MS Spitsbergen

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.

We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some 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.

The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals

Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.

This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.

Located on Deck 3

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.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day: Indulge in anything your appetite desires across a huge list of delicious choices that almost rival the memories you’ll make off the ship. Start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast before moving onto a mouth-watering menu of à la carte choices later in the day. Of course, that includes house wine and beer and soft drinks.

A warm welcome to the sauna, hot tubs and more: Make some time to spoil yourself and indulge in your ship's onboard sauna and hot tubs – they really make coming back from your day’s adventure all the more rewarding.

Delicious coffee, tea and soft drinks all day​: Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks, from a caffeine boost in the morning to a sugar-rush after lunch. Refill stations for your OceanBottle are located throughout the ship, keeping you hydrated without using any single-use plastics.​​

All-inclusive drinks​: Enjoy a glass of wine or beer before dinner in the Pool Bar. Or unwind in the evening with a cocktail in the Explorer Lounge. Whatever and whenever you fancy, drinks are available throughout the day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).

Gratuities included​: Fantastic service is standard at HX Expeditions and we’ll never add discretionary charges onto your bill (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).

The all-inclusive that sets us apart​…

Daily expeditions and activities​: Every day, handpicked experts from a range of fields will lead you on discoveries whether on shore or on board. Join our Expedition Team on hikes, community visits and small boat trips before heading back to the ship and hearing fascinating talks in the lecture hall, as well as your briefing on the next day’s schedule.

Expedition gear and water bottle – yours to take home​: All guests receive a polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX exploration kit for the area you're exploring. And as the first cruise brand to ban single-use plastics, all guests receive a complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home.​

Professional photos of your trip from our onboard photographer​: Every expedition has an onboard photographer who’ll capture stunning images from each day of your voyage. After you’ve returned home, we’ll send you a beautiful digital album along with a summary video to bring back your favourite memories and make those highlights easy to share.

Wi-Fi at no extra cost​: We offer Starlink Wi-Fi on all our ships (if only the Norwegian explorers who founded HX in 1896 could see us now). But be aware that we often sail in remote areas with limited connection and streaming isn’t supported.

Full access to our Science Centre: Often described by guests as “the heart of an HX ship”, our interactive science programme is like nothing you'll find elsewhere. Join our onboard scientists, hear from experts, collect samples and get involved in our citizen science projects. Spot something new with fellow birders or spend time studying what we find under the microscope.

What's not included?

While our all-inclusive expeditions cover everything you need, these optional extras can enhance your experience:

• Extra excursions
• Fine dining at Lindstrøm
• Spa treatments
• Premium drinks (top shelf spirits, vintage wines, Champagne, etc.)
• Laundry
• Onboard shop
• Onboard medical treatments

As well as more spacious and stylish accommodation, suite guests enjoy extras such as a welcome bottle of Champagne, unlimited fine dining at Lindstrøm, laundry, and turndown service.

All-Inclusive Terms & Conditions

General Exclusions

All-inclusive applies to sailings departing from 20 October 2024 onwards and only to Tour Code components (including the specified voyage which includes on-board elements subject to certain terms and conditions, hotel accommodation, local ground transfers and local domestic flights.

Some inclusions, amenities, access to facilities and priority is subject to cabin category, Ambassador Loyalty status or booking channel.

Excludes: optional excursions, pre and post programms, additional hotel accommodation, additional ground transfers, international arrival and departure flights, arrival and departure packages, luggage handling, personal expenditure, retail spending, donations to Hurtigruten Foundation and other charitable and good causes, insurance, visas, travel documentation, vaccinations, medical assessments, medical treatment and assistance on-board and ashore, medical and other disembarkation and/or repatriation prior to the end of ticketed cruise itinerary and all other costs for guests’ own account per HX Booking Terms & Conditions.

Specific Exclusions

i. Some excursions and activities may be (a) optional and incur additional charges; (b) have limited capacity; (c) be subject to operational conditions and restrictions; and/or (d) require a liability waiver to be signed for participation.

ii. Alcohol service during meals is subject to alcohol licensing regulations and HX operating policies. Fine dining in our à la carte Lindstrøm restaurant is only inclusive for Suites guests.

iii. All-inclusive drinks are subject to alcohol licensing regulations and HX operating policies. Excludes Premium Drinks. Suites guests enjoy inclusive Premium Drinks and initial stocking of mini-bar (thereafter additional charges apply).

Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are inclusive all-day in public areas although charges apply for cabin guests using the mini-bar

iv. Sauna, hot tubs and other amenities vary per ship, additional charges may apply in the Wellness Centre for personal spa treatments.

v. Additional inclusions for Suites guests: complimentary bottle of champagne, unlimited access to our Lindstrøm fine dining restaurant, laundry and turn-down services.

vi. Always subject to other terms as per our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Our ships are wheelchair accessible with some operational requirements. Guests have to bring their own wheelchairs, which must be no wider than 60 cm for ease of movement. All mobility aids must be declared and safely carried onboard. Wheelchair users can only be accommodated in accessible cabins to ensure safe evacuation in emergencies. 

Due to the nature of expedition cruising, our voyages often take us far away from the resources and the facilities we are used to in day-to-day life. We recognise that disabilities and mobility issues can range in severity, and recommend all guests consider accompaniment by a companion if they need assistance, either on board or ashore, due to the environment, operations and the unique safety requirements found on an expedition ship.

We are happy to discuss access for disabled persons and person with reduced mobility on each itinerary to understand the needs and expectations of each guest to both facilitate participation in our programs and ensure expectations match the experience we can provide.

For guests who use wheelchairs, please note that you must bring your own. To ensure ease of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must be no wider than 60cm.

All mobility or medical equipment brought on board must be capable of being carried safety and must be declared before the sailing. We may impose limits on the number of pieces and value of equipment and may decline to carry any equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.

Crew are not obligated to lift guests or push wheelchairs, or provide personal care such as assistance with eating, medication, personal hygiene, or using the restroom. We welcome guests who require such additional assistance but require that they must be accompanied by a companion to provide this support at their own cost. In the event of an emergency our crew will provide additional evacuation assistance to disabled guests and guests with reduced mobility.

HX Expeditions cannot guarantee that disabled guests or guests with reduced mobility will be able to participate in operations that require the use of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or other tender boats. Please note HX Expeditions offers experiences such as cruising and landing to places with infrastructure (including, jetties, floating pontoons, gangways and slipways), as well as nature landings. We are unable to offer nature landings to guests who require use of a wheelchair.

Embarkation of small boats from the ship or shore requires that guests can step in and out of the small boat. This decision has been made with the safety and wellbeing of the guest and crew foremost in mind.

HX Expeditions offers several excursions provided by third-party providers. We strive to make our excursions accessible, but we cannot guarantee that all of them will be wheelchair friendly or suitable for guests with reduced mobility, although we will make reasonable efforts to arrange this in advance if possible. Some ports of call may have limited facilities, and guests may need to navigate jetties, floating pontoons, gangways and slipways, steep ramps or steps with obstructions.

To ensure that all guests can be safely evacuated during an emergency, guests that require the use of a wheelchair can only be accommodated in accessible cabins.

The number of guests using a wheelchair that we can accept on board at any given time is governed by the number of crew we can assign to provide evacuation assistance in an emergency. This number is directly linked to the number of accessible cabins available on each ship.

Accessible cabins are available for guests who require adapted bathrooms and other accessibility aids. Standard cabins have raised door sills and may not be suitable for larger mobility aids.

We regret that we cannot provide sustained or long-term assistance on board. Guests who elect travel alone and find that they experience excessive mobility and accessibility challenges may be requested to meet with a senior officer to discuss the situation regarding their own safety and wellbeing. In extreme circumstances the guest may be disembarked at their own cost.

Our commitment is to provide an enjoyable and accessible experience for all guests, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Guests who require special diets or have food allergies can contact the Restaurant Manager in the restaurants during opening hours.

The minimum age for travel to Antarctica and Galápagos is 5 years and the participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.

Weather varies depending on your destination, but sturdy footwear for wet and dry landings is essential. We provide boots and trekking poles on certain expeditions, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

On-board

• Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners
• Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip
• Swimwear if you wish to use the hot tub or sauna.
• Sandals
• Gym clothes if you wish to use the fitness facilities
• Type C plug adapters (two-round pins commonly used in Europe)

Warm-weather destinations

• Fast-drying clothes that you can layer
• Rain poncho
• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Light water-resistant jacket
• Short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, preferably with a UV filter
• Shorts and light-weight trousers
• Sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• Reef shoes/water socks or water shoes/sandals
• Hydration electrolyte tablets
• Snorkel gear
• Reef-safe sunblock, which should not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate as these chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt the ocean’s pH balance.

Cold-weather destinations

• Warm winter jacket
• Waterproof trousers (mandatory for expeditions in Polar regions)
• Woollen/fleece-lined jumpers
• Woollen underlayers and long thermal underwear and tops
• Warm hat or headband that covers your ears
• Scarf, buff or fleece tube
• Underlayer gloves and top-layer gloves
• Waterproof gloves
• Warm woollen socks
• Shoe ice grips - Except Antarctica
• Insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment (Greenland only)
• Hat with mosquito net (Greenland only)

Additional items for all destinations

• Hiking boots for excursions and other shoreside activities
• Polarised sunglasses with UV protection
• High-factor sunscreen
• Moisturiser and lip salve with UV protection
• Hat or baseball cap (one with a chinstrap is recommended due to windy conditions)
• Camera and memory cards with a large capacity
• Extra batteries for your camera (battery life is shorter in cold areas)
• Environmentally friendly insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment
• Mosquito net for your hat
• Small waterproof bag (20l volume) for landings
• Small backpack for excursions
• Binoculars

Good to know

• You’ll receive a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket to keep. Please note that it is not a thick winter jacket.
• Our onboard shop offers a variety of essentials and gifts to purchase, including Helly Hansen gear, sea sickness tablets, and souvenirs.
• We’ll loan you boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities.
• In some areas we visit, rubber muck boots are mandatory for stepping ashore. We’ll loan them to you for free. They come in sizes 35-50 EU.
• We reserve the right to refuse activity participation to guests who are not properly dressed for the conditions.
• Visit our excursions hub and select the excursion that’s relevant to you. In the practical information section, you’ll find guidance regarding what to wear.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots?

There are two types of landings: dry landings and wet landings. In a dry landing, you step directly from a small expedition boat onto solid ground, a pier or a jetty. Wet landings, on the other hand, involve stepping from the boat into shallow water, usually no deeper than just above your ankle.

Depending on the destination, waterproof rubber boots are either mandatory due to environmental and biosecurity regulations or strongly recommended for safety and comfort. Rubber boots are provided free of charge for the duration of your trip. Available sizes: EU 32–50 / US 1–18 / UK 1–15.

Destination guidelines:

• Antarctica: Rubber boots are mandatory for all landings.
• Falkland Islands: Rubber boots are highly recommended for nature landings. Guests can wear hiking boots when disembarking on jetties and piers.
• Svalbard: Rubber boots are mandatory for all landings. However, we recommend bringing hiking boots for your time in Longyearbyen.
• East Greenland: Rubber boots are mandatory as all landings are wet.
• West and Northwest Greenland: Rubber boots are mandatory for all wet landings. Guests can wear hiking boots when disembarking on jetties and piers.
• Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada: Rubber boots are mandatory for all wet landings. Guests can wear hiking boots when disembarking on jetties and piers.
• Alaska and British Columbia: It’s recommended to bring hiking boots as the majority of landings are dry. Should a wet landing take place, we’ll provide you with waterproof rubber boots.
• Galápagos Islands: We recommend bringing waterproof shoes for wet landings and hiking boots for dry landings.

For all other destinations, hiking boots are highly recommended.

Additional footwear: We recommend packing comfortable, flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip. Sandals or slip-on shoes for walking inside the ship.

Biosecurity packing guidelines for expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic

Help protect the pristine Arctic and Antarctic environment from the threat of non-native species by following these biosecurity packing guidelines from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO):

Our expedition ships feature a small onboard hospital essential equipment, and medication to handle small emergencies.. Every ship has an English-speaking medical team with a doctor and at least one nurse, supported 24/7 by dedicated land-based experts.

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.

Guests with reduced mobility and accessibility challenges and those bringing mobility or medical equipment onboard may find our policy on accessibility here.

Illness on board can lead to quarantine, and orders from the ship’s physician and captain must be followed.

Face masks - Guests may be required to wear face masks if there is a significant number of COVID-19 cases on board.

Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.

Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase.

Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.

What have I booked?

Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips.

What's happening today?

The daily programme helps you to know what’s happening on board. It shows you all the on-board events, meals, optional excursions/activities, and important announcements so that you can relax and enjoy the expedition.

What’s available on board?

You can find all the services and facilities available on board in one place: exciting excursions and information about the state-of-the-art vessel.