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.

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.

På grund av expeditionens karaktär tar våra resor oss ofta långt bort från de resurser och faciliteter vi är vana vid i vardagen. Vi är medvetna om att funktionsnedsättningar och rörelsehinder kan variera i omfattning och rekommenderar därför alla gäster att överväga att ha medföljare om de behöver assistans, både ombord och i land, med tanke på miljön, verksamheten och de unika säkerhetskrav som gäller på ett expeditionsfartyg.

Vi diskuterar gärna tillgänglighet för personer med funktionsnedsättning och nedsatt rörlighet för varje resrutt, för att förstå varje gästs behov och förväntningar, och därigenom underlätta deltagande i våra program samt säkerställa att förväntningarna stämmer överens med den upplevelse vi kan erbjuda.

För gäster som använder rullstol vill vi uppmärksamma att ni måste ta med egen rullstol. För att underlätta rörelse ombord får rullstolar och hjälpmedel inte vara bredare än 60 cm.

Allt rörelse- eller medicinskt utrustning som tas med ombord måste kunna bäras säkert och ska anmälas innan avresan. Vi kan begränsa antalet och värdet på utrustning och kan neka att ta med utrustning där det inte är säkert eller där anmälan inte gjorts i tid för att genomföra en riskbedömning.

Besättningen är inte skyldig att lyfta gäster, skjuta rullstolar eller tillhandahålla personlig vård såsom hjälp med måltider, medicinering, personlig hygien eller toalettbesök. Vi välkomnar gäster som behöver sådan extra assistans, men kräver att de har med sig en medföljare som kan ge detta stöd på egen bekostnad. Vid nödsituationer kommer vår besättning att ge extra evakueringshjälp till gäster med funktionsnedsättning och nedsatt rörlighet.

HX Expeditions kan inte garantera att gäster med funktionsnedsättning eller nedsatt rörlighet kan delta i aktiviteter som kräver användning av styva gummibåtar (RIBs) eller andra tenderbåtar. Observera att HX Expeditions erbjuder upplevelser som kryssningar och landstigningar till platser med infrastruktur (inklusive bryggor, flytande pontoner, gångbroar och slipvägar) samt naturlandstigningar. Naturlandstigningar kan dock inte erbjudas till gäster som behöver använda rullstol.

Påstigning i småbåtar från fartyget eller land kräver att gäster kan kliva i och ur båten. Detta beslut är fattat med gästens och besättningens säkerhet och välbefinnande som högsta prioritet.

HX Expeditions erbjuder flera utflykter via tredjepartsleverantörer. Vi strävar efter att göra våra utflykter tillgängliga, men kan inte garantera att alla är rullstolsanpassade eller lämpliga för gäster med nedsatt rörlighet, även om vi gör rimliga ansträngningar att ordna detta i förväg när det är möjligt. Vissa hamnar kan ha begränsade faciliteter och gäster kan behöva navigera bryggor, flytande pontoner, gångbroar, slipvägar, branta ramper eller trappsteg med hinder.

För att säkerställa att alla gäster kan evakueras säkert vid en nödsituation kan gäster som behöver använda rullstol endast bo i tillgänglighetsanpassade hytter.

Antalet gäster med rullstol vi kan ta emot ombord vid varje tillfälle styrs av hur många besättningsmedlemmar vi kan avsätta för evakueringshjälp vid nödsituationer. Detta antal är direkt kopplat till antalet tillgänglighetsanpassade hytter på varje fartyg.

Tillgänglighetsanpassade hytter finns för gäster som behöver anpassade badrum och andra hjälpmedel. Standardhytter har upphöjda trösklar och kan vara olämpliga för större hjälpmedel.

Vi beklagar att vi inte kan erbjuda långvarig eller kontinuerlig assistans ombord. Gäster som reser ensamma och upplever betydande utmaningar med rörlighet och tillgänglighet kan bli ombedda att träffa en högre befälhavare för att diskutera situationen med hänsyn till deras egen säkerhet och välbefinnande. I extrema fall kan gästen bli ombedd att lämna fartyget på egen bekostnad.

Vårt åtagande är att erbjuda en njutbar och tillgänglig upplevelse för alla gäster, och vi svarar gärna på eventuella frågor eller funderingar ni kan ha.

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):

Våra expeditionsfartyg är utrustade med ett litet sjukhus ombord, med nödvändig utrustning och mediciner för att hantera mindre nödsituationer. Varje fartyg har ett engelsktalande medicinskt team med en läkare och minst en sjuksköterska, som dygnet runt får stöd av dedikerade experter på land.

Vid allvarliga nödsituationer kontaktas närmaste sjukhus. Medicinska konsultationer och mediciner debiteras den berörda passageraren. Alla gäster måste ha personlig rese- och sjukförsäkring.

Om du är beroende av medicin, se till att ta med tillräckliga mängder för att klara eventuella oförutsedda förseningar. Vi rekommenderar också att du förvarar din medicin i handbagaget, tydligt märkt och med klara instruktioner för användning. Om du är beroende av livsviktig medicin, vänligen informera fartygets läkare vid ankomst.

Gäster med nedsatt rörlighet och tillgänglighetsutmaningar, samt de som medför rörlighets- eller medicinsk utrustning ombord, kan ta del av vår policy för tillgänglighet här.

Sjukdom ombord kan leda till karantän, och order från fartygets läkare och kapten måste följas.

Ansiktsmasker – Gäster kan bli ombedda att bära ansiktsmasker om det förekommer ett betydande antal COVID-19-fall ombord.

Allt du behöver veta om din kryssning, inklusive dina bokningar, dagliga program, restauranger och tjänster ombord samt viktig information om tillgängliga utflykter finns alltid till hands.

Vad har jag bokat?

Ta en titt på Mina bokningar för att utforska de utflykter du har bokat och förbered dig för ditt äventyr med praktiska tips.

Vad händer idag?

Det dagliga programmet hjälper dig att hålla koll på vad som händer ombord. Det visar alla evenemang, måltider, valfria utflykter/aktiviteter och viktiga meddelanden så att du kan koppla av och njuta av expeditionen.

Vad finns ombord?

Här hittar du alla tjänster och faciliteter som erbjuds ombord på ett och samma ställe: spännande utflykter och information om det toppmoderna fartyget.