Is Spitsbergen worth it?
The MS Spitsbergen is a roughly 200-guest hybrid-electric expedition ship operated by HX, launched in 2020 and rated Polar Class 6. She has 102 cabins including six suites, and sails the Arctic, Greenland and Antarctica as well as less-expected regions like the Scottish Hebrides. Her size lets her reach coastlines larger ships cannot.
Ship at a glance
- Operator
- HX
- Guests
- Approximately 200
- Cabins
- 102, including 6 suites
- Ice class
- Polar Class 6
- Launched
- 2020
- Propulsion
- Hybrid-electric
- Regions
- Arctic, Greenland, Antarctica, Scottish Hebrides
- Style
- Small-ship, environmentally conscious, adventure-focused
Why is a ship called Spitsbergen sailing Scotland?
HX names its ships after polar places, but deploys them by season. The Spitsbergen spends the polar summer in the Arctic and repositions to other regions outside it, which is how she comes to sail the Scottish Hebrides in spring. The ship is built for polar conditions; the Hebrides simply benefit from the same capabilities.
What is she like to board?
Boarding the Spitsbergen in April 2025, I was immediately struck by the ship’s clean Scandinavian design and sustainable focus. The hybrid-electric engines ensure quiet, low-emission cruising, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.
The ship’s size provides a perfect balance: spacious enough for comfort, yet small enough to navigate remote areas like the Scottish Hebrides with ease.
What are the cabins like?
The ship has 102 cabins, including six suites, and a variety of cabin types to suit different needs and budgets. Cabins are categorized as Polar Inside, Polar Outside, Arctic Superior, Minisuites, and Expedition Suites, with a clean Scandinavian design in light pine and off-white.
- Cabin categories: Polar Inside, Polar Outside, Arctic Superior, Minisuites, and Expedition Suites.
- Cabins feature a clean, Scandinavian design with light pine, off-white walls, and practical amenities like a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and a safe large enough for a laptop.
- The most luxurious options are the Expedition Suites, which are the only cabins with private balconies and offer extra space, a separate sitting area, and an enhanced experience with exclusive perks.
What’s the food like?
Locally sourced menus inspired by Nordic and Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, served in a stylish yet comfortable dining room.
What are the excursions like?
The Expedition Center is a hub for daily briefings, expert talks, and citizen science activities. Zodiac landings enabled close encounters with wildlife and dramatic coastal landscapes, while guided hikes and kayaking let guests tailor their adventure level.
- Expedition Center: a hub for daily briefings, expert talks, and citizen science activities that bring guests closer to the region’s wildlife and history.
- Zodiac landings: multiple shore excursions enabled close encounters with wildlife and dramatic coastal landscapes, including birdwatching in remote islets and visits to historic lighthouses.
- Guided hikes and kayaking: varied options allowed guests to tailor their adventure level — from gentle walks through coastal moors to paddling in sheltered bays.
- Expert team: naturalists, historians, and marine biologists enriched every outing with fascinating insights about the ecology, geology, and cultural heritage of the Hebrides. The team actively involves guests in citizen science projects, such as wildlife tracking and data collection, which contributes to important scientific research. This is where I learned about iNaturalist.
What’s daily life aboard like?
Observation lounges with large panoramic windows and outdoor decks provide stunning 180-degree views — perfect for spotting sea eagles, seals, and puffins along the rugged coastline. A spa, sauna, and fitness area help guests relax after active days exploring ashore.
- Observation lounges: large panoramic windows and outdoor decks provide stunning 180-degree views — perfect for spotting sea eagles, seals, and puffins along the rugged coastline.
- Wellness facilities: spa, sauna, and fitness area help guests relax after active days exploring ashore.
How sustainable is she?
The Spitsbergen is a hybrid-electric ship, a technology that reduces emissions and allows for quieter cruising. HX has a strong focus on eliminating single-use plastics, a green stay programme, and initiatives to cut food waste, and supports the Hurtigruten Foundation.
- Pioneering green technology: the Spitsbergen is a hybrid-electric ship, a technology that reduces emissions and allows for quieter cruising. This provides a more intimate and less disruptive experience for both guests and the local wildlife.
- Commitment to waste reduction: HX has a strong focus on eliminating single-use plastics and has implemented a “green stay” program that allows guests to forgo daily room cleaning, reducing water and energy use. The company also has initiatives to drastically cut down on food waste.
- Engaging conservation: HX supports the Hurtigruten Foundation, which funds environmental and community projects in the regions it visits.
Who should book her?
Nature lovers wanting immersive wildlife encounters in less-visited UK landscapes, active travelers interested in hiking and kayaking, guests who appreciate sustainable, low-impact travel with modern onboard comfort, and small groups, couples, and solo adventurers looking for personalized service.
- Nature lovers wanting immersive wildlife encounters in less-visited UK landscapes.
- Active travelers interested in hiking, kayaking, and hands-on exploration.
- Guests who appreciate sustainable, low-impact travel with modern onboard comfort.
- Small groups, couples, and solo adventurers looking for personalized service.
The verdict
The Spitsbergen brought a fresh perspective to expedition cruising — proving that the Scottish Hebrides offer just as much wonder as the poles, especially when experienced aboard a vessel designed to foster close connections with nature and culture. This voyage combined adventure, education, and comfort in a way that left a lasting impression.
Related reading
Written by your expedition advisor
Chris Commisso · Expedition Expert
Chris and Erika have personally sailed 18 expedition ships and explored eight expedition regions.
Last updated .
