Cruise · HX Expeditions · 17 nights

Spitsbergen, Iceland, Faroe Islands –Island Hopping in and around the Arctic (Southbound) with Extended Stay in Longyearbyen

Enjoy a curated programme of Longyearbyen excursions
Relax in Oslo with an airport hotel stay
Travel in comfort aboard the expedition ship MS Spitsbergen

$15,265 pp twin share

$24,552 pp solo share

17 nights

Enquire

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Spitsbergen, Iceland, Faroe Islands –Island Hopping in and around the Arctic (Southbound) with Extended Stay in Longyearbyen

Spitsbergen, Iceland, Faroe Islands – Island Hopping in and around the Arctic (Southbound) – Overnight in Oslo – route map

Longyearbyen

Your Ship Awaits

Scenic Spitsbergen

A day at sea

Volcanic Jan Mayen

Sailing to Iceland

Whale watching in Húsavík

Southeast Iceland

Bound For the Faroes

Peaceful, tiny Elduvík

Oyndarfjørður

The Shetland Islands

Onwards to Kiel

Through the Kiel Canal

Maritime Kiel

MS Spitsbergen

Cruise Snapshot

17 Nights

Discover the Arctic's remote islands, from Svalbard's glaciers to Iceland's whales, with an extended stay in the frontier town of Longyearbyen

Explore Svalbard's dramatic fjords and wildlife
Visit the volcanic island of Jan Mayen
Spot whales in the fishing town of Husavik

Trip Details

Departs: 21 September 2028
Returns: 8 October 2028
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
Operator: HX Expeditions

18-day all-inclusive Svalbard; Iceland; and the Faroe, Orkney, and Shetland Islands expedition cruise from Oslo to Kiel with Extended Stay in Longyearbyen

The 14-night Svalbard voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Longyearbyen to Kiel, calling at Jan Mayen, Husavik - hofn, Djupavik, Elduvik, Thorshavn, Kirkwall and Kiel Canal, with 4 days at sea.

Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:

Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast
All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise
Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.

Begin in Svalbard's blue October twilight, when polar bears roam the shores and the Northern Lights return.
Sail south through Iceland's volcanic coast, the Faroe Islands' clifftop villages, and Shetland's Norse heritage.
Spot whales, seabirds, and Arctic wildlife across four countries and five wild island archipelagos.

You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.

$15,265

pp twin share

$24,552

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

21 September 2028

Returns

8 October 2028

Duration

17 nights

From pp twin share

$15,265 pp

From pp solo cabin

$24,552 pp

21 Sep 2028 - 08 Oct 2028
from $15,265 pp twin share / $24,552 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Polar Inside from $15,265 pp twin share
Polar Outside from $17,331 pp twin share
Arctic Superior from $18,911 pp twin share
Expedition Suite from $22,520 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Spitsbergen

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Spitsbergen

After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.

Guests: 150
Gross tonnage: 7,344
Speed: 14.5 knots
Length: 100 m
Launched: 2009
Beam: 18 m
Deck plans: 6

MS Spitsbergen · Deck plans

Deck 8

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital, a city rich in history with a thriving art scene. Wander the Ekebergparken sculpture park, admire the striking Opera House and Munch Museum, relax in a floating sauna on the harbour, or head to Sørenga for urban beach life and New Nordic cuisine, before settling in for the night in an airport hotel.
2
Welcome to Longyearbyen
Days 2–3
The town at the top of the world
After a morning flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two nights in Longyearbyen, a colourful frontier town at the edge of the Arctic wilderness, where snowmobiles outnumber people.
Beyond exploring the town at your own pace, join our curated two-day programme of excursions designed to reveal Longyearbyen's history, nature and resilient spirit. Discover how a settlement once built on coal mining has reinvented itself around science, tourism and a deep connection to the Arctic wilderness, while retaining the traditions that unite those who call this remote frontier home.
4
Your Ship Awaits
Welcome to your expedition home
After two days exploring Longyearbyen, it’s time to board your expedition ship. The Expedition Team and crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard. Once you've settled into your cabin, we'll cast off and set course for the remote wilderness and extraordinary wildlife of the High Arctic.
5
Scenic Spitsbergen
Days 5–6
A land of spectacular beauty
Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, is a wilderness of steep mountains, glaciers, and scattered offshore islands.
Over the next few days, we'll explore dramatic fjords where glaciers creak and calve icebergs into the sea, push north towards Northwest Spitsbergen National Park where sea ice may shape our route, and scan for the wildlife that thrives here: polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and colonies of seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Each day will be different. Landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hikes: be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team read the conditions and seize every opportunity the Arctic offers.
7
At Sea
A day at sea
As we sail south towards Jan Mayen, the open Arctic Ocean stretches around you. Spend time on deck scanning for whales and seabirds, soak in a hot tub as Svalbard fades behind us, or join the Science and Education Programme for insight into one of the world's most isolated islands. After the intensity of Spitsbergen, this is a chance to let everything settle before we reach somewhere even fewer people have seen.
8
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife
Today we reach Jan Mayen, a volcanic island suspended 500 km offshore with no permanent residents and almost no visitors. The only inhabitants are temporarily stationed Norwegian military personnel, meaning we join a very select group given the chance to set foot here.
Dominated by Beerenberg, the world's northernmost active volcano, the landscape feels almost alien: volcanic rock, moss, and lichen stretching to the horizon. Conditions permitting, we'll go ashore to explore. While there are no land mammals, Jan Mayen is a designated Important Bird Area, home to large colonies of northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots, and little auks. Keep watch for whales and seals in the surrounding waters too. This is one of the true highlights of any Arctic expedition.
9
Sailing to Iceland
A day at sea
As we sail towards northern Iceland, time is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swap stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge, scan for marine life and seabirds from deck, or soak in a hot tub while the ocean does the work. The Expedition Team will be in the Science Centre setting the scene for Iceland: its volcanic landscapes, rich culture, and ancient beliefs.
10
Whale watching in Húsavík
Iceland's best whale watching spot
Today you'll discover Húsavík, a charming fishing town and one of the best places in the world to see whales. It looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the elusive blue whale are regularly spotted.
On shore, the Whale Museum brings you closer to these giants, while the Exploration Museum tells a more unexpected story: in the 1960s, NASA sent 32 Apollo astronauts to train in the lunar-like lava fields nearby, preparing them to collect rock samples on the Moon. For something more relaxing, soak in the geothermal waters at GeoSea overlooking the bay, or end the day with a beer at the local microbrewery.
11
Southeast Iceland
Local folklore and natural beauty
Today we'll explore Djúpivogur, a quiet village on Iceland's east coast where discovery unfolds at a slower, more intimate pace. From the historic harbour, wander a place where creativity and nature intertwine: the remarkable Stone & Mineral Museum reveals the hidden beauty within Iceland's rocks, while the striking Eggs of Merry Bay sculptures line the waterfront.
Gentle trails lead past cairns, bird-filled lakes, and sweeping coastal views beneath the iconic, pyramid-shaped Búlandstindur mountain. Old fish oil tanks now echo with music and art. Whether walking to secluded black sand beaches or sharing simple local flavours, this is Iceland up close: unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to its land and people.
12
Bound For the Faroes
Relax at sea
As we leave Iceland behind and sail towards the Faroe Islands, the pace shifts. This is a day for curiosity and comfort in equal measure.
The Expedition Team will be hosting lectures on the Faroes, from their dramatic cliffs, to their Norse roots, and island way of life. Sort through your photographs, stretch out in the panoramic sauna, or do absolutely nothing at all. Tomorrow, a new archipelago awaits.
13
Peaceful, tiny Elduvík
Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese nature
Today we stop at Elduvík, a tiny village of just 23 inhabitants set in the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Split in two by the river Stórá, this is a place of astonishing quiet.
Despite its size, Elduvík has a school, church, dock, and pier. From the waterfront, look across sparkling waters to the nearby island of Kalsoy. Walk the charming streets and listen for seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves lapping from the fjord. You'll notice many houses still wear traditional grass roofs, offering natural insulation against the Faroese weather.
14
10th century Tórshavn
A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands
Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn, Thor's Harbour, is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals, set on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands.
Wander through cobbled alleyways lined with colourful turf-roofed houses, or visit the local museums to learn about the city's origins and the islands' flora, fauna and geology. A short walk out of town brings you to Svartafoss, where a waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. Along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.
15
The Shetland Islands
Explore Scotland's northernmost town
Welcome to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. Navigate its narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters, and fudge, then head to the old waterfront for the Shetland Museum, home to Pictish carvings and intricate lace shawls. Nearby, Fort Charlotte and the regal town hall are worth a look.
Keep your binoculars handy: grey and common seals bask along Lerwick's beaches, and red-throated divers, redshanks, and curlews are often spotted from the shore.
16
Onwards to Kiel
Time to reflect
This is our final day at sea as we venture closer to Germany. Take this time to enjoy the facilities on board, share memories of the past few weeks with fellow travellers, or chat with the Expedition Team, perhaps you have unanswered questions about where we've been, or want to dive deeper in the Science Centre.
17
Through the Kiel Canal
A canal that shortcuts a continent
Today we pass through the Kiel Canal, one of the world's busiest waterways, linking the North Sea with the Baltic. As we navigate this narrow ribbon of water, northern Germany unfolds on either side: small villages, green farmlands, quiet forests, and cargo ships passing close enough to wave at.
It's a day best spent on deck, watching locks open, bridges rise, and over a century of maritime engineering work around you. Seabirds follow in our wake, vessels share the passage, and the landscape shifts with every mile. In the evening, gather for the Captain's Farewell and celebrate the voyage shared.
18
Maritime Kiel
On the edge of the Baltic Sea
Kiel is a true maritime hub on the Northern coast of Germany. For generations, it's been the starting point for voyages to the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea and beyond. Today, it marks the end point of your expedition.
Bid farewell to ship, crew and your fellow travellers, and take some time to stroll along the wide promenades of city, appreciating the unique German and Scandinavian culture that's been carved out over countless generations of maritime travel.
Head home, feeling relaxed and inspired by your beautiful autumn adventure.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise.
Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast.
All transfers in Longyearbyen including a short panoramic bus tour with lunch before the expedition cruise.
Extended stay in Longyearbyen package as described, including a selection of curated excursions to show you the true Longyearbyen way of life.
A stay in a cabin of your choice.

Not included

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Hotels

Overnight at airport hotel in Oslo before the expedition cruise, including breakfast

Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast

Day 1 – Radisson Red Hotel & Conference Center Oslo Airport
Days 2-3 – Funken Lodge

MS Spitsbergen

On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.

Polar Inside

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature

Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².

Polar Outside

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².

Arctic Superior

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.

They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².

Expedition Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.

Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 17 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 21 Sep 2028 and 08 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise