Cosmopolitan Reykjavik

Discover Iceland's modern capital

Your Arctic expedition cruise starts in Reykjavik, a city full of art, culture and history. It's well worth spending time here before you set sail. You can visit Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa – the Blue Lagoon – and experience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its warm waters.

In the centre, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, then head towards the striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, or explore the city's galleries and museums. MS Fram awaits you in Reykjavik Harbour. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin and get ready for adventure.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

It's like time stood still at Stykkishólmur in Breiðafjörður Bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to 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 its array of volcanic landscapes – and discover some of Iceland's most iconic sights, like Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach.

We'll 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 and explore caves under the glacier.

Beautiful Patreksfjörður

A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatching

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. On today's included walk, you'll learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village, and enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views.

You'll have the chance to explore the surrounding area on optional hikes through the fjords or to Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also tour Dynjandi waterfalls – six waterfalls combined make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.

Birdwatchers will enjoy a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and Razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.

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 also one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

You'll 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 Falls, Mývatn Nature Baths, Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, or you can go horse riding or explore off-road in a 4x4.

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 the island.

We'll reach Grímsey in small expedition boats. There, you'll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. You can join an optional hike to the artwork ‘Orbis et Globus’, a huge concrete sphere, repositioned each year to fit the northward moving Arctic Circle.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a restorative day as we sail to Jan Mayen

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 comfort of the Explorer Lounge. Or take a soak in the hot tubs out on deck while spotting for seabirds overhead.

Don’t miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team, which might cover local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, or help collect important data for our Citizen Science projects.

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. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting 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 and 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 too, including whales and seals.

Sailing towards Svalbard

Unwind and prepare for more adventure

At this point, you'll have seen some spectacular Arctic wildlife and scenery, and may be curious to learn more. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to seek answers to your questions. Find out about what you can expect to experience next in Svalbard, and the truth about births and burials on the island.  

A day at sea is also a chance to sort through your images and pick up some tips from our onboard photographer as we cruise towards Spitsbergen, with the possibility of seeing polar bears in the wild.

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 wheel as we scan for animals of the Arctic – 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. If conditions allow, we'll stop in Ny-Ålesund, home to a thriving international science community, researching glaciology, wildlife and climate change.

Be ready for adventure as we'll seize any opportunity to use our expedition boats to come ashore to hike, participate in a beach clean-up or launch our kayaks.

Return to Longyearbyen

Ending your Arctic expedition on a high

Your Arctic Islands expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience.

Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and do a spot of shopping – perhaps a warm Svalbard sweater. If you’re ready for more exploring, why not join our optional Post-Programme and experience a walrus safari.