Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Spitsbergen

In a remarkable celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Spitsbergen Treaty, Norwegian television is set to air an extraordinary nine-day program featuring footage captured aboard the MS SPITSBERGEN. This captivating series was filmed during a scenic cruise around the breathtaking Spitsbergen archipelago in August 2019. Viewers can tune in to NRK2 to enjoy this unique broadcast from January 31 to February 9, 2020. Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of Spitsbergen through the lens of MS SPITSBERGEN. For more details, visit https://www.cruisedeck.de/die-ultimative-tv-sendung-9-tage-durchgehend-von-einer-kreuzfahrt/

In a surprising twist, the Hurtigruten-operated expedition vessel 'Spitsbergen' has been denied permission to enter Russian waters situated above the Arctic Circle, just two weeks prior to its scheduled departure. The ship was set to embark on a journey departing from Tromsø to Murmansk, traversing the remote and strategically sensitive Franz Josef Land, which is exclusively inhabited by Russian military personnel. This abrupt decision leaves 250 passengers—who invested a minimum of $6,200 each—facing significant disappointment as Hurtigruten's sailing license for two planned cruises has been rejected. Hurtigruten had long been coordinating this adventure in collaboration with Russian authorities, making the announcement from communications director Anne Marit Bjørnflaten all the more perplexing. She remarked, "This decision caught us off guard," particularly since the rejection aligns with reports that Russian military forces are set to conduct exercises in the same area. The denial occurs amidst Russia's ongoing military buildup near the Barents Sea and recent large-scale military drills along Norway's coast, which saw the participation of 30 Russian naval vessels, including surface ships, submarines, and support ships. This militarization serves as a reminder of Russia's intention to assert control over the North Atlantic and deter NATO operations. As highlighted by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, the broader strategic significance of the Barents Sea complicates this situation; Russian authorities may perceive Hurtigruten's vessels not merely as civilian cruises but as potential assets for military operations such as intelligence collection. In light of these developments, Hurtigruten is actively reaching out to customers who booked tickets for the affected cruises to provide compensation options.

In a strategic move, Hurtigruten, Norway's renowned coastal express operator, has revealed plans to incorporate four vessels into its expedition fleet in 2021. This decision follows the company's sharing of the coastal express route with rival operator Havila Kystruten starting January 1, 2021. Under this agreement, Hurtigruten will operate seven vessels, while Havila will manage four. The transitioning vessels—FINNMARKEN, MIDNATSOL, SPITSBERGEN, and TROLLFJORD—will expand Hurtigruten's expedition cruise offerings to a total of ten vessels. These four ships are set to enhance year-round expedition cruising experiences, allowing travelers to explore the breathtaking landscapes and remote destinations that define Norway's majestic coastline.