HX Expeditions
MS Spitsbergen | Arctic Norway
Overview
With over 130 years of exploration behind them, HX Expeditions approaches expedition travel with deep respect for the places they explore.
HX Expeditions offers a heritage‑rich, nature‑focused approach to expedition travel, shaped by decades of exploring the polar regions and remote coastlines. Their voyages emphasise sustainability, scientific understanding and meaningful time in nature, supported by dedicated Expedition Teams and a warm, relaxed onboard atmosphere.
The fleet spans both polar and warm‑water regions, with ships designed for different styles of exploration - from intimate, small‑ship voyages to modern hybrid‑powered expeditions. Across all vessels, the focus remains the same: connecting guests with wildlife, landscapes and local communities through expert‑led experiences.
I’ve travelled with HX on a self‑funded expedition voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen, giving me first‑hand insight into their calm, Scandinavian‑inspired style and their deep connection to the destinations they explore.
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Ship Overview
HX Expeditions operates a diverse fleet of five expedition ships, each with its own character and regional focus:
MS Spitsbergen | Small, intimate expedition ship sailing Norway, Svalbard and the Arctic
MS Fram | Classic expedition vessel designed for polar exploration
MS Fridtjof Nansen | Hybrid‑powered, modern expedition ship with Scandinavian interiors
MS Roald Amundsen | Sister ship to Fridtjof Nansen with hybrid propulsion
MS Santa Cruz II | Warm‑water expedition ship purpose‑built for the Galápagos
Each ship offers a different style of expedition experience, but all share HX’s commitment to sustainability, science and expert‑led exploration.
MS Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen
Year built | 2009 (rebuilt 2016 & refurbished 2025)
Guest capacity | 150 guests
Regions | Norway, Svalbard
MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability with elegant simplicity. With space for just 150 guests, she offers a calm, intimate atmosphere and the agility to reach remote places larger ships can’t.
Ship Design Features
Fleet-Level Features
Expedition‑ready Zodiacs for landings and wildlife viewing
Kayaks for guided excursions
Science and learning spaces for lectures and hands‑on discovery
Dedicated Expedition Teams with expertise across science, culture and wildlife
A leading science programme integrated into every voyage
MS Spitzbergen Features
Scandinavian Interiors | Clean lines, soft tones and natural materials inspired by the sea
Observation Decks | Wide, open spaces for wildlife watching and photography
Explorer Lounge & Bar | A relaxed space for briefings, stories and scenic views
Adaptability | A small, agile ship able to access remote places larger vessels cannot
Explorer Lounge | MS Spitsbergen
Destinations
HX Expeditions sails to a wide range of regions across both hemispheres, including:
Antarctica
British Isles & Atlantic Islands
Galápagos
Greenland
Iceland
Northwest Passage
Norway
South America
Svalbard
Ulvoya | Arctic Norway
Expedition Equipment
HX Expeditions’ ships carry a range of specialist equipment designed to support exploration in polar and remote environments, including:
Zodiacs for landings and wildlife viewing
Kayaks for guided excursions
Science and learning spaces
Expedition gear appropriate to the region (e.g., boots, outerwear, safety equipment)
Equipment varies by ship and destination, but all voyages are supported by experienced Expedition Teams who bring the landscapes and wildlife to life.
Zodiac Boat
Onboard Experience
HX Expeditions’ ships are designed to create a warm, relaxed environment after active days ashore. Across the fleet, guests can expect:
Viewing & Lounges
Panoramic lounges with floor‑to‑ceiling windows
Comfortable communal spaces for relaxing, reading and wildlife watching
Explorer Lounge & Bar on MS Spitsbergen - the heart of the ship’s social life
Wellness
Panoramic Sauna on MS Spitsbergen
Hot Tubs | Two open‑air tubs with space for five each
Fitness Room | Treadmills, bikes and weights
Education
Daily briefings and lectures from the Expedition Team
Science Centre on MS Spitsbergen | A flexible, technology‑rich space for workshops, talks and hands‑on learning
Hot Tub | MS Spitsbergen
Staterooms & Suites
HX Expeditions offers four cabin categories on MS Spitsbergen:
Expedition Suites | Spacious, private and calm, with wide windows and selected suites offering private balconies
Arctic Superior | Comfortable cabins with thoughtful touches and Scandinavian styling
Polar Outside | Bright, practical cabins with windows
Polar Inside | Cosy, well‑designed interior cabins
All cabins include private bathrooms and modern conveniences.
Arctic Superior Cabin | MS Spitsbergen
Dining
HX Expeditions offers regionally inspired menus across its fleet, with:
Seasonal ingredients
Sustainable seafood
Relaxed, welcoming dining spaces
Restaurant Aune
MS Spitsbergen’s main restaurant, serving generous breakfast buffets, casual lunches and beautifully plated dinners that spotlight regional flavours.
Aune Takeaway
Freshly prepared meals for relaxed evenings in your cabin or suite.
Brygga Bistro
A casual venue (new in 2025) serving snacks and light meals between restaurant hours, ideal after active days ashore.
Restaurant Aune | MS Spitsbergen
Enrichment & Science
HX Expeditions’ enrichment programme is designed for travellers who want to understand the environments they explore. Depending on the ship and itinerary, guests can expect:
Daily lectures from the Expedition Team
Science corners or learning spaces
Workshops in photography, biology and regional culture
Opportunities to participate in citizen science projects
Science Centre | MS Spitsbergen
Included Value
HX Expeditions’ expedition fares typically include:
Daily landings or shore excursions
All meals
Tea, coffee and soft drinks
Lectures and briefings
Expedition gear appropriate to the region
Onboard gratuities
Wi‑Fi