Cruise Frog guide
Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is a HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise ship, in service since 2016. She measures 7,344 gross tons and carries 150 guests. She sails Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe itineraries.
About Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen began as Atlântida, a ferry completed in 2009 at Viana do Castelo, Portugal, that the operator Atlanticoline never accepted because of weight problems. Hurtigruten bought her in 2015, rebuilt her as an expedition ship and christened her at Svolvær in July 2016; she sailed the coastal route for a season before taking up expedition work in 2017. After an extensive 2025 refurbishment she carries up to 150 guests and measures 100 meters and 7,344 gross tons, with a new Science Centre, the Aune restaurant and two open-air hot tubs. In winter she runs northern lights voyages round trip from Tromsø, and in spring she sails Scotland's Hebrides.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- Norwegian Fjordsfjords and the North Cape, with midnight sun in summer
- Northern Europethe Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, May to September
Home port: Tromsø, Norway.
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Spitsbergen?
Spitsbergen is operated by HX Hurtigruten Expeditions.
How big is Spitsbergen?
Spitsbergen measures 7,344 gross tons and 100 metres in length.
How crowded does Spitsbergen feel?
Spitsbergen has a passenger space ratio of 49.0: 7,344 gross tons for 150 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Spitsbergen feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Spitsbergen carry?
Spitsbergen carries 150 guests at double occupancy.
When did Spitsbergen enter service?
Spitsbergen entered service in 2016 and was last refurbished in 2025.
Where does Spitsbergen sail?
Spitsbergen sails Norwegian Fjords and Northern Europe itineraries. Her home port is Tromsø, Norway.
Which airport should I fly into for Spitsbergen?
Spitsbergen sails from Tromsø, Norway. Fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS).
Where can I find the deck plans for Spitsbergen?
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions publishes the deck plans for Spitsbergen; this page links to Deck plans.
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