Name: Svalbard in Spring - The Return of the Sun
Brand: HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions

Experts in expedition since 1896, HX boasts handpicked experts from a range of fields who will lead you on discoveries onshore and onboard including hikes, community visits, kayaking and talks.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Santiago

Day 2

Punta Arenas

As you sail towards this spectacular destination, numerous cruise lines including Holland America and Princess Cruises offer tailored voyages that cater specifically to the discerning traveler. Once ashore, you can immerse yourself in excursions that traverse historical sites such as the Nao Victoria Museum, a full-size replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world. Celebrated figures from the area, like the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, lend a sense of adventure and discovery to every visit, making each moment aboard and ashore a continuous journey through living history.

Days 3-4

At sea

Day 5

South Shetland Islands

Day 6

Antarctica

Day 7

Gerlache Strait

Days 8-9

At sea

Day 10

South Shetland Islands

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Antarctic Sound

Days 13-16

At sea

Day 17

Port Stanley

Port Stanley, with its distinctly British charm, beckons like a quaint postcard from another era, where the fusion of modern life with traditional values creates a comforting yet intriguing ambiance. The climate, mild and often kissed by sea breezes, complements the landscape beautifully, offering an authentic escape from the crowded tourist destinations. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a community that celebrates and lives its true traditions every day, making it a living showcase of the countrys authentic lifestyle. A unique aspect of Port Stanley is its love for maritime events, which are celebrated with the same fervor as any national festival.

Day 18

Saunders Island

Day 19

West Point Island

Day 20

At sea

Day 21

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn, a gem where Argentina's past meets the vibrancy of today, beckons to those who cherish authenticity and a milder climate perfect for exploration. Originating from the 1865 Welsh settlement, this town offers a palpable sense of history interwoven with modern-day Argentine life. It's a retreat from the tourist-heavy locales, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local environment and community. Cruise lines highlight Puerto Madryn not just as a stop but as an invitation to experience Argentina in its truest form, with coastal treasures and wildlife encounters that stand out globally. Intriguingly, this is also where orcas have been observed intentionally beaching themselvesa rare natural phenomenon.

Days 22-23

At sea

Day 24

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, with its storied past woven into the very fabric of the city, beckons those who seek to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of Argentina. Famous for its birthplace of tango, this vibrant city offers a glimpse into the local life far removed from the usual tourist paths. With a temperate climate that favors exploration year-round, Buenos Aires presents an exceptional setting for those looking to experience genuine local flavors and traditions. Cruise lines treasure this port for its ability to display the heart of Argentina, culminating in unique excursions that reveal secrets only known to locals. An intriguing fact about the city is its famed Recoleta Cemetery is the resting place of Eva Per.

Day 1

Santiago

Day 2

Punta Arenas

Days 3-4

At sea

Day 5

South Shetland Islands

Day 6

Antarctica

Day 7

Gerlache Strait

Days 8-9

At sea

Day 10

South Shetland Islands

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Antarctic Sound

Days 13-16 At sea

At sea

Day 17

Port Stanley

Day 18

Saunders Island

Day 19

West Point Island

Day 20

At sea

Day 21

Puerto Madryn

Days 22-23 At sea

At sea

Day 24

Buenos Aires

200

Passengers

2007

Launched

2025

Last refit

11647t

Tonnage

114m

Length

20m

Width

13kts

Speed

Decks

NOK

Currency

MS Fram

MS Fram has a fresh new look, with upgraded cabins and a state-of-the-art Science Centre — all designed to bring you even closer to the wild, remote destinations we explore. With space for 250 guests, MS Fram was built for polar travel, carrying on the spirit of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that once drifted through Arctic ice under great explorer Fridtjof Nansen.

All Prices

Customer reviews

2023-06-02 22:58:25

HX Expeditions MS Maud

Reviews

2023-04-05 21:26:31

This was the most amazing cruise from start to end. I have cruised for over 20 years & Antartica was my dream. It didn't disappoint of course, it was overwhelmingly beautiful. But what did surprise me was Hurtigruten - in a good way! I don't think I've ever met such happy content staff - from the waiting crew to the cleaning crew to the expedition team. One staff member even told us that he felt so well looked after by Hurtigruten, who has ever been told that on a ship? It was a beautiful ship, small, well laid out & easy to navigate. The cabin was the largest I've ever had. The food was not always to my taste but fresh & plentiful and they were amazing with the gluten-free menu for my daughter. The lectures & talks were extremely interesting & covered a wide range of topics. There was an amazing pool and hot tub - yes, you can sit in a hot tub in Antartica & not feel cold!! (Careful when you get out though) And at the end of our cruise when everyone was feeling a bit down the staff picked up the pace and went out of their way to entertain us - there was a quiz, a knot tying exhibition, a staff band & singers & a disco/sing-a-long. It was just such a mood lifter & so much fun. And they even waved us off in the morning. Thank you Hurtigruten, you have given me a lifetime of memories!

HX Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen

Reviews

2023-03-28 21:17:16

This was chosen for itinerary. Because the ship never tied up all going ashore was by RIBs sitting on the rubber edge which couldnt go if more than a ripple, hence we missed a lot of ports of call. The ship was noisy and not good in not all not that very rough sea. The cabin very Spartan with no drawers and bed so high my wife needed help to get in and out. The ship needed to make long convoluted journeys at night with much tossing about and clanking.We are seasoned sailors and not bothered but some were very anxious. When questioned it was to discharge “grey” water. Surely this didn’t need doing every single night. There were a lot of people on board for the itinerary element not the expedition. The food was good. When boat was tossing about buffet meals were put on. Great fun watching poor souls with crutches trying to get to their seats and then getting food. The waiters were willing to help but with a buffet you need to know what there is. One good point of the trip was we actually got to St Kilda but after that ………… The passengers seemed to be divided into Hurtigruten afficienados and those of us who couldn’t wait to disembark. This was the worst cruise we have ever been on

HX Expeditions MS Spitsbergen

2023-03-08 13:37:42

This was a British Isles wild life cruise and was absolutely amazing. The experts on board were always around pointing out any wild life and the places we visited were all very interesting.

HX Expeditions MS Maud

Reviews

2023-02-16 16:21:30

This proved to be a really good adventure amongst outstanding scenery and fabulous wildlife. The crew and guides were outstanding at all times. The ship was always kept clean and its facilities well maintained. The food was very good with plenty of choice. The landings proved to be safe and interesting and of course weather dependent. The whole package was well put together at a time of air travel issues across Europe. Well done Hurtigruten. We have travelled with this company before and will do so again.

HX Expeditions MS Spitsbergen

Reviews

2023-02-16 11:03:00

What an amazing place Antarctica. Please do it today not tomorrow. Very difficult to put in words how we would feel before we got there and the place is surreal. The expedition team was very professional in their work and we were provided with so much information and help that it became very easy to feel what we were going to feel and see. Felt very safe throughout our trip and would love to go again. Thank you Hurtigruten.

HX Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:01:40

I have wanted to go to Antarctica for years and have been researching possible trips for the past 3 years. I am so glad I finally chose Hurtigruten! Our ship (MS Fridtjof Nansen) along with her sister ship, are currently the only two hybrid eco expedition ships in the world. The cabins were beautifully designed and well appointed. As an expedition ship, the science facilities and lectures were excellent. The staff team delivering these were inspirational and I found myself wanting to learn more and more. It also felt great to participate in some of the citizen science programmes. The daily landings were always carried out with safety at the forefront - both for the travellers and the wildlife! Food was excellent and served by lovely staff. Leisure facilities were also good with hot tubs, very warm pool and sauna with incredible views of the surrounding environment. This trip was a lifelong dream and I am so glad I chose Hurtigruten to fulfil it!

HX Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen

2023-01-22 13:22:25

This is the sort of cruise for people who do not want the glitz, glamour, entertainment etc., but just good honest cruising to the most wonderful destinations. Most places had to be transferred from ship to shore by rubber dinghies which was a little bit scary for an older person! but so well cared for. Nearly everything included in the price.

HX Expeditions MS Maud