Unfortunately, although the quality of food was good, it always arrived cold.
The fitness facilities were woefully inadequate whereas the gambling facilities were the opposite.
The entertainment facilities were also inadequate and very loud. The quality of the entertainment was variable.
Most of the staff were very courteous yet we found the lady on the restaurant booking desk rude and condescending.
There were queues lasting hours to embark but disembarkation was very smooth.
There were also large queues for reception and some reception staff were not particularly helpful.
The shops were mainly jewellery based so not much in the way of souvenirs aboard.
The destinations were very good especially Glacier bay.
This adventure was a fabulous experience at a time when much of Europe was experiencing a lot of flight chaos. Hurtigruten managed the travel changes well and ensured that health protocols were in place and carried out efficiently. The communication pre voyage was excellent and the options available for us to participate in clearly explained. The crew and Expedition team were excellent in all respects and the itinerary allowed us to see the range of wildlife, scenery and culture of Svalbard in all its glory. The food was so well presented and was both plentiful and of a fine quality. The ship had all that one required for an expedition voyage. The cabins were compact but always very clean and well presented with ample storage capacity. I felt as if my custom was valued and I would fully recommend this voyage to anyone keen to venture off the beaten track. Being away from the gloom and doom of the news and the heatwave was such a bonus.
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This was a tour round the Eastern Mediterranean over Christmas and New Year. It’s a small friendly ship, with only a few dining and entertainment choices on board, but that was all I wanted. The crew were brilliant too. Maybe it won’t suit those who want a luxury holiday resort aboard. I was much more interested in the ports of call and excursions. Only slight downside was that some excursions weren’t running, not the ship’s fault but the time of year. But most did run, including the ones most important to me. Christmas Eve in Jerusalem, wow!
They’re doing the same trip next Christmas, so anyone can check it out. I travel alone, and the solo price was very good. Cabin was comfortable and roomy.
It was a cruise to Iceland stopping off at two Scottish ports during the cruise.
The ship is very smart and elegant. Sometimes the staff were found lacking but I got the impression that they were not trained properly, example evening dinning- instead of waiting until everyone was seated to give out the menu’s they pounced on you even before you were properly seated, small enough but after a week of this it got annoying.
That aside the cruise was great
MS Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen is a medium ocean ship sailing with HX Expeditions.
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