Get to know Hurtigruten's MS Spitsbergen
Discover the story of Hurtigruten's MS Spitsbergen, named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and built for exploring Norway's coast and polar regions.
Hurtigruten's MS Spitsbergen takes her name from Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Svalbard, beginning in 1896 with the 'Sports Route' from Hammerfest to Spitsbergen aboard DS Lofoten.
Joining Hurtigruten's fleet in 2016, MS Spitsbergen was designed as a smaller, manoeuvrable ship particularly suited to expedition-style travel. Her size allowed guests to get closer to nature and explore destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
The ship's interior was designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden, with a contemporary Scandinavian style created to complement her role as an expedition ship.
MS Spitsbergen and Hurtigruten's Norwegian coast
MS Spitsbergen previously operated on Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal route as well as on expedition voyages in the Arctic and other regions.
The Norwegian Coastal Express has evolved since this ship first joined the fleet. MS Spitsbergen is no longer listed among Hurtigruten's current Coastal Express ships, so the ship should not be confused with the vessels currently operating the year-round route between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Today, Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyages are operated by a dedicated fleet of ships sailing the historic coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes. The Coastal Express calls at 34 ports and continues to connect travellers with the communities, landscapes and everyday life of coastal Norway.
MS Spitsbergen and expedition travel
MS Spitsbergen's smaller size and manoeuvrability made her particularly well suited to expedition-style voyages. During her time in Hurtigruten's expedition fleet, she operated in destinations including Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Arctic Canada.
The expedition experience is centred on nature, wildlife, landscapes and local communities, supported by an Expedition Team providing guiding, lectures and activities.
For travellers looking at Hurtigruten today, the expedition fleet has evolved since MS Spitsbergen joined the company. Hurtigruten Expedition Voyages now feature a range of purpose-built expedition ships and itineraries to remote destinations.
Cabin categories on MS Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen offered a range of cabin categories designed for different budgets and preferences, including Polar Inside, Polar Outside, Arctic Superior and Expedition Suites.
The exact cabin configuration and availability depended on the voyage and departure date. As MS Spitsbergen is no longer part of Hurtigruten's current Coastal Express fleet, the cabin information below should be regarded as historical rather than current booking information.
715 K2 Polar Inside Superior MS Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten
717 U2 Arctic Superior Outside MS Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten
402 Q4 Expedition Suite MS Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten
607 AJ Polar Outside Cabin MS Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten
Looking for a Hurtigruten voyage today?
If you're interested in experiencing Norway's spectacular coastline, explore our Norwegian Coastal Voyages or discover Norwegian Coastal Voyages combined with land packages.
For travellers interested in the Arctic and Northern Lights, our Northern Lights Voyages offer opportunities to experience northern Norway under the Arctic sky.
You can also read our latest Norwegian Coastal Voyages articles for travel inspiration, advice and stories from along the coast.
Contact our Destination Specialists for advice on current Hurtigruten voyages and the ships operating them.
Image credits: Cabin and interior images, Photographer: Tor Farstad, Outside images, Orjan Bertelsen.