From Arctic Norway to the wild isles of Scotland
Setting out from Tromsø, we’ll explore some spectacular regions of Norway during the enchanting winter season. With five nights above the Arctic Circle, you’ll experience the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen, the serenity of Senja and the epic sight of the Svartisen glacier. It’s a time of snow-frosted mountains, deep blue fjords and – with luck – the Northern Lights. We’ll then cross the Norwegian Sea to Scotland’s windswept and history-soaked Northern Isles, Shetland and Orkney.
Unique experiences get you closer
This expedition-style adventure brings you closer to nature and culture in both Norway and Scotland, with included activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, and small boat cruising. In Norway, you’ll relish some uniquely Norwegian experiences such as a beach bonfire under the stars, a Nordic sauna and polar plunge, and an exclusive after-hours museum dinner at the famed Hurtigrutemuseet. When we reach Shetland and Orkney, you’ll learn about their Norse heritage and perhaps sample a few local whiskies before we head south to finish our voyage in Glasgow.
- Discover a winter wonderland in Arctic Norway at the tail end of the Northern Lights season before heading across the Norwegian Sea to the windswept Scottish isles of Shetland and Orkney.
- All-inclusive activities mean you’ll enjoy hiking, kayaking, nature landings in small expedition boats, community visits, snowshoeing and more.
- Truly experience Norway with unique and bespoke Norwegian experiences: Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Discover the gateway to the Arctic
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.
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.
Here, 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. Some of the time, we’ll be sailing in the dark and at dusk – but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.
Please note, this is an exploration day and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
As we sail towards the Vesterålen, 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.
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.
Experience dramatic panoramas
Sailing from Vesterålen to Lofoten, we cruise through the narrow Trollfjord into the Raftsund strait, 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!
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Discover Svolvaer or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!
Please note, this is an exploration day and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Discover Norway's second-largest glacier
Today, we'll sail into Holandsfjord off the rugged Helgeland coast, and head towards Svartisen glacier. Covering 230 square miles and with 60 ‘tongues’, this incredible geographical feature is Norway’s second largest glacier after Jostedalsbreen.
Meaning ‘black ice’, the epic Svartisen is made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and the Østisen, which are divided by the 0.6-mile-long Vesterdalen valley. The ice colour can range from turquoise to dark blue, although never quite black.
If conditions allow, your Expedition Team will land at a local jetty and lead you ashore, where we’ll take a hike to get a closer view of this incredible glacier.
Relax at sea as we head towards Scotland’s Shetland Islands
As we make our way south through the sheltered fjords, the soul-stirring scenery continues. Passing through the inner waters, see how the soft winter sun casts its magical spell across the snow-dusted landscape and soaring mountains.
Take some time to relax and enjoy the facilities of your expedition ship. Soak up the scenery out on deck, warm up in the sauna, or join your Expedition Team for fascinating talks and demonstrations in the Science Centre.
As we get closer to Scotland’s Northern Isles, we’ll enter the waters of the North Sea.
Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles
Today we reach the most northern outpost of the British Isles, docking the capital of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Lerwick. These islands have a rich heritage, and local people are justifiably proud of it. You’ll see references to monuments and times past wherever you go.
After our crossing of the Norwegian Sea, find your land legs again walking around this friendly Victorian-influenced fishing town. Wander around the town’s narrow lanes and discover little shops selling locally made products such as whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront you’ll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area's rich history. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking Town Hall.
Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage
Today we arrive at the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant, Viking-influenced island capital, which is still compact enough to cover on foot.
Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The famous Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also only a bus ride away.
Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their unique single malts. Or if you fancy something a bit different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals.
End your voyage in Scotland's second city
For the last week and a half, we’ve travelled from the wilds of Arctic Norway to the islands of Scotland, and today our expedition comes to an end in Glasgow’s Greenock. If you’re still in explorer mode, Glasgow has plenty of things to offer the curious traveller.
In the harbour, you'll find the striking Riverside Museum and the beautiful tall ship Glenlee beside it. Glenlee launched in 1896 – making her the same age as HX – and she has circumnavigated the globe several times. In the city, admire the Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral and view the eclectic art and natural history at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s an excellent way to round off your adventure!
Itineraries are subject to change.
Spitsbergen
Vessel Type: ExpeditionPassenger Capacity: 335Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016
Ship Facilities
- Compass Service Centre
- Brygga bistro
- Shop
- Torget main dining
- Wi-Fi
- Lift
- Guest launderette
- Panoramic deck 8
- Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8
