MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen has 110 staterooms spread across decks 4, 6 and 7. Each accommodation falls into one of four categories: Expedition Suite, Arctic Superior, Polar Outside and Polar Inside. No matter which accommodations passengers choose, they can expect minimalist Scandinavian design with sleek, light-colored wood furnishings and a deep blue color palette for the decor. Staterooms across all categories are also surprisingly spacious, with several inside cabins measuring as large as the outside ones. Beds are also raised so guests can stow luggage underneath and keep the space feeling clear. While the majority of staterooms feature a double bed, select cabins also offer Pullman beds or a sofa bed to accommodate more guests. A handful of Polar Outside cabins offer two or three twin-size Pullman beds that come out from the wall. These cabins are great for solo travelers, and HX does not charge a single supplement on a wide selection of its cruises.

The most impressive and spacious accommodations onboard are the six suites. Ranging from 21 to 33 square meters, these suites are ideal for families and groups of up to four people — or for anyone who simply enjoys a bit of extra space. The Grand Suite and Owner’s Suite are the only accommodations with a small balcony.

Noteworthy details in all staterooms include tea- and coffee-making facilities — or a single-serve coffee maker for suite guests. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, high-quality toiletries with the refreshing scent of cloudberry and birch, plus heated floors that make for a soothing post-shower moment even in the warm destinations that MS Spitsbergen explores.

Another thoughtful detail? Each stateroom is equipped with a television that features plenty of movies, but also replays of the daily onboard lectures hosted by the ship’s team of scientists and experts. That way, guests who miss a lecture for whatever reason can catch it on their own time later.

MS Spitsbergen has two wheelchair accessible cabins in the Arctic Superior category.

The MS Spitsbergen is suitable for wheelchair users, but passengers in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. The gangway is wheelchair accessible, but certain ports may require the use of portable gangways or Zodiac expedition boats. In these cases, it’s not possible to use/take wheelchairs. For travelers specifically on MS Spitsbergen’s itineraries in Svalbard, it is important to note that the stop in Longyearbyen is not suitable for wheelchair embarkation or disembarkation. Guests who use a wheelchair must bring their own standard size, foldable chair. More information on HX’s Accessibility Policy is available here.

Aune is MS Spitsbergen’s only restaurant, serving buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each meal had a cold station with a selection of salads and cheese, a section for hot dishes, as well as live cooking stations providing made-to-order omelets at breakfast and pasta or risotto at dinner. Evening meals also typically included a meat carving station. A rotating selection of beer and wine was also included with lunch and dinner. While breakfast typically brought repeat options of eggs, hash browns, yogurts and fruits, the lunch and dinner offerings had a great variety, including dishes specific to the region we were sailing in. Meals were served between specific time windows, so for those who couldn’t make it or preferred to get a little extra rest, they also had to-go sandwiches and burgers, complete with dessert, that could be picked up from the restaurant. The attentive restaurant staff, who knew everyone by name, were also more than happy to help guests prepare to-go plates from the buffet.

The Explorer Bar serves many functions throughout the sailing. It’s where guests go for daily lectures from onboard scientists and destination experts, as well as briefings about the next day’s activities. It is also often a meeting point before departing the ship for excursions. Most importantly, however, it is the ship’s only standalone bar. There, guests will find a friendly bartender offering an assortment of beer, wine and cocktails, while complimentary, self-serve tea, coffee and cookies await in the corner. For the early birds, pre-breakfast snacks are also served here. Overall, it’s a popular hangout spot on the ship, especially in the evenings right after the daily briefings.

Like most expedition ships, entertainment on the MS Spitsbergen is far from the big productions and fancy casinos offered on larger vessels. Instead, you’ll find afternoon art sessions, daily lectures about the destinations’ history, culture, flora and fauna, and other interactive sessions led by the crew like how to tie nautical knots and live cooking demonstrations. The onboard scientists also help guests participate in a variety of citizen science projects, documenting everything from overhead clouds to bird and marine life sightings. The Science Center is also full of books about the landscapes and wildlife that guests might encounter throughout their sailing, as well as microscope samples that guests can study with help of the onboard scientists. Most guests occupy their time with a good book on the top deck, a dip in the hot tubs, or playing with the cards, board games and puzzles in the Explorer Lounge. With jam-packed days of adventure, this lineup is usually more than enough to keep everyone entertained. It’s also conducive to mingling with fellow guests.

As part of a Norwegian fleet, MS Spitsbergen of course includes a sauna, which guests can enjoy with the added perk of an ocean view window. There is no spa, unfortunately, but there are two hot tubs at the back end of the ship. For those looking to get in a workout, there is a small gym with cardio equipment and free weights.