Inside Hurtigruten's New Boutique Explorer Ship, MS Spitsbergen

  • July 13, 2016
Inside Hurtigruten's New Boutique Explorer Ship, MS Spitsbergen
The island is also where Hurtigruten's founder, Richard With, first started explorer tourism in the Arctic in 1896, so it holds particular significance. MS Spitsbergen joins Hurtigruten's fleet of explorer ships on Norway's coastline, and will set sail on her first voyage from Bergen on July 24, 2016.

After spending her first season in Norway, MS Spitsbergen will alternate between the Norwegian coast and polar expeditions. From 2017, guests can sail with her to Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe and Shetland Islands, as well as to Arctic Canada. Here, passengers will discover L'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the first Vikings settlements were discovered in 1960.

MS Spitsbergen suite

MS Spitsbergen suite balcony

MS Spitsbergen lounge

MS Spitsbergen dining

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen

MS SPITSBERGEN 2017/18 VOYAGES

In the wake of the Vikings: Norway-Shetland-Faroe Islands-Iceland

The Vikings crossed the North Sea and landed on the British Isles. Although they are often thought of as barbaric raiders, they were also accomplished explorers and settlers.

The Vinland Saga Adventure: Iceland-Greenland-Canada

Between year 800 and 1000, the feared and fabled Vikings carried out a number of expeditions to explore the North Atlantic Ocean. This expedition follows a route described in the Vinland Saga.

Exploring the Arctic land of the Caribou: Canada

This expedition includes the chance to visit two national parks, several different settlements and intriguing cities. Along the way, guests will get to experience remarkable archaeological remains and get an insight into the interesting history of the Vikings.

Crossing Baffin Bay: Canada-Greenland

This voyage explores the unspoiled regions on both sides of Baffin Bay. From Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada; via the grand landscape of Baffin Island; to Greenland where guests can touch an iceberg with their bare hands and marvel at the power of nature in Ilulissat Icefjord.

Thule, north and beyond: The west coast of Greenland

A unique Arctic expedition exploring the northwest coast of Greenland, along the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which stretches 1,500 miles north, covering up to 80 per cent of the island.

Island hopping in the north Atlantic: Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Islands-Shetland Islands-Norway

Guests can discover the spectacular and un-spoilt scenery of Greenland and visit Iceland's capital of Reykjavik, and the charming Faroe and Shetland Islands.

Elves, sagas and volcanoes of Island: Circumnavigation of the island of Iceland

Mythical Iceland is the perfect destination for adventurers looking to explore wilderness, wildlife, history and settlements.

Visit website: https://www.hurtigruten.us/our-ships/ms-spitsbergen/