HX Expeditions Completes Refurbishment of MS Spitsbergen

London, United Kingdom (16 June 2025) - HX Expeditions—the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company—has completed a multimillion-euro refurbishment of MS Spitsbergen, unveiling enhanced guest spaces, a new bistro, a state-of-the-art science center, and the ship’s refreshed exterior in HX’s updated Indigo Blue and Sand livery.

The overhaul is part of a €7 million investment across MS Spitsbergenand sister ship MS Fram, aimed at improving comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency across the fleet.

The 220-guest vessel resumes service for the summer Arctic season, sailing in and around Svalbard before continuing east for winter, when HX Expeditions will return to its homeland of Norway. From January through March, MS Spitsbergen will operate all-inclusive sailings above the Arctic Circle with the launch of HX’s new seven-day Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lightsexpedition. Inspired by the concept of friluftsliv—the Norwegian philosophy of embracing life outdoors—guests will explore snow-covered coastlines and remote fjords through small-boat landings, community visits, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, whale watching, and more.

Brand New Brygga Bistro
The refurbished vessel now features Brygga Bistro, a new informal, brasserie-style dining concept located on Deck 5. It serves high-quality snacks and light meals during three daily windows: mid-morning, afternoon, and late evening. Brygga offers guests a more flexible and relaxed dining alternative between landings or after excursions. The restaurant is part of HX’s fleetwide all-inclusive offering, which became standard across all ships in November 2024.

“By offering a seamless, high-quality alternative to traditional dining hours, Brygga enhances the onboard atmosphere - bringing comfort and accessibility to guests in a way that feels natural and refined,” said Stefan Engl, vice president of hotel operations at HX.

Menu highlights include salads, wraps, gourmet sandwiches, pressed toasties, and warm evening plates such as lamb kofta with homemade pita. Table service is included, allowing guests to enjoy a hot croissant or a late-night toastie snack with freshly brewed coffee, tea, or juice in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Science & Discovery Anchored on Deck 6
The ship’s newly built Science Center—located on Deck 6—sits at the heart of the onboard guest experience, reflecting HX’s strong focus on science and education. Designed to support discovery and hands-on learning, the sleek new Center features interactive screens, flexible lecture space, a small library, and dedicated workstations for citizen science.

“Last year alone, our program supported 32 research projects, 1,911 guest-scientist cruise nights, and more than 30,000 citizen science submissions,” said Dr. Verena Meraldi, HX’s Chief Scientist. “The new Science Center aboard Spitsbergen will allow us to deepen that impact—especially around Svalbard, one of the most climate-sensitive and scientifically significant areas in the world.”

With interpreter systems for multi-language talks, the space also improves accessibility for international guests, reinforcing HX’s role as a leader in participatory science and education at sea.

Modernized Guest Spaces
The Explorer Lounge & Bar, known for its sweeping panoramic views, has received a refreshed interior and updated seating—making it an inviting space to relax after a day of excursions and science-focused expeditions. The adjoining Explorer Bar now serves HX’s new Signature Cocktail Range, a collection of 14 handcrafted drinks inspired by the company’s pole-to-pole itineraries.

Crew & Accessibility Upgrades
In addition to guest-facing spaces, crew areas and dining facilities have been expanded for greater comfort and well-being. Newly refurbished ADA-compliant bathrooms and interpretation systems also improve inclusivity and access across the ship.

Named after the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen holds a deep connection to HX’s legacy—its first expedition voyage sailed to these very waters in 1896, laying the groundwork for modern expedition cruising.

To download high-resolution images and team headshots, visit this Dropbox.