Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø 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 Tromsø we recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. This time of year is enchanting, with bustling Christmas markets, cafes serving gløgg (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.

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 Sámi 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. 

Vesterålen 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 Vesterålen to Svolvær 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 Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!  

Get a taste of Svolvær 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. 

Today, we'll sail into Holandsfjord off the rugged Helgeland coast, and head towards Svartisen glacier. Covering 230 square miles and with 60 ‘tongues’, this incredible geographical feature is Norway’s second largest glacier after Jostedalsbreen.  

Meaning ‘black ice’, the epic Svartisen is made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and the Østisen, which are divided by the 0.6-mile-long Vesterdalen valley. The ice colour can range from turquoise to dark blue, although never quite black.

If conditions allow, your Expedition Team will land at a local jetty and lead you ashore, where we’ll take a hike to get a closer view of this incredible glacier.  

Today we reach the most northern outpost of the British Isles, docking the capital of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Lerwick. These islands have a rich heritage, and local people are justifiably proud of it. You’ll see references to monuments and times past wherever you go.  

After our crossing of the Norwegian Sea, find your land legs again walking around this friendly Victorian-influenced fishing town. Wander around the town’s narrow lanes and discover little shops selling locally made products such as whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront you’ll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area's rich history. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking Town Hall.

Today we arrive at the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant, Viking-influenced island capital, which is still compact enough to cover on foot. 

Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The famous Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also only a bus ride away.  

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their unique single malts. Or if you fancy something a bit different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals.  

As your journey edges closer to its end, we sail south past the Hebridean Islands towards Glasgow.  

Take this day at sea to indulge in your ship’s facilities one final time. Relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with newfound friends and recap the experiences you’ve had, or soak in the hot tubs and take in the last of the sea views. There’s also still time to visit the Science Centre and find out more about the things you’ve seen, or edit the images you’ve captured with tips from the onboard photographer.  

For the last week and a half, we’ve travelled from the wilds of Arctic Norway to the islands of Scotland, and today our expedition comes to an end in Fairlie.  

Lying on the shores of the Firth of Clyde, nestled against a backdrop of the North Ayrshire Hills, this area is known for its Viking heritage and scenic walks.  Wander the small community here or make your way back to vibrant Glasgow.  

If you’re still in explorer mode, nearby Glasgow has plenty of things to offer the curious traveller.