United Kingdom to Oslo/Longyearbyen

Fly to Oslo before connecting to Svalbard

Your journey begins with a flight from the United Kingdom to Oslo, where you’ll catch your onward flight to Longyearbyen.   

Longyearbyen is an intriguing frontier settlement on the island of Spitsbergen, where the 2,000 inhabitants are outnumbered by snowmobiles. At the edge of Arctic wilderness, Longyearbyen is surprisingly cosmopolitan, with a range of restaurants, pubs and galleries. Get a taste of the life in this legendary Arctic frontier as you stroll the streets and admire its colourful buildings.

Longyearbyen adventures

Explore the town at the top of the world 

After breakfast, it’s time to explore the world's northernmost town, a colourful 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 saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame. Admire the polar bear–inspired art or visit the North Pole Expedition Museum. 

Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion after lunch, or try an optional electric bike, dogsledding or hiking tour.

Expedition days 

Experience pristine Arctic wilderness 

Over the next three days, you'll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear hunting on the ice.   

The conditions will determine our route. We may see glaciers calving into the sea in Kongsfjord or cross the 80 parallel north, sailing through the Hinlopen strait. We might also cruise through Freemansundet and visit the stunning mountains and fjords of Hornsund.  

Be ready for adventure; we'll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a restorative day in the Arctic 

Take advantage of a day cruising through Arctic waters to relax on board the ship. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar or take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while scanning for seabirds. 

Don’t miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team, which cover topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into the places we'll be visiting and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.

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 in one of Earth’s most remote places. 

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

You won’t see land mammals here, 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 the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

Heading towards Greenland

Unwind and prepare for more adventures

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 and find out about what’s coming up next   in eastern Greenland and northern Iceland.   

A day at sea is also an opportunity to sort through your images and pick up some tips from our onboard photographer as we cruise towards the Scoresby Sund.

Greenland’s Scoresby Sund fjord system

Witness the largest fjord system on Earth  

With stunning white and blue icebergs, mirror-like waters and looming mountains, the scenery in the world’s largest fjord system is simply spectacular. 

Scoresby Sund’s steep peaks, open waters and ice-free winters are a haven for Greenland’s iconic wildlife. Scan for musk oxen, Arctic foxes, mountain hares, whales and seals. 

Birdlife also thrives here, including Little Auks, Atlantic Puffins, fulmars, Snowy Owls, Greenlandic Gyrfalcons and Great Black-backed Gulls. 

We’ll make the best of the conditions, packing in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours and wildlife sightings as possible.

A relaxing day at sea

Relax as we head for Iceland 

A day at sea is an opportunity to wind down. Recline in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar and take in the view. For even deeper relaxation, soak in a hot tub and recap the journey so far with your fellow travellers.   

If you’d rather work up a sweat, head to the gym on Deck 7.  Equipped with large windows, you can work out knowing you’re not missing out on any of the stunning scenery outside.

Snæfellsnes peninsula

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes 

It’s as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes. 

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

Reykjavík and beyond

Explore Reykjavík at your leisure 

Your Arctic expedition cruise concludes in Reykjavik, a city full of art, culture and history. In the city centre, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, then head towards the striking Hallgrimskirkja church. Or why not explore the city's galleries and museums.  

Before flying back to the United Kingdom, consider visiting 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-Programme to explore Iceland's beautiful South Coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.