Cruise Overview
Experience stunning landscapes and wildlife on this Arctic cruise
Discover picturesque fjords, majestic glaciers, mountain peaks, and thrilling wildlife on an awe-inspiring expedition to islands in the High Arctic
14-day expedition cruise from Oslo to Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Iceland
Urban Oslo, cozy Longyearbyen
Your Arctic adventure starts in cosmopolitan Oslo, which you can explore before your flight to Svalbard. After an overnight stay in Oslo and a flight to Longyearbyen, we’ll set sail for the rugged fjords and towering mountains of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park – the land of polar bears.
Volcanic islands, spectacular fjords
From here, you’ll cruise to the isolated island of Jan Mayen, where you’ll visit an active volcano. Then head to the Scoresby Sund in eastern Greenland to marvel at the largest fjord system on Earth, before setting course toward beautiful Stykkishólmur in Iceland. Your expedition cruise ends in lively Reykjavík.
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Day 1
Explore cosmopolitan Oslo
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have some time, we recommend exploring the city center.
With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You’ll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture all within easy reach, including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life. You can also try New Nordic cuisine before staying the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Longyearbyen Adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen Adventures
Encounter reindeer in the street as you shop.
After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world’s northernmost town, a colorful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles.
Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer pass by. Although wild, they’re curious and gentle.
After lunch, your included excursion will give you a glimpse of this amazing region at the top of the world inhabited by polar bears. In the afternoon, board your ship and continue your Arctic discovery as we cruise around Spitsbergen.
The wilds of NW Spitsbergen
Day 3-6
The wilds of NW Spitsbergen
Experience pristine Arctic wilderness
Over the next three days, you’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Seabirds soar overhead as we scan for Arctic animals, including whales, seals, walrus, and reindeer. We might even see polar bears hunting on the ice.
In stunning Kongsfjorden, you may see glaciers calving into the sea. Conditions permitting, we will stop in Ny-Ålesund, home to a thriving international science community researching glaciology, wildlife, and climate change.
Be ready for adventure. We’ll seize any opportunity to use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore to hike, participate in a beach cleanup, or launch our kayaks.
A relaxing day at sea
Day 7
A relaxing day at sea
Enjoy a restorative day in the Arctic
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 soak in the hot tubs on deck while scanning for seabirds overhead.
Don’t miss fascinating lectures from the members of the Expedition Team. They may cover topics such as local history, geology, and Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for in-depth insights into the places we’ll be visiting and sign up for one of our Citizen Science projects.
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Day 8
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Visit an active volcano that’s a haven for birdlife
Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we’re one of the few to attempt landings here. Conditions permitting, you can set foot on one of Earth’s most remote places.
Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Beerenberg. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano, which 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, Brünnich’s guillemots and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in its waters, including whales and seals.
Science at sea
Day 9
Science at sea
Unwind and prepare for more adventure
At this point, you’ll have seen some spectacular Arctic wildlife and scenery. You’ll probably be curious to learn even more. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center for answers to your questions. Find out about what you will experience next in northern Iceland and why over half of Icelanders believe in elves.
A day at sea is also a chance to sort through your photos and pick up some tips from our onboard photographer as we cruise toward Iceland’s stunning volcanic landscapes.
Eyjafjörður to Akureyri
Day 10
Eyjafjörður to Akureyri
Hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic moonscapes
Our expedition cruise continues to Iceland’s ‘Northern capital’, Akureyri, surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. It’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
Learn about the history of the city on an included discovery walk and stop at the Arctic Botanical Gardens. Check out the Akureyri Museum and Nordurslod Museum of National History.
You can also join optional excursions to visit the impressive Goðafoss Waterfall, Mývatn Nature Baths, or Eyjafjörður – Iceland’s longest fjord – go horseback riding, or explore off-road in a 4x4.
Grímsey Island’s puffins
Day 11
Grímsey Island’s puffins
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins.
Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur. This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for two things: its Atlantic puffin colonies and the fact that the Arctic Circle cuts right across it.
We’ll reach Grímsey in our small boats (RIBs). There, you’ll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. You can join an optional hike to the ‘Orbis et Globus’ sculpture, a huge concrete sphere, repositioned each year to follow the northward moving Arctic Circle.
Beautiful Patreksfjörður
Day 12
Beautiful Patreksfjörður
A stunning beach, waterfalls, and superb birdwatching
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. On today’s included walk, learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village and enjoy a dip in the town’s outdoor pool, which features wonderful views of the fjord.
You’ll have the chance to explore the surrounding area on optional hikes through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also tour Dynjandi waterfalls, where six falls combine to make the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Westfjords.
Birdwatchers will enjoy a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 13
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
It’s like time stood still at Stykkishólmur, in Breiðafjörður Bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains. You’ll explore this small fishing town on an included discovery walk.
Join an optional excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, nicknamed ‘Little Iceland’ for the array of volcanic landscapes. Discover some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, like Djúpalónssandur’s black-sand beach.
We will stop at the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs, where huge rock stacks jut out of the sea. You can also visit the base of Snæfellsjökull Glacier or go on a coastal hike to explore the caves under the glacier.
Reykjavík and beyond
Day 14
Reykjavík and beyond
Explore Reykjavík at your leisure.
Your Arctic expedition cruise finishes in Reykjavik, a city full of art, culture, and history. In the city center, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, then head towards the striking Hallgrimskirkja church. We also recommend exploring the city’s galleries and museums.
Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon, and experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its warm waters.
You can also join our Post-Program to explore Iceland’s beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs, and majestic mountains.
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen.
Hotel
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch
Transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen include an excursion before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Please note that Wi-Fi and phone reception are very limited in the remote areas where we travel and streaming is not supported. When in Svalbard, there is no Wi-Fi or cell coverage, except in Longyearbyen or Barentsburg.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna, and an indoor gym
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help configure your camera settings
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages