MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway - the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the 'Sports Route'.
After a complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. She is modern and environmentally progressive and will undergo further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.
MS Spitsbergen Science & Education Program
Unlock your inner scientist with these hands-on experiences helping you to get a better understanding of the world around where Hurtigruten sails. From researching the impact of climate change on animal populations and sea ice to getting a better understanding of migratory patterns of marine life. There are a range of projects to get involved with as Hurtigruten ventures to many beautiful off-the-beaten-track locations.
- Citizen Science Projects: Hurtigruten is proud to aid the scientific community by hosting researchers and supporting many vital citizen science projects on board the ships as they venture to off-the-beaten-track locations like the Northwest Passage, Svalbard, Antarctica, and beyond. On each voyage, Hurtigruten engages guests in at least two citizen science projects as part of the on-board Science & Education program, which aims to increase guest knowledge and interest in the areas guests are sailing to.
- The Polar Citizen Science Collective: Founded in 2018, the Polar Collective is empowering the polar tourism industry to participate in vital scientific projects taking place in some of the world's most remote and coldest locations. Polar tourism organisations such as Hurtigruten Expeditions are in a unique place to help bridge the logistical gap many of these projects face to ensure projects and research can take place.
- Aurorasaurs: Aurorasaurus is the first Citizen Science project that collates sightings of the Northern and Southern Lights to improve real-time tracking and understanding of the beautiful phenomenon.
- Happywhale: Aimed at growing and developing the understanding of whales and dolphins, Happywhale uses images submitted by guests to map the movement of marine mammals around the world.
- Fjordphyto: Phytoplankton is the foundation of the marine food web, and the team at Fjordphyto aims to better understand the impact of climate change and melting sea ice. You can help Hurtigruten to collect water samples, undertake Secchi Disk studies, and record environmental conditions like seawater temperatures and salinity to submit to this project.
- eBird: The concept that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge, experience, and interest has turned a hobby into active science in the world's largest birding community. With over 100 million bird sightings contributed annually, eBird is using the information collected to power data-driven approaches to science, conservation, and education.
- Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys: The project is building a long-term ecological monitoring programme of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitat, to discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behaviour and populations might be changing because of climate change.
- Penguin Watch: Responding to a global decline in penguin populations - Penguin Watch investigates the impact of climate change, fisheries, disease, and pollution on colonies and identifies ways to mitigate them.
- Cruise Science: In partnership with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Hurtigruten aims to understand the value Citizen Science projects can bring to both research projects and expedition cruise operators.
- SeaLeopard: The leopard seal is one of Antarctica's least understood animals. Existing research into these animals has only scratched the surface of what is known about current population levels, and how they behave and breed.
- iNaturalist: iNaturalist is a joint initiative between the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, a social network where naturalists, Citizen Scientists, and biologists map and share observations of biodiversity across the globe.
- South Georgia Big Seaweed Search: Seaweed is a vital part of marine ecosystems providing food and shelter for many species whilst contributing to inshore nutrient and carbon cycling. Marine biodiversity around South Georgia is far from human impacts, its marine biodiversity faces threats from rapid climate change (ocean warming and acidification) and invasive species (including seaweeds).
- PolarTag: Every year, thousands of animals around the world are tagged and released. PolarTag was created as an online portal specifically for those visiting the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica) to share images of wildlife sightings. If you are lucky enough to spot a tagged animal whilst on board Hurtigruten encourages you to get involved and share your pictures.
- Secchi Disk Study: Climate change is impacting global Phytoplankton communities around the world, a vital oxygen producer and an important part of the marine food chain.
- Globe Cloud Observer: Working in collaboration with NASA, observations captured on the ground help to develop the understanding of clouds from below and above. These simple formations play an important role in transferring energy from the sun to different parts of planet Earth.
- The Science Center: Uncover a unique perspective on the people, places, and wildlife Hurtigruten discovers around the ship. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Science Center is at the heart of the on-board experience.
MS Spitsbergen Onboard Dining
Every day of your expedition cruise, your tastebuds will get the opportunity to explore. In each of the onboard restaurants, the skilled chefs create exciting menus using ingredients from the areas Hurtigruten travels.
- Restaurant Aune: Social, informal and with an emphasis on the natural, Aune is MS Maud's main dining area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner choices are influenced by the areas Hurtigruten explores and Hurtigruten's own rich heritage, dating back to 1896.
- Explorer Lounge & Bar: The Explorer Lounge offer large panoramic windows with ample and comfortable seats. There will be binoculars for sale in the onboard shop. And the Explorer Bar, also hosting daily multimedia presentations and professional lectures by expert scientists and wildlife experts.
MS Spitsbergen Invigorate Body and Soul
Your ship comes equipped with full suite of facilities to maintain an active lifestyle. From an indoor gym to a wellness center for both body and mind, you'll find everything you need to feel fully rejuvenated.
- Hot Tub: Take in the scenery as you soak in one of the two steaming outdoor hot tubs on Deck 7.
- Fitness Room: Maintain your regular fitness regime (or kickstart a new one) in the well-equipped gym on Deck 7. The panoramic views will help you stay motivated.
- Sauna and Relaxation: Get warm and cozy as you watch the world glide by through the windows of sauna on the top deck.
MS Spitsbergen Staterooms
- Polar Inside: The cosy Polar Inside cabins feature flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds. The Polar Inside concept includes TV and an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
- Polar Outside: Enjoy sea views from the Polar Outside cabins, situated on the middle or upper decks. Most of them feature flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds. The Polar Outside concept includes TV and an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
- Arctic Superior: Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of the Arctic Superior cabins which are situated on both the middle and upper decks. Most of them feature flexible sleeping arrangements with a double bed that can be divided into two single beds. The Arctic Superior concept includes a TV and amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
- Expedition Suite: The Expedition Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper decks, the suites feature double beds, some with extra sofabeds, a seating area and TV. The Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker and more. A welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
