You’ve heard of hygge and fika, and now HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) wants you to learn the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv aboard their new Ultimate Norway expedition. Translated to ‘free air life’, friluftsliv embodies the Norwegian values of enjoying the benefits of spending time in nature. With HX, that doesn’t mean 24/7 nature (brr), but experiencing the best of Norway aboard an epic all-inclusive 7-day Arctic Circle voyage!
HX’s new itinerary Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights launches January 2026 at the peak of the aurora season.
“Since our first Norway expedition in 1896, HX has helped guests to immerse themselves in some of the most incredible and remote places on earth, said Alex McNeil, SVP Expeditions Product and Guest Experience.
“While we’ve expanded our horizons and destinations over the last 128 years, our Norwegian heritage remains. We’re excited to unveil this unparalleled adventure that honours our roots and highlights our expertise in expedition today.”
Discover Ultimate Norway
When Alex McNeill says unparallelled, he means it. On the Ultimate Norway sailing, guests start and end their journey in Tromsø, famous for its prime location for Northern Lights (aurora borealis) viewings.
Over seven fascinating nights, the MS Spitsbergen will transport your clients to four iconic Northern Norway regions: the Lyngen Alps, Senja, Lofoten, and Vesterålen.
Besides it being peak Northern Lights season, other travel highlights include a bonfire under the polar night sky (with yummy traditional snacks), an exclusive evening at the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes, and a traditional Scandinavian sauna session, followed by the infamous polar plunge (would you?).
All-inclusive, all the way
With the recent HX news that all sailings from November this year will be all-inclusive, you know this will be the kind of adventure people once would have made a slideshow about.
No matter what your clients choose to do on their adventure – be it Norwegian culture focused, time spent across the stunning winter landscape or taste-tasting traditional food, you know they’ll be doing it in style – and included!
Across the itinerary, guests can choose from a variety of activities. Whether it’s kayaking, whale watching, nature walks, alpine treks, snowshoeing, community visits, or ski touring, a rich and diverse adventure is guaranteed.
The limited sailing dates for the 2026 Ultimate Norway departures are 17, 24, 31 January; 7, 14, 21, 28 February; and 7, 14, 21 March. With such a short window to take advantage of this new tour, cabins will sell out.
An intimate cruise
This is not the kind of cruise where guests are just a number. The MS Spitsbergen has capacity for 220 guests, affording an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, its small ship size means HX can venture to places other ships can’t reach.
On board, the ship caters to all tastes and needs. The stylish Scandinavian décor, comfortable cabins, and a wealth of public spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows (perfect for watching the world pass by) ensure great comfort.
The ship’s observation deck, informative Science Centre, and two sumptuous restaurants serving local cuisine are as exceptional as Norway’s scenery is stunning.
Adventure is all-Inclusive
Who doesn’t love an adventure where you don’t have to think about exchange rates and FX fees? When travelling with HX on this spectacular winter adventure, your clients can enjoy the freedom of all-inclusive sailing.
This includes three daily meals, and drinks, plus coffee, tea, and soft drinks available throughout the day. Guests will enjoy access to the sauna, hot tub, fitness centre, and HX’s world-leading onboard Science Centre.
The package also includes daily excursions, expedition gear, gratuities, a water bottle, broadband Wi-Fi, and professional photos of the trip taken by the onboard photographer.
HX’s Northern Lights Promise
With seven days spent entirely above the Arctic Circle and long winter nights with no light pollution, the conditions are perfect to witness the Northern Lights.
With HX’s Northern Lights Promise, if there is no recorded sighting of aurora borealis from the ship during the expedition cruise, your clients will receive a Future Cruise Credit worth up to AUD 1,000 per person towards a new HX voyage. We love it!
HX know Norway better than any cruise company, and this expedition connects deeply with the coast. Whether your clients are looking to see the Northern Lights, local culture, or some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, they’ll enjoy a truly authentic experience with HX.
Discover more
Are you ready to help your clients experience friluftsliv? For more information about HX and its expedition offering, please visit head to travelhx.com/au.
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