daily programme.

You are welcome to enjoy an Aune meal in your cabin.

Explorer Lounge

The Explorer Lounge offer large panoramic windows with ample and comfortable seats. There will be binoculars for sale in the onboard shop. And the Explorer Bar, also hosting daily multimedia presentations and professional lectures by expert scientists and wildlife experts.

Explorer Bar

Located on Deck 6. 

Shop

In our on board shop you can buy modern clothing suitable for Expedition cruis. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly in polar areas. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing, and we focus fabrics with natural fibres. We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards. In addition, we also stock a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects.

Observation Decks

The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Reception

The reception is located on deck 5.

Observation Lounge

The Observation lounges offer large panoramic windows with ample and comfortable seats. There will be binoculars for sale in the onboard shop.

Library

The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.

Fitness Centre

A small Fitness Room is located aft. This is a modern gym, equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, a rowing machine, a ping pong table, free weights. Gym’s back door leads out onto Pool Deck.

Sauna

On top of the ship you can get warm and cosy in the sauna.

Hot Tub

For a nice relaxing time our two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the Expedition deck are ideal.

Lectures

The ship’s experienced lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program.

Expedition Team

The onboard Expedition Team is composed of the Expedition Leader, the Assistant Expedition Leader, the Expedition Coordinator plus several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on board. In the ships science center, you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions and activities.

Shore Excursions

We offer a rich and varied programme of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.

We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.

In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season, but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability. 

Dress Code

On board dress is informal. For all expedition cruises, we advise you to bring breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal clothing including thermal underwear can be useful, when sailing to cold destinations.. Sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and landings, and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful. For additional information about footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”.

Special Requests

If you have special requests (e.g. dietary or medical), please inform us as soon as possible, and no later than 8 weeks prior to your cruise departure. We will do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and under no circumstance will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of a contractual agreement.

Disabled Facilities / Mobility

The MS Spitsbergen is suitable for wheelchair users. Persons in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. Please note that the gangway must be used for wheelchair users to embark and disembark. In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require the use of a portable gangway, or during landings with expedition boats, it is not possible to use/take wheelchairs. Longyearbyen is not suitable for wheelchair embarkation or disembarkation. Guests who use a wheelchair must bring their own standard size, foldable chair. 

Children

For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered for participation in excursions at each landing. It is entirely at the captain’s discretion whether or not to allow children on shore landings.

Medical Facilities

There is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board always. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and medication to handle small emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected.

All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. If you depend on medication, remember to bring sufficient supplies to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage, properly labelled, and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital medication, please inform the ship’s doctor upon arrival. Illness on board can lead to quarantine, and orders from the ship’s physician and captain must be followed.

Lifesaving equipment, life vests and safety on board

The ship complies with international safety requirements, and is a modern vessel suitable for sailing in the respective destinations, including icy waters.

All guests will be instructed in safety procedures and the use and location of the safety equipment before departure. There is a Safety Notice posted on the inside of the cabin door which we encourage all guests to read carefully.

During the sailing, special safety regulations will apply on landings with the Expedition boats. Please follow the instructions given by the Expedition Leader and crew/staff. Special lifejackets for use during landings will be provided to all passengers. A mandatory briefing regarding the safety guidelines will also be given. 

Drones

Please note the use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. This is for general safety as well as the protection of the vulnerable wildlife and other guests’ personal security.

Smoking

On board, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted in cabins or private balconies. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of approximately 150 EUR will be applied for smoking in the cabin, to cover the cost of cleaning linen and curtains to return it to a non-smoking standard. E-Cigarettes, according to Norwegian law, are the equivalent of tobacco cigarettes and therefore smoking these is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.

When the ship is refuelling smoking is prohibited. Announcements will be made on board accordingly.

Smoking is not allowed during nature landings in AECO and IAATO areas, except for city landings. 

Wi-Fi

We offer Wi-Fi on board, but on expedition cruises to remote destinations, coverage and speed will be very limited. Internet will be provided through a satellite connection (if in sight), except when we’re close to mobile communication infrastructure on land. Due to capacity limitations, the included Wi-Fi is limited to browsing and not streaming. Please contact the reception desk if you have any questions related to the Wi-Fi usage.

On expedition cruises to Svalbard, there is no mobile/internet connection or it is very limited on board, except while at port in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. 

Hurtigruten App

The Hurtigruten APP is your digital guide onboard, it is recommended to download it before you come onboard, To be able to follow the activities on board, make restaurant reservation, book tours and find A-Z info here from the minute you step onboard. The App will only work while you are on board as it is connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.  

Equipment Rentals

On many of our expedition cruises we are landing in areas covered with snow. Terrain might be muddy, uneven, wet, and very slippery. The weather may be inclement and cold. This is part of being an explorer.

In several of our remote landing areas, it is mandatory to use rubber boots for all landings. For nature landings in other destinations rubber boots are recommended. A pair of special purpose boots can be borrowed on board free of charge for the duration of your cruise, and we will make sure that they are rinsed and declared clean from seeds and other biological material after every landing. This is to avoid unintentionally spreading invasive species into fragile environments. We carry sizes from 32 to 50. If you need a smaller or larger size than this, or prefer to wear your own boots, you are welcome to bring private rubber boots, but please be advised that our Expedition Team will have them checked before going ashore, to make sure they are suitable for landing.

We also lend out walking sticks on board. If you are more comfortable using your own walking sticks, bring them along with you, but bear in mind that they must be properly cleaned and disinfected after every landing. 

Cruise Card

You will be issued a cruise card upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. All our guests are requested to wear this card when disembarking the ship in all ports of call and landings. The card serves as a control system on the gangway, enabling the ship to know which of our guests are on board or ashore at any time. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. The card is the only means of payment for the onboard facilities. To activate the cruise card account, you must have a Visa, Diners, or MasterCard.

The evening before the cruise ends, the account will be totalled and settled on board and a receipt will be emailed to you. Please note that when using your credit card on board the ship your account will be debited in Euros, the official currency on board the ship. Credit cards that are used to make payments on board must be valid for at least three months after the journey has ended. The rate of exchange will be the one stipulated by your credit card company. Please note that there are no money exchange services or facilities for cash withdrawals on board.

Alcohol Policy

Guests are reminded that only beverages sold and/or provided in the restaurants, bars, cabins, and suites can be consumed on board. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call will need to be stored separately on board the ship by our crew. Your purchases will be returned to you and delivered to your cabin on the last day of your sailing.

Language

The working language on board is English. Announcements and written information are also given in German, and may also be given in French and Chinese on selected departures. In order to be able to accommodate lectures in a language other than English, we offer an “in ear” translation into German. Lectures will be streamed into the cabins. 

Laundry

This service is free of charge for all suite guests. There is no self-service laundry for guest. Instead, you will be provided a laundry form that you need to fill out. Prices are listed on this form.  

Mail

You can hand in your mail at the reception, and for the cost of stamps we will forward the post in every port where possible. The time needed for delivery of mail may be relatively long. Hurtigruten Expeditions accepts no responsibility for lost mail.  

Food & Beverage

On board, we serve a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all in accordance with your daily programme. Mealtimes will be announced in the daily programme. Due to Covid Regulations, we have limited Capacity in the Restaurants and we are working with time slots. We are asking kindly all guests to book their time slots with the Headwaiter, Restaurant Manager or via our APP. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements and dietary requirements to your sales office/travel agent before your cruise.

Soft drinks, beer, and the ship wine are included for all meals in our restaurants. Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board is included throughout the day. There is complimentary still and sparkling water for all meals. An upgraded beverage package is also available. 

Seasickness

Seasickness pills are available in reception. If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended that you bring pills that you are familiar with. You may also buy “sea bands” on board. 

Small Boat Landings

Guests are respectfully reminded that only our stable expedition boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these, but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few times it will become second nature. On all landings in expedition boats, guests are expected to wear proper footwear. For additional information about the footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. Landing operations depend on favourable conditions. 

Suite Service

Suite check-in

An exclusive welcome snack and refreshment is made available for our suit guests.

Welcome greeting

On embarkation day, the suite guests will find a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne and a welcome greeting from the captain inside their suite after check-in.

Turn-down service

Suite guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.

Laundry service

This service is free of charge for all suite guests. There is no self-service laundry for guest. Instead, you will be provided a laundry form that you need to fill out. Prices are listed on this form.

In-suite

Bathrobes and binoculars will be available with a possibility to purchase them. 

Walking on board

We kindly remind you to take care when walking on board the ship while at sea, especially when venturing out on deck, observing the signs for warnings of wet and slippery decks. Be aware the doors toward the outer deck are potentially dangerous in windy conditions. Please adhere to the signs and announcements when it is not advised to go outside. While walking inside, hold on to railings but not to door frames, to avoid injury. 

Taking Sustainability Seriously

Exploring our blue planet for more than a century has taught us the importance of being green.

Meaningful Change

As a result, we are now supporting 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries. These range from helping endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest and protecting Galápagos seabirds, to securing safe spaces for vulnerable Greenlandic children and enabling community storytelling for the Itquamavit elders in Canada’s frozen north. We hope that the ripples we create today will one day turn into the waves of the future.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.

After all, it’s not about us, it’s about all of us.

Saying Goodbye to Plastic

We announced our war on plastics in 2018 when we were the first expedition company to ban non-essential single-use plastic throughout our entire operation. That means you won’t find items like plastic cups, plastic straws or plastic cutlery on board our ships. You also won’t see our shops selling microplastic-made fleeces but stocking natural wool clothing instead.

Absent too are plastic water bottles. We provide all our guests on an expedition cruise with a complimentary high-quality reusable bottle for use at water refill stations dotted around the ship. This simple act saves at least 1,000 plastic bottles a day on some of our larger ships.

Inspiring Environmental Ambassadors

Witnessing the beauty of our planet is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, and you’ll talk enthusiastically about these stunning destinations with friends and family for decades to come. To make sure you can speak informatively when you return home, every one of our expedition cruises has a focus on the environment.

The Expedition Team give lectures that raise awareness of climate change, ocean plastic, and the measures we can all take to help ease these issues. It is our hope that engaging with nature on our expedition cruises will inspire you to do all you can to cherish and protect the precious world we all share.

Connecting With Communities

We are dedicated to supporting the local communities we visit, and to creating beneficial ripple effects that continue long after we’ve left. By trading locally and sourcing services such as food produce and excursions from local suppliers, we contribute to the livelihood and welfare of people.

We strive not only to connect with these communities, but to share genuine friendship with them while always respecting their values and customs. As guests in their home, our emphasis is on appreciating their unique culture and ensuring our interactions are positive and upbuilding for all. You can therefore enjoy authentic experiences knowing your visit is doing good, both for you and for them.

A Footprint We’re Proud Of

You’ll likely encounter a range of wildlife during your expedition, doing so from a safe distance. We’ll be sure to never get too close to them, out of respect for their welfare as much as yours. By not disturbing wildlife with our presence, you’ll be able to observe their natural behaviour, in their natural habitat. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! In fact, in many of the areas we visit in Antarctica, we even specifically wipe out our footprints so as to prevent penguins tripping and falling into them.

Working Together As One

Sustainability isn’t something we can do alone. Everyone in our industry needs to work together for a greener future. We are therefore founding members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These trade member organisations work to establish sustainable tourism in polar regions, fighting mass tourism by limiting ships and shore visits, and creating guidelines that protect fragile environments and rare wildlife.

We’ve also committed ourselves to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These guiding principles will take us steps ahead of current regulations to offer you greener and more sustainable expedition cruises on and for the planet.

Serving Planet-Friendly Plant-Based Food

We offer full menus of delicious plant-based dishes that will impress even those yet to be convinced by this way of eating. These meals not only have low or even zero CO2 footprints, they also promote healthier living and prove conclusively that vegan and vegetarian cuisine can still taste great. We’ve also put in place food management waste programmes on all our ships, aiming to reduce food waste by at least 30%.

Investing in Green Tech

Building our two new hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, represents the biggest investment in our almost 130 years of history. They are packed with ground-breaking green technology, such as battery packs, heat recovery systems, and a cutting-edge hull design. These innovations combined reduce carbon emissions by more than 20 %, compared to other cruise ships of the same size.

Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and campaign for its worldwide ban. To set a new standard, we are also considering a range of new, green fuel options, including biofuels made from organic waste.

Doing Your Part

There are a range of simple things you can get involved in during your cruise to do your bit. Help out on a beach clean-up where the refuse we collect is brought back onto the ship to be recycled. Citizen Science projects get you to observe our natural world closely and contribute to current research.

Even hanging a tag on your cabin door to say your towels and bed sheets don’t need changing can save energy and water. You also have the option to donate to the Hurtigruten Foundation which funds projects around the world.

We are setting a new, more sustainable standard for expedition cruising. You can be sure we will continue with our commitment to sustainability; leading the way with green tech, protecting our planet, supporting local communities, and inspiring more to action.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.

Other Details

Children: Kids allowed

Childrens Facilities: None

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Gratuities: It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tip boxes are placed in the restaurant together with envelopes.

Wheelchair Cabins: 2 available

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