Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights – Save $5,192 per couple*

Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, 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’.

If you arrive early in Tromsø we recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. There’s plenty to see, such as the Polar Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s exploration heritage. And make sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window.

For the next seven days we’ll be exploring four distinct regions, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.

The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. The Lyngen Fjord is over a hundred miles long, and we’ll spend the day going on a nature landing, with hikes, snowshoe walks and – if conditions allow – kayaking.

Later, it’s time for a real treat. After our active day we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. With hot drinks in hand, Norwegian foods 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.

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.

On our expedition, we’ll visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality. We’ll learn about the Sámi culture, and about life in remote villages during the winter months.

In December and January, we’ll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day – but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.

As we sail towards the Lofoten Islands, the Expedition Team will seek out the best place for a nature landing, perhaps at one of the many fine beaches likely covered in pristine snow. We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or get out the kayaks.

Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an experience that’s unforgettable. You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Look out for Sea Eagles as you admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.

Sailing from Svolvær to Vesterålen, we 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!

Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and kayaking. It’s here that we have another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served dinner in this very special heritage setting.

As we sail towards the Lofoten Islands, the Expedition Team will seek out the best place for a nature landing, perhaps at one of the many fine beaches likely covered in pristine snow. We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or get out the kayaks.

Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an experience that’s unforgettable. You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Look out for Sea Eagles as you admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.

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 most 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 watch talks and see demos in the Science Centre.

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’re sure that you will have enjoyed your winter expedition in Arctic Norway.

There are post-programme itineraries available for those who wish to extend your journey!

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

After a complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the HX Expeditions fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. 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.

On board, we serve a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Restaurant Aune, all in accordance with your daily programme. Mealtimes will be announced in the daily programme. You are also able to take away your meal back to your cabin.

You’ll find a variety of stimulating and relaxing places aboard MS Spitsbergen, where you’ll quickly feel at home. It’s casual and comfortable, yet stylish and inspiring, with a fresh, Scandinavian chic.

You’ll find a variety of stimulating and relaxing places aboard MS Spitsbergen, where you’ll quickly feel at home. It’s casual and comfortable, yet stylish and inspiring, with a fresh, Scandinavian chic.

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.

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.

Whether you want to get your pulse racing or calm it down and feel each breath, your ship has everything you need. From intense exercise to deep relaxation, you’ll find just what the day requires for your mind and body.

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

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.

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