Australia or New Zealand to Reykjavík

After your flight from Australia or New Zealand, your expedition cruise to east Greenland and Svalbard starts in Reykjavík – a vibrant city full of culture and history. Take a stroll along Laugavegur and browse the boutiques and outdoor shops. Head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, or visit fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Or why not book a Pre-Programme with us and discover the stunning waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and national parks nearby. After an overnight stay, MS Maud awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail on your adventure.

Picturesque Ísafjörður

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside town

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour. You’ll arrive just after lunch, so there’s plenty time to explore this picturesque harbourside town. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.  

One of these historic 18th century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft - the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

Relaxing at sea

Appetite for adventure

As we sail towards Jan Mayen, it’s time to relax and get to know the great onboard facilities of our expedition ship. 

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, you’ll find out what to expect in the epic fjords of Greenland and Norway’s stunning Arctic wonderland – the Svalbard archipelago. Join one of our Citizen Science projects and contribute to global research, if you’d like to help out. 

Then, you could hit the gym, float in a hot tub and relax in the sauna, or just enjoy a delicious meal in one of our three onboard restaurants – it's totally up to you.

Volcanic Jan Mayen

Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife

Jan Mayen is an island that has no permanent residents and visits here are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here, so if conditions are favourable you’ll be setting foot on one of Earth’s most remote places. 

Jan Mayen’s moss and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Beerenberg. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and it last erupted in 1985. 

You won’t see land mammals, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the waters, including whales and seals.

Sailing towards Svalbard

Unwind and prepare for Svalbard

As we sail towards Svalbard, spending a day cruising through Arctic waters is a great chance to relax on board the ship. Enjoy panoramic views and chat to fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge or take a soak in the hot tubs out on deck and fill your lungs with fresh air. 

Your time onboard is yours to fill. This is your chance to get away from the busy everyday world and reflect on the wild beauty that surrounds you. Don’t miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team – sometimes out on deck – covering topics such as Arctic history, geology and wildlife.

Stunning Svalbard

On expedition in Svalbard

Our daily activities in this remote Arctic peninsula will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions and the expertise of the Expedition Team. The first planned stop is Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. 

We then hope to journey north, going past beautiful Bellsund with its snow-capped cliffs as we head towards Isfjorden. The lush fjord system here, with its immense, glacier-carved valleys, is rich in wildlife, flora and human history.  

Our last planned stop in Svalbard is Ny Ålesund. It’s known as the northernmost settlement in the world and the starting point for many renowned Arctic expeditions.

Crossing the Greenland Sea

Learning and leisure time

After the last few days in Svalbard, you’ll no doubt have lots of photos and a hunger for learning more about the destinations on our voyage. As we cross the Greenland Sea, the Expedition Team will be giving lectures and answering your questions about the destinations. 

You can use this time to enjoy the ship’s facilities and take it easy. Why not head out on deck with a pair of binoculars and look for wildlife, such as whales and following seabirds. Or perhaps you’ll find a cosy corner inside to read a book with a hot drink.

Scoresby Sund fjord system

Soak up the serenity in the world’s largest fjord system

Prepare to be awed. Local conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan for the next three days is to explore east Greenland’s Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system.    

You’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged landscape, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains.  

Making the most of the conditions, we’ll pack in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours and wildlife sightings as possible. This really is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and it’s up to you whether you want to be active, or just want to soak up the feeling of serenity.

Community Visit

Get an insight into authentic Greenlandic life

After our expedition in Scoresby Sund, we return to – relative – civilisation. Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region, and it’s located on an Arctic peninsula that’s encased by sea ice for nine months of the year. This makes the settlement the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere!   

Ittoqqortoormiit was founded in 1925 as a hunting and fishing town, and today, that cultural legacy is still very much in evidence. Less than 500 hardy souls call this remote outpost home, and they’ll be proud to show you around and give you a warm welcome.

Sailing back to Iceland

Rest and relax as you cross the Irminger Sea

The ethereal beauty of Greenland and Svalbard will by now have suffused your soul! As we cruise back towards Iceland you’ll feel invigorated and more connected to nature. On deck, you might spot seabirds following the ship, or whales breaching the surface in the surrounding seas. 

Spend your time at sea sharing your experiences with new friends, recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, or discovering more about the delicate ecology of Greenland's fjord system in the Science Center.

From Reykjavík to Australia or New Zealand

We say a fond farewell to MS Maud as we end where we started, in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. From the ship, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay before your flight back to Australia or New Zealand the following day. If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey.