Arctic
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Arctic
Arctic
The ultimate 18-day Arctic expedition spanning six regions across three countries. Sail from Reykjavik toward East Greenland, Jan Mayen's active volcano, the dramatic Lofoten Islands, and the untamed wilderness of Svalbard.
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights on board.
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Ends: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Embark on the ultimate 18-day Arctic expedition spanning six distinct polar regions across three countries. Setting sail from Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, the voyage crosses the wildlife-rich waters of the Denmark Strait toward the glaciated wilderness of East Greenland. Guests explore the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and the colossal Northeast Greenland National Park—the largest protected land area on Earth—navigating deep fjords and ice-choked waterways via guided Zodiac cruises and tundra nature walks.
Heading north through the Greenland Sea, the vessel arrives at isolated Jan Mayen to view Mt. Beerenberg, Earth's northernmost active volcano, before charting a course southeast to Norway's stunning Lofoten Islands. Travelers discover the picturesque fishing villages and towering sea-carved peaks of Svolvær and Reine. Pushing northward past the steep seabird cliffs of Bear Island (Bjørnøya), the expedition culminates in Svalbard, exploring glacier-carved national parks and historic whaling sites before disembarking in Longyearbyen.
Highlights:
Comprehensive expedition sailing across Iceland, East Greenland, Jan Mayen, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
In-depth exploration of Northeast Greenland National Park and the remote Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Viewing Earth's northernmost active volcano, Mt. Beerenberg, on the isolated island of Jan Mayen.
Scenic hiking trails and coastal walks in the renowned Lofoten fishing communities of Svolvær and Reine.
Guided Zodiac cruising and shore landings among tidewater glaciers, bird cliffs, and wildlife in Svalbard.
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland: Embarkation
Beginning of the Arctic adventure
Embark the expedition vessel in the afternoon in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a welcome dinner and champagne on board, followed by time on the open decks taking in the evening light as the ship charts a course north.
Day 2: At Sea, Crossing the Denmark Strait
Marine wildlife and introductory lectures
Cross the productive waters of the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland. Join onboard polar experts on deck scanning for marine mammals and attend educational seminars on Arctic ecology, geology, and Zodiac safety.
Day 3: Expedition East Greenland
Glacial coastline and Zodiac exploration
Arrive off the rugged coast of East Greenland. The Captain and Expedition Leader select optimal sites based on local weather and sea conditions to launch Zodiac excursions among towering icebergs and glaciated shores.
Day 4: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Inuit culture in remote isolation
Land at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in Northeast Greenland and one of Earth's most isolated villages. Explore the town on foot to visit the museum, historic church, and craft shops, discovering local subsistence hunting heritage.
Day 5-7: Northeast Greenland National Park
Earth's largest protected wilderness
Spend three days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park. Navigate deep fjords flanked by dramatic sea cliffs, tidewater glaciers, and giant tabular icebergs. Enjoy guided Zodiac outings, tundra walks, and search for High Arctic wildlife.
Day 8: At sea, en route to Jan Mayen
Greenland Sea crossing
Sail across the Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Navigate waters where the Gulf Stream meets polar currents over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, creating an exceptionally productive marine habitat ideal for spotting pelagic seabirds and whales.
Day 9: Jan Mayen
Earth's northernmost active volcano
Encounter isolated Jan Mayen, home to Mt. Beerenberg, Earth's northernmost active volcano. Admire stark volcanic landscapes of cinder cones, rugged lava fields, ancient tundra flora, and cliffs crowded with nesting seabird colonies.
Day 10: At sea, en route to Lofoten
Sailing toward mainland Norway
Cruise southeast toward Norway's Lofoten archipelago. Spend the day attending presentations on Scandinavian history and ecology, scanning the horizon for wildlife from the outer decks, or relaxing in the onboard amenities.
Day 11: Svolvær, Norway
The coastal capital of Lofoten
Arrive in Svolvær, Lofoten's historic fishing capital set across a network of small islands. Stroll past traditional red rorbuer cabins and outdoor stockfish drying racks, or hike regional trails overlooking surrounding fjords and coastal peaks.
Day 12: Reine, Norway
Iconic fishing villages beneath sharp peaks
Visit the iconic village of Reine, set against dramatic saw-toothed mountains and glassy tidal waters. Explore the village on foot, embrace outdoor living along scenic shoreline paths, and discover Lofoten's maritime culture.
Day 13: At sea, en route to Svalbard
Northbound ocean crossing
Sail north leaving the Norwegian mainland behind toward Bear Island and Spitsbergen. Attend educational lectures in the theater on polar exploration, marine glaciology, and cetacean migration while scanning the waters for whales.
Day 14: Bjørnøya/Bear Island
Oceanic seabird fortress
Reach remote Bjørnøya (Bear Island), situated midway between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen. Embark on Zodiac cruises beneath immense vertical cliffs hosting nesting colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, and northern fulmars.
Day 15: Expedition South Svalbard
Tidewater glaciers and tundra wildlife
Explore the deep fjords of southwest Spitsbergen, such as Hornsund and Bellsund. Go ashore to view historic trapper stations at Bamsebu and Calypsobyen, the bird cliffs of Gnålodden, and look for Arctic foxes and grazing Svalbard reindeer.
Day 16-17: Expedition Northwest Svalbard
Historic whaling heritage and polar wilderness
Spend two full days in Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Explore historic seventeenth-century whaling sites at Smeerenburg, cruise before active tidewater glacier fronts, and search coastal haul-outs for walruses, seabirds, and polar bears.
Day 18: Longyearbyen Disembarkation
Conclusion of the Arctic odyssey
Arrive in Longyearbyen in the early morning. Following breakfast, disembark the vessel, bid farewell to the expedition team, and transfer to Svalbard Airport for onward flights back to the Norwegian mainland.
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland: Embarkation
Beginning of the Arctic adventure
Embark the expedition vessel in the afternoon in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a welcome dinner and champagne on board, followed by time on the open decks taking in the evening light as the ship charts a course north.
Day 2: At Sea, Crossing the Denmark Strait
Marine wildlife and introductory lectures
Cross the productive waters of the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland. Join onboard polar experts on deck scanning for marine mammals and attend educational seminars on Arctic ecology, geology, and Zodiac safety.
Day 3: Expedition East Greenland
Glacial coastline and Zodiac exploration
Arrive off the rugged coast of East Greenland. The Captain and Expedition Leader select optimal sites based on local weather and sea conditions to launch Zodiac excursions among towering icebergs and glaciated shores.
Day 4: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Inuit culture in remote isolation
Land at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in Northeast Greenland and one of Earth's most isolated villages. Explore the town on foot to visit the museum, historic church, and craft shops, discovering local subsistence hunting heritage.
Day 5-7: Northeast Greenland National Park
Earth's largest protected wilderness
Spend three days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park. Navigate deep fjords flanked by dramatic sea cliffs, tidewater glaciers, and giant tabular icebergs. Enjoy guided Zodiac outings, tundra walks, and search for High Arctic wildlife.
Day 8: At sea, en route to Jan Mayen
Greenland Sea crossing
Sail across the Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Navigate waters where the Gulf Stream meets polar currents over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, creating an exceptionally productive marine habitat ideal for spotting pelagic seabirds and whales.
Day 9: Jan Mayen
Earth's northernmost active volcano
Encounter isolated Jan Mayen, home to Mt. Beerenberg, Earth's northernmost active volcano. Admire stark volcanic landscapes of cinder cones, rugged lava fields, ancient tundra flora, and cliffs crowded with nesting seabird colonies.
Day 10: At sea, en route to Lofoten
Sailing toward mainland Norway
Cruise southeast toward Norway's Lofoten archipelago. Spend the day attending presentations on Scandinavian history and ecology, scanning the horizon for wildlife from the outer decks, or relaxing in the onboard amenities.
Day 11: Svolvær, Norway
The coastal capital of Lofoten
Arrive in Svolvær, Lofoten's historic fishing capital set across a network of small islands. Stroll past traditional red rorbuer cabins and outdoor stockfish drying racks, or hike regional trails overlooking surrounding fjords and coastal peaks.
Day 12: Reine, Norway
Iconic fishing villages beneath sharp peaks
Visit the iconic village of Reine, set against dramatic saw-toothed mountains and glassy tidal waters. Explore the village on foot, embrace outdoor living along scenic shoreline paths, and discover Lofoten's maritime culture.
Day 13: At sea, en route to Svalbard
Northbound ocean crossing
Sail north leaving the Norwegian mainland behind toward Bear Island and Spitsbergen. Attend educational lectures in the theater on polar exploration, marine glaciology, and cetacean migration while scanning the waters for whales.
Day 14: Bjørnøya/Bear Island
Oceanic seabird fortress
Reach remote Bjørnøya (Bear Island), situated midway between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen. Embark on Zodiac cruises beneath immense vertical cliffs hosting nesting colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, and northern fulmars.
Day 15: Expedition South Svalbard
Tidewater glaciers and tundra wildlife
Explore the deep fjords of southwest Spitsbergen, such as Hornsund and Bellsund. Go ashore to view historic trapper stations at Bamsebu and Calypsobyen, the bird cliffs of Gnålodden, and look for Arctic foxes and grazing Svalbard reindeer.
Day 16-17: Expedition Northwest Svalbard
Historic whaling heritage and polar wilderness
Spend two full days in Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Explore historic seventeenth-century whaling sites at Smeerenburg, cruise before active tidewater glacier fronts, and search coastal haul-outs for walruses, seabirds, and polar bears.
Day 18: Longyearbyen Disembarkation
Conclusion of the Arctic odyssey
Arrive in Longyearbyen in the early morning. Following breakfast, disembark the vessel, bid farewell to the expedition team, and transfer to Svalbard Airport for onward flights back to the Norwegian mainland.
INCLUSIONS
Arrival transfer to ship (Day 1).
General description: Shipboard en-suite accommodation (days/nights as per itinerary) in your selected and paid category.
Waterproof Expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition.
English-speaking Expedition Team.
Guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team (excluding optional activities with cost).
Briefings and educational lectures by the Expedition Team.
Citizen Science Program.
All meals on the ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands). From 2027: Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands. Wine excluded at lunch).
24-hour access to tea, coffee, and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food.
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties.
Taxes and landing fees.
1GB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device.
Digital Expedition Memento, including a curated selection of photos, videos, expedition log and map, and wildlife list.
Exclusive Suite Inclusions: Available on Ocean Albatros: Junior Suite (Cat A), Balcony Suite (Cat B), Brynhilde Suite & Freydis Suite only, and Ocean Victory: Junior Suite (Cat A), Balcony Suite (Cat B) & Freydis Suite only: Wine and fruit platter on arrival, restocked in-suite mini bar (non-alcoholic) and complimentary laundry service throughout your expedition.
EXCLUSIONS
International or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary.
Excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals and beverages not listed as included.
Voluntary gratuity for the crew and Expedition Team (we recommend USD 20 per person per day).
Personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry, and communications unless specified.
Mandatory travel insurance (must meet mandatory minimum coverage requirements for medical treatment and evacuation).
Visa, reciprocity, and passport fees.
Medical care or emergency evacuation.
Expedition Jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes. Please enquire for more details.
Life jackets for selected minors. Please enquire for more details.
Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions”.
Post-voyage airport transfer.
Located on Deck 3, Porthole Staterooms provide a cozy and practical base for exploration. Two classic portholes bring in natural light and offer a connection to the ocean outside, creating a comfortable space to rest and recharge after a full day ashore.
• Two portholes
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with shower
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and
sparkling water
Ocean Staterooms offer a bright and welcoming retreat after a day of exploration. A large picture window fills the room with natural light and frames ever-changing ocean
views, while the comfortable seating area provides a relaxing space to unwind between excursions.
• Large ocean-view window
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with shower
• Ample storage space
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water
Vista Staterooms feature large picture windows that frame the surrounding landscapes and fill the room with natural light. A comfortable seating area and thoughtful layout create a welcoming space to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures between exciting shore landings.
• Large ocean-view window
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with shower
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water
Solo Vista Staterooms offer a comfortable and thoughtfully designed retreat for guests traveling on their own. A large window fills the room with natural light and provides views of the surrounding seascape, while the practical layout creates a relaxing space to recharge between excursions.
• Large ocean-view window
• Queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with shower
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water
The Discovery Suite offers generous space and natural light through two Juliet balconies. A comfortable seating area invites guests to relax while taking in the ever-changing scenery. Designed for comfort and functionality, the suite provides a refined balance of space and style.
• Two Juliet balconies with glass doors
• Comfortable sitting area with convertible sofa
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Marble bathroom with full tub & separate shower
• Writing desk, vanity area and fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine
Balcony Staterooms allow guests to step outside and experience the polar regions from the privacy of their own balcony. Inside, large glass doors bring in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere and a comfortable space to relax after a day of exploration.
• Juliet balcony with glass doors
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with shower
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water
The Grand Suite offers generous living space with a warm, inviting design. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private balcony, bringing the surrounding landscape into the suite. A comfortable sitting area and refined details create a relaxed yet luxurious retreat after a day of exploration.
• Private balcony with outdoor seating
• Separate sitting area
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Marble bathroom with full tub & separate shower
• Walk-in closet, writing desk & vanity area
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine
Located on Deck 7, Navigator Staterooms feature a private balcony ideal for enjoying the scenery in quiet comfort. Thoughtfully designed with warm wood accents and inviting furnishings, these staterooms offer a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration.
• Private balcony with outdoor seating
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Sitting area with writing desk
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Marble bathroom with full bathtub and separate shower
• In-cabin refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water
he Owner’s Suite offers expansive living space, sweeping polar views, and a private balcony. A separate living room and elegant furnishings create a residential feel at sea – an inviting place to unwind after a day exploring
• Private balcony with outdoor seating
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• Marble bathroom with full tub & separate shower
• Walk-in closet
• Writing desk & vanity area
• Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
• Fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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USA
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