Cruise Overview
Epic Arctic scenery and pristine wilderness
17-day expedition cruise from Iceland, exploring the stunning and remote coastlines of east Greenland and Svalbard.
Discover epic scenery and captivating nature in true explorer style as your flexible route makes the best of the conditions.
Witness spectacular glaciers and icebergs as your expedition ship probes remote fjords.
Greenland’s majestic fjords
From Reykjavík, we’ll sail to picturesque Patreksfjörður before heading towards volcanic Jan Mayen - one of our planet’s most remote places. Continuing to stunning Svalbard, we'll visit some of Spitsbergen’s most remarkable fjords and witness awe-inspiring vistas, from the towering mountains of Hornsund to the lush, glacier-carved valleys of Isfjorden.
Awe inspiring scenery
If conditions favour us, we’ll then head to Greenland’s ever-changing sea-ice edge to search for wildlife, before continuing to stunning Svalbard. We plan to explore the lush fjord system of Isfjorden and head south towards Hornsund – one of the region’s most picturesque waterways. A community visit to remote Ittoqqortoormiit in east Greenland rounds off our adventure before we return to Reykjavík.
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Practical information you need to know
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Day 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Discover Iceland's modern capital
Your expedition cruise to east Greenland and Svalbard starts in Reykjavík – a vibrant city full of culture and history. Take a stroll down Laugavegur to striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral or visit one of the many art galleries and museums.
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.
Pre-Programme
With so much to see, why not come early and join one of our Pre-Programmes to the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands and experience Iceland's amazing waterfalls, hot springs and geysers.
Patreksfjörður - Iceland’s western edge
Day 2
Patreksfjörður - Iceland’s western edge
Visit beautiful waterfalls, and see the impressive cliffs on the western edge of Iceland
The small village of Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you can enjoy a dip in an outdoor pool and enjoy wonderful scenic views of the fjord.
If you’re feeling active, you can explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords. You can also join an included tour to Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular falls in the Westfjords.
An included excursion takes you to visit the cliffs at Látrabjarg. Here you’ll see Europe’s largest bird cliff, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills can be observed during the nesting season. In any case, Látrabjarg offers awe-inspiring scenery and is at the very western edge of Iceland.
Relaxing at sea
Day 3
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
Day 4
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
Day 5
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
Day 6-9
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
Day 10-11
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
Day 12-14
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
Day 15
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
Day 16
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.
Return to Reykjavík
Day 17
Return to Reykjavík
Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland
We say a fond farewell to MS Maud as we end where we started in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. Why not visit the places you may have missed when you arrived. With its stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Reykjavík.
Post-Programme
If you want to discover more of Iceland, why not join our optional Post-Programme and tour the south of the country before you head home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end your epic journey!
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- À la carte Restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported.
- *House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science programme where you can assist with live scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna, indoor and outdoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team