The Ultimate Fjord and National Park Expedition

09 Sep 2026
12 Nights
MS Spitsbergen
Arctic
View Itinerary

ITINERARY

Explore the world’s northernmost capitalYour adventure begins in Reykjavík.Reykjavík is a laid-back city of art, culture and history. Exploring this delightful place is well worth your time.Stroll past the boutiques and outdoor shops along Laugavegur, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church and drop into the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.If you have time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us to discover some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Explore Ship

Explore the wild eastWe’ll spend the next 10 days exploring Greenland’s remote and pristine east coast. Extending for over 1,740 miles from north to south, this long stretch of coast is cold, isolated and remote, even by Greenlandic standards. The south-flowing East Greenland Current brings lots of sea ice directly from the Arctic Ocean, challenging human settlement but creating a heaven for ice-dependent wildlife, including the polar bear.Local weather and ice conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan is to sail first to Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. You’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged region with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains. If conditions permit, we’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit – the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere.Should the sea ice be favorable, we’ll continue our journey north to the beautiful Northeast Greenland National Park – the world’s largest national park. Visiting this fragile Artic wilderness is a rare privilege, as only a few visitors are permitted here each year.Apart from old trapper huts, some science research stations, and a military outpost, there are very few traces of human life in this 375,000 square mile park. Be assured that this is one of the quietest places on Earth, and you’ll enjoy a feeling of great peace as we explore this beautiful wilderness.As this is an expedition cruise, the Captain and Expedition Team will guide us to the most favorable spots on a day-by-day basis. Our goal will be to pack in as many shore landings, small boat cruises, nature walks, kayaking adventures and wildlife sightings as possible.

Explore Ship

Heading back to IcelandAfter exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we’ll set our course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with your new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales.East Greenland’s beauty is sure to have left its mark on you, so reflect on what you’ve seen – from the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice.

End of the expeditionWe say a fond farewell to MS Spitsbergen as we end our expedition cruise in the lovely city of Reykjavík. With its interesting museums, stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Iceland’s capital.And if you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Program before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey!

Day 1

Reykjavík

09 Sep 2026

Reykjavík

At Sea

10 Sep 2026

At Sea

Day 3

Hurry Inlet, King Christian X Land

11 Sep 2026

Hurry Inlet, King Christian X Land

Danmark Island

12 Sep 2026

Danmark Island

Day 5

Rodefjord

13 Sep 2026

Rodefjord

Day 6

Scoresby Sund, Greenland

14 Sep 2026

Scoresby Sund, Greenland

Day 7

Bear Islands, Scoresby Sound

15 Sep 2026

Bear Islands, Scoresby Sound

Day 8

At Sea

16 Sep 2026

At Sea

Day 9

At Sea

17 Sep 2026

At Sea

Day 10

At Sea

18 Sep 2026

At Sea

Day 11

Iceland

19 Sep 2026

Iceland

20 Sep 2026

Iceland

Day 13

Reykjavík

21 Sep 2026

Reykjavík

This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Best Time to Travel

Arctic Fox

Witness the stunning arctic fox living amongst the Arctic tundra, primarily found across regions such as Svalbard, Greenland, northern Canada, Alaska, Norway and even Northern Iceland. Their fur changes colour throughout the seasons, from white fur in the winter to camouflage against the snow-covered landscapes to a coat of brown and grey fur during the summer months. Arctic foxes give birth during the spring, with litters reaching over 10 pups in some cases, so this is a fantastic time to spot them feeding their young.

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Polar Bear

Polar bears, also known as the ‘maritime bear’, are the largest land carnivores on earth and live in the northern polar region of the Arctic. These magnificent creatures are excellent swimmers, sometimes swimming for days at a time without rest. They are equally phenomenal hunters too, primarily feeding on ringed and bearded seals which they hunt from the platforms of sea ice and patiently waiting at breathing holes.

Contrary to their appearance, their skin is black to absorb the heat and their fur translucent, although the reflection from the light creates their iconic white coat. Polar bears are famously dedicated mothers and are often seen with or close by to their cubs. The changing climate and shrinking sea ice directly correlates with their declining hunting success and is dwindling survival rate of their cubs.

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Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard reindeer are a unique subspecies of rein deer you will only find in the Arctic region of Svalbard itself. This endemic mammal is shorter and larger than typical reindeer which helps them to conserve heat in one of the coldest climates in the world. Due to the lack of predators in the region, Svalbard reindeer are much more comfortable with human presence compared to others of their kind, so it is easier to get closer encounters with them whilst on your excursions in the Arctic. The peak of the Arctic expedition season in the summer months between June and August are the best time to spot them in the wild. The 24-hour daylight provides plentiful opportunities to spot them, and the warmer temperatures means they are at their most active and can often be seen grazing due to the lack of snow.

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Walrus

As one of the Arctic’s most iconic animals, walruses are easy to spot and recognise, defined by their long tusks and whiskers, which are highly sensitive and used to detect food on the seafloor. These large creatures use their tusks to haul themselves onto the ice and are known to be aggressive, displaying dominance against others of their kind to establish their authority. You’ll often see them in large groups out on the sea ice or along the coastlines.

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Explore MS Spitsbergen

Aune

MS Spitsbergen’s main restaurant serves three meals a day from generous breakfast buffets, casual lunches, to beautifully plated dinners that spotlight regional dishes.

Brygga Bistro

A casual venue new since 2025 serving snacks and light meals between restaurant hours. Perfect for when you've worked up an appetite in between landings.

Expedition Team

The onboard Expedition Team is composed of the Expedition Leader, the Assistant Expedition Leader, the Expedition Coordinator plus several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on board. In the ships science center, you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions and activities.

Shore Excursions

We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.

We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English-speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.

In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability.

Science Centre

The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals

Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.

This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.

Expedition Launch

Located on Deck 3

Lectures

The ship’s experienced lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program.

Explorer Lounge & Bar

This relaxed space is where the day’s stories gather. With sweeping views and a warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for sharing discoveries, attending briefings, or simply watching the waves roll by.

Shop

Located on Deck 5

Observation Decks

The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Reception

Located on Deck 5.

Library

The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.

Fitness Centre

Well-equipped and compact, the gym includes treadmills, bikes, weights — and even a ping pong table. Finish your workout with a breath of fresh air on deck.

Panoramic Sauna

Perched high on the ship, the sauna offers not just heat but horizon. The ultimate way to warm up and wind down after a day in the elements.

Hot Tub

Two open-air hot tubs, each with space for five, offer a soothing way to soak in the scenery. Ideal for easing tired muscles or simply watching the world roll by.

MS Spitsbergen Cabins & Suites

Polar Inside | Larger inside cabin for 2 travellers

Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.

Upper-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 15-20 m2
Cabin Code: K2D

Polar Inside | Superior Inside Cabin

Lower- or upper-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berths)
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 15-20 m2
Cabin Code: K4D

Polar Inside | Inside Cabin

Lower-deck cabin
No window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 9-14 m2
Cabin Code: I2D

Polar Outside | Outside cabin for 2 travellers

With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.

Lower-deck cabin
Window
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 13-14 m2
Cabin Code: O2D

Polar Outside | Middle deck for up to 3 travellers

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Two Pullman beds (upper and lower berth)
Single sofa bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 3 | Size: 11-12 m2
Cabin Code: J3

Polar Outside | Outside cabin - Lower deck for up to 3 travellers

Lower-deck cabin
Window
Two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths)
Twin bed that converts into a sofa
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: up to 3 | Size: 13-14 m2
Cabin Code: O3

Arctic Superior | Outside Cabin

Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or partly obstructed view)
Some with an observation deck
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 11 m2
Cabin Code: P2D

Arctic Superior | Wheelchair-Accessible

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Wheelchair-accessible cabin, may be available for general booking
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 18 m2
Cabin Code: YA

Polar Outside | Outside Cabin

Upper-deck cabin
Window (limited or no view)
Double bed
Bathrobes and slippers on request
Guests: 2 | Size: 11-12 m2
Cabin Code: J2D

Expedition Suite | Owners Suite

The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.