
Ultimate Norway at Christmas, Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights - Tromso return

Deal number 28946692
HX Expeditions
MS Spitsbergen
19th Dec 2026
Norway
7-night cruise
Departing from Tromso
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Exclusive Inclusions
No Solo Supplement
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7 night HX Expeditions cruise from Tromso return onboard MS Spitsbergen in an Arctic Superior cabin
All meals onboard the ship
Unlimited select Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
Unlimited coffee, tea and soft drinks
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Range of included activities including unique and bespoke experiences
Gratuities, Port charges and government fees.
The service of a dedicated Travel Advisor managing your booking
Itinerary
Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromso is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the 'Gateway to the Arctic'.
If you arrive early in Tromso we recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. This time of year is enchanting, with bustling Christmas markets, cafes serving glogg (hot mulled wine) and twinkling lights in every window. From the Fjellheisen cable car, you'll have an amazing view over the snowy city and its festive decorations. Make sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral with its huge stained-glass window. For those whod like a little extra adventure, why not take a look at our Pre-Programme.
For the next seven days we'll be exploring four distinct regions, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region were likely to visit is Lyngen.
The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. The Lyngen Fjord is over a hundred miles long, and we'll spend the day going on a nature landing, with hikes, snowshoe walks and if conditions allow, kayaking. Later, it's time for a real treat. After our active day we'll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. With hot drinks in hand, Norwegian foods 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. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
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'll visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about the Sami culture, and life in remote villages during the winter months. During this Christmas season, we'll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Vesteralen 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.
Sailing from Vesteralen to Svolaer 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 Svolvaer, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge, it will sure to revitalise you! Get a taste of Svolvaer 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.
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 glogg,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.
Today is Christmas Day, and we'll continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. Well stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromso with 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 magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains. We also pass through areas where were most likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, perhaps enjoying another cinnamon bun or mug of hot chocolate as the sublime Arctic scenery glides past. Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Your Christmas expedition cruise ends back in Tromso. If you didn't have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. Theres so much to see and do here. We're sure that you will have enjoyed your winter expedition in Arctic Norway, and for those who'd like a little extra adventure, why not take a look at our Post-Programme.
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