Name: Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026 - Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard
Brand: HX Expeditions
Rating: 3.5 (4 reviews)

Overview

Experience the best of Iceland and Northern Europe aboard MS Spitsbergen, a HX Expeditions ship, on this 14-night sailing from Reykjavik. Calling at Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Kirkwall, Orkney Islands among 3 ports, this cruise is packed with opportunities to explore. Every day offers something different - from new ports to explore to peaceful evenings at sea aboard MS Spitsbergen. Secure your place from just £9,038 per person on this exceptional HX Expeditions cruise.

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

Reykjavík

Cruising to Reykjavik offers a unique joy, blending modern urban charm with Icelands dramatic natural landscapes. As your ship approaches, the picturesque view of the city set against the backdrop of mountains and the vast ocean is breathtaking. Reykjavik, known for its vibrant culture and warm, welcoming atmosphere, invites exploration of its quaint streets, colorful houses, and innovative design. The city serves as a gateway to Iceland's geological wonders, including geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Each elementfrom the lively arts scene to the steamy geothermal poolsenhances the journey, making a cruise to Reykjavik an unforgettable combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Day 2

Heimaey Island

Day 3

Grundarfjørdur

Day 4

Isafjørdur

Day 5

Djupavik

Day 6

Akureyri

Cruising to Akureyri, nestled at the end of Icelands longest fjord, Eyjafjr, is a must for any cruiser seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri is a gateway to the majestic landscapes of the North, including the Godafoss waterfall and the volcanic wonderland of Lake Matn. The city itself charms visitors with its vibrant botanical gardens, which thrive despite the Arctic latitude, and its bustling arts scene. Akureyris compact downtown area, filled with cafes, shops, and museums, invites leisurely exploration, making it a perfect stop on any Arctic or Nordic cruise itinerary.

Day 7

Husavik

Day 8

Bakkagerði

Days 9-10

At sea

Day 11

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 12

North Haven, Fair Isle

Day 13

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Ensconsed inside Orkney's rugged shores, Kirkwall welcomes visitors with its affable nature and maritime past. This ancient seaport boasts a history dating back over a thousand years, where Norse and Scottish influences intertwine. Its temperate climate, tempered by the Gulf Stream, offers mild winters and cool summers, ideal for exploring its picturesque landscapes. As a gateway to Orkney's treasures, Kirkwall beckons with its charming streets and historic landmarks, inviting travelers to uncover its secrets. Don't miss the majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the island's enduring spirit, standing proudly amidst the bustling harbor.

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Hamburg

Day 1

Reykjavík

Day 2

Heimaey Island

Day 3

Grundarfjørdur

Day 4

Isafjørdur

Day 5

Djupavik

Day 6

Akureyri

Day 7

Husavik

Day 8

Bakkagerði

Days 9-10

At sea

Day 11

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Day 12

North Haven, Fair Isle

Day 13

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Hamburg

150

Passengers

Crew

2009

Launched

2025

Last refit

7344t

Tonnage

100m

Length

18m

Width

14kts

Speed

Decks

NOK

Currency

MS Spitsbergen

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. She is a modern and environmentally progressive ship, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-track.

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