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 travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the `Sports Route´. MS Spitsbergen cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Explorer sailings during the rest of the year.

After 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 we plan 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.

Gratuities are neither expected nor required. If you would like to tip any of the crew, this is at your own discretion. 

There is a wide range of comfortable cabins onboard, all with private bathrooms. You will be informed at check in when your cabin is ready for you. Please note that cabins on deck 5 with passenger access to outside areas may sometimes have an obstructed view due to other passengers walking past. Please ask the reservation team for advice on the best cabin location for you.

On board we serve a buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner varies between buffets and set meals, all in accordance with your daily program. Meal times and type will be announced in the daily programme. In our main dining, the Head Waiter will assign tables prior to arrival. Information about table number and meal times will be in your cabin upon arrival. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements and dietary to your sales office/travel agent.

On the ships holding an A la Carte restaurant, our suite guests may eat their breakfast in a la carte style.

Soft drinksand the ship wine and beer is included for all meals (from April 2020). Coffee and tea is included throughout the day.

Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new. You will be joined on the Norwegian coast and on expedition voyages by expert Expedition Teams, all hand-picked due to their knowledge and experience. They will give lectures and lead activities all designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the areas you're sailing in. Learn about the history, cultures and wildlife. 

An expedition cruise with Hurtigruten is rigged towards maximizing your experiences of the places we are going to. On days when we are not landing we encourage you to spend as much time as possible out on deck. Join our educational talks and lectures at different locations on board. A travel experience is often much richer if you have knowledge and understanding about the nature, wildlife, culture and history of your destination.

Our Expedition Team will make sure you are well prepared for the experiences ahead of you. They will also re-capitulate and answer questions in hindsight. You will not find bingo, arcade games and entertainment theatres often found on conventional cruise ships. Our aim is to get you closer to unique environments and to allow you to share the experience with your fellow travellers. Occasionally there may be some light entertainment on board in the evenings.

MS Spitsbergen offers a gym, sauna and outdoor hot tubs, available for all guests. All opening hours will be announced on board.

There is no age restriction on our other destinations∘. For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered on each landing. It is entirely at the Captain’s discretion to allow children∘ on shore landings.

There is a playroom available for children.

Young Explorer is a complimentary, year-round programme∘ on selected Hurtigruten ships for curious and active youth aged 7-13 years of age.