Nordic Navigator – From Scotland’s Isles to Norway’s Wilds
11-day all-inclusive Scotland Isles to Norway voyage from Glasgow (Fairlie) to Tromsø
The 10-night Norway voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Glasgow to Tromso, calling at Kirkwall, Lerwick, Svartisen, Svolvær, Trollfjord, Lonkanfjorden, Stokmarknes and Senja, with 2 days at sea.
- Sail north from Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland islands to Norway’s rugged coast, crossing the Arctic Circle as autumn gives way to winter.
- Explore through nature landings, hikes and optional kayaking, with three bespoke experiences bringing you closer to Norwegian life and traditions.
- Discover the Norse heritage connecting Scotland and Norway, watch for the Northern Lights, and explore Arctic landscapes as snow settles on the peaks.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
- 10 Nov 2027 – 20 Nov 2027
from $6,948 pp twin share / $11,812 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Inside from $6,948 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $7,742 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $8,602 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $11,249 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Embark in Glasgow (Fairlie)
Your expedition begins on Scotland’s west coast
Your expedition begins in Fairlie, a small coastal village on the Firth of Clyde. Ahead lies a journey from Scotland’s wild islands to the snow-covered landscapes of Arctic Norway.
If time allows before boarding, take a stroll along the waterfront and explore the village. Then settle into your cabin, meet your Expedition Team and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Sailing to the far North
Relax at sea
As Orkney draws closer on the horizon, this is your day to enjoy and familiarise yourself with the ship. Scan for wildlife from the deck, settle into the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or relax in the panoramic sauna or hot tub. Visit the Science Centre for insights into the destinations ahead, join a lecture from the Expedition Team, or pick up pointers on wildlife and landscape photography from our onboard expert.
Day 3 – Highlights of Orkney
Discover Norse heritage in Kirkwall
Today we visit Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkney Islands, easily explored on foot.
Start with the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, built from the region’s distinctive red sandstone, and admire the stone ruins of the adjacent Earl’s Palace, a once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also just a short bus ride away.
Whisky lovers will appreciate the excellent single malts from Highland Park and Scapa distilleries. If gin is more your thing, the Orkney Distillery produces small-batch spirits with local botanicals.
Day 4 – Lerwick’s past and present
Discover Scotland’s most northerly inhabited isles
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.
Day 5 – 6 – At Sea
Relax at sea
We make our way from Shetland to the soul-stirring scenery of Norway. While traversing the open waters, see how the Atlantic Isles make way for the epic landscapes and soaring mountains that rightly put Norway on the map. Take some time to relax and enjoy the facilities of your expedition ship. Soak up the scenery out on deck, warm up in the sauna, or join your Expedition Team for fascinating talks and demonstrations in the Science Centre. As we get closer to Norway’s shores and the polar circle, the promise of Arctic adventure looms ever larger.
Day 7 – Svartisen
Discover Norway’s second-largest glacier
Today we sail into Holandsfjord, off the rugged Helgeland coast, making our way towards the Svartisen glacier, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Raise a glass to commemorate the crossing, then head ashore with the Expedition Team. From a jetty landing, they’ll lead you on a hike that culminates in a panoramic view of this extraordinary ice field.
Covering around 370 square kilometres with 60 glacier ‘tongues’, Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Its name means ‘black ice’, and it’s made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and Østisen, divided by the Vesterdalen valley. Look closely: the ice ranges from turquoise to dark blue, but never quite as black as the name suggests.
Day 8 – Lofoten
Svolvær and a polar plunge
Anticipation builds as we reach the Lofoten Islands, a winter wonderland of snowcapped peaks rising straight from the sea, narrow fjords, and picturesque fishing villages tucked along them. This iconic coastline is best explored with small ships like MS Spitsbergen.
As we navigate these waters, you’ll learn about Lofotfisket, the local fisheries that have sustained these communities for centuries, meeting the people who still make their living from the Arctic sea.
In Svolvær, Lofoten’s harbour town, another bespoke experience awaits: a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace this revitalising Norwegian tradition as you warm up in a waterside sauna before plunging into the icy Arctic waters of Vestfjorden.
Day 9 – Vesterålen
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
As we sail towards Vesterålen, an archipelago of rolling moorlands and mountains. Here, the Expedition Team will chart the day’s route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring we make the most of what the region has to offer. If conditions allow, we’ll venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs. Or we’ll cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. And as we navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them. In Stokmarknes, you’ll enjoy the bespoke experience: Into the Night, An Evening at the Museum. The Hurtigruten Museum opens exclusively for our group, where you’ll see the preserved MS Finnmarken, a 1956 coastal express ship, and historical exhibitions tracing Hurtigruten’s heritage along Norway’s coast.
Day 10 – Senja
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, sometimes called Norway in miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests, and idyllic fishing villages, it’s easy to see how it earned the name. Keep an eye out for reindeer wandering the landscape as you go.
We plan to visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality, learning about ancient Viking culture and what modern life looks like in these remote villages during the winter months.
Day 11 – Arrive in Tromsø
Goodbye in the gateway to the Arctic
Your expedition ends in Tromsø, a city with a proud history of Arctic exploration. Around 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, it’s a fitting place to bring your journey to a close. If you have time after disembarking, ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over the city and surrounding mountains. Visit the striking Arctic Cathedral or settle into a cosy café before your onward journey.
Highlights
- Cabin of your choice with all-day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and professional photos from your trip
- Expedition Team leading nature landings, hikes and talks on board
11-day all-inclusive Scotland Isles to Norway voyage from Glasgow (Fairlie) to Tromsø
The 10-night Norway voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Glasgow to Tromso, calling at Kirkwall, Lerwick, Svartisen, Svolvær, Trollfjord, Lonkanfjorden, Stokmarknes and Senja, with 2 days at sea.
- Sail north from Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland islands to Norway’s rugged coast, crossing the Arctic Circle as autumn gives way to winter.
- Explore through nature landings, hikes and optional kayaking, with three bespoke experiences bringing you closer to Norwegian life and traditions.
- Discover the Norse heritage connecting Scotland and Norway, watch for the Northern Lights, and explore Arctic landscapes as snow settles on the peaks.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
Inclusions
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Exclusions
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
FAQs
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.
Polar Inside
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature
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Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².
Polar Outside
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Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
- J3 – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 11–12 m².
- O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
- J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².
Arctic Superior
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
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They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
- YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
- P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
- U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.
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Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
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Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
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Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
- MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
- Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 10 Nov 2027 and 20 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: HX ExpeditionsFine Print
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