Ultimate Norway at Christmas—Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
CRUISE ID # HXSPNOR03-261219
Tromsø TO Tromsø
Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
8‑day all‑inclusive Norway Expedition Cruise from Tromsø
Magical white Christmas in Norway. Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure, with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food, and onboard yuletide cheer.
A flexible-itinerary Arctic Norway expedition during the “winter wonderland” season—the best time to see the northern lights and enjoy winter activities.
Three unique and bespoke experiences: Day to Dusk—Flames and Flavors; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night—Dinner at the Museum.
Arctic Winter Wonderland at Christmas
Setting out from Tromsø, explore four spectacular regions and experience a magical Christmas with snow-covered landscapes. As we spend an exciting week witnessing the glacial majesty of the Lyngen Alps, the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen, and the serenity of Senja, you’ll see snow-frosted mountains, deep blue fjords, cozy villages decked with twinkling Christmas lights, and—with luck—the ethereal northern lights overhead. This time of year can be fully dark in the north, making it a magical time to enjoy an intimate Scandinavian voyage and a unique, festive onboard experience.
Set a Course for Adventure with the True Norway Experts
We’ve been sailing Norway’s coast since 1896, and nobody knows the region like we do. Using our expertise and with a flexible itinerary, we’ll head out to the best and most beautiful islands and beaches in our small expedition boats. Here you’ll enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, hiking and kayaking. What’s more, three unique and bespoke adventures mean you’ll experience a beach bonfire under the stars, a Nordic sauna and polar plunge, and an after-hours heritage dinner at a museum reserved exclusively for us.
$4,619
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: December 19, 2026
Itinerary
With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.
The scenic Lyngenfjord
Over the next week we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.
Stretching out to just about 50 miles long is Lyngenfjord, a region of dramatic mountains and valleys, framed by the glacier-capped Lyngen Alps. It’s an incredible place for winter activities. Conditions permitting, you can tackle a hike, try snowshoeing, kayak in the icy waters, or join nature landings where you might spot otters and potentially even orcas and humpback whales.
Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, a deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them.
We plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes – the perfect place for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and morning kayaking.
In the afternoon we enjoy another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served a Christmas themed dinner in this very special heritage setting.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær to, we aim to cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing between towering cliffs. As we do so, you’ll enjoy great views from the deck, and we sail so close to the sides it feels like you can almost touch them!
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!
Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays late into the night here. It’s a small town, but it’s the biggest you’ll find in these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here if you fancy trying a Lofoten snack or brew. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Experience a final day on expedition
We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the winter sun illuminating the landscapes and mountains or enjoy the magic of the polar night. We also pass through areas where we’re likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.
About the Ship
Name
MS Spitsbergen
Operator
HX Expeditions
Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen embodies the history of HX's 1896 'Sports Route' between mainland Norway and Svalbard.
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Food connects us to place. That’s why, wherever possible, flavours on board are inspired by the regions we explore. Expect seasonal ingredients, regional dishes, and sustainable seafood, all served in relaxed surroundings.
Take Away: Prefer a quieter evening? Aune’s takeaway service lets you enjoy a freshly prepared meal in the comfort of your cabin or suite, perfect for laid-back nights in.
Life on MS Spitsbergen is casual, calm, and connected to nature. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the window or watching the world go by from the observation deck, the spirit of discovery stays with you, even between landings.
Whether you want to relax after a day of excursions or to get moving after wildlife watching out on deck, MS Spitsbergen has everything you need.
Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new. You will be joined on the Norwegian coast and on expedition voyages by expert Expedition Teams, all hand-picked due to their knowledge and experience. They will give lectures and lead activities all designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the areas you're sailing in. Learn about the history, cultures and wildlife.
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 r....
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 w....
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-....
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day: Indulge in anything your appetite desires across a huge list of delicious choices that almost rival the memories you’ll make off the ship. Start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast before moving onto a mouth-watering menu of à la carte choices later in the day. Of course, that includes house wine and beer and soft drinks.
A warm welcome to the sauna, hot tubs and more: Make so....
Due to the nature of expedition cruising, our voyages often take us far away from the resources and the facilities we are used to in day-to-day life. We recognise that disabilities and mobility issues can range in severity, and recommend all guests consider accompaniment by a companion if they need assistance, either on board or ashore, due to the environment, operations and the unique safety requirements found on an expedition ship.
We ....
Weather varies depending on your destination, but sturdy footwear for wet and dry landings is essential. We provide boots and trekking poles on certain expeditions, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
On-board
- Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners
- Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip
Our expedition ships feature a small onboard hospital essential equipment, and medication to handle small emergencies.. Every ship has an English-speaking medical team with a doctor and at least one nurse, supported 24/7 by dedicated land-based experts.
In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected. All guests must have per....
Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.
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