Cruise Overview
Three archipelagos, four countries, five islands
Discover the history and natural wonders of five wild, beautiful islands in and around the Arctic, across four countries.
15-day expedition cruise from Longyearbyen to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands before ending in Bergen, Norway
Norway and Iceland
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, and join an expedition cruise to discover Spitsbergen’s landscapes which are home to polar bears. Experience Iceland's volcanic terrain and look out for white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, as well as humpback, minke and the elusive blue whale.
Island communities
Enjoy a taste of life on the Faroe Islands with visits to its capital, Tórshavn, and the tiny village of Elduvík. In the Shetland Islands, learn about Norse heritage and local customs, like the making of delicate Shetland lace shawls. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for Red-throated Divers, redshanks, and curlews.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Available Dates
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 time before your flight, why not explore the city centre.
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, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before flying out to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago.
Longyearbyen adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen adventures
Explore colourful Longyearbyen
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.
Scenic Spitsbergen
Day 3-4
Scenic Spitsbergen
A land of spectacular beauty
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory, a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. You’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords, immense U-shaped valleys and glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea. Delight in the rare chance to seek the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear, in its native environment. They trek the ice along the coast, hunting for seals.
We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking expedition boats ashore for hiking and other activities. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in near-perfect silence.
A day at sea
Day 5
A day at sea
Time to relax and discover what adventures lie ahead
As we head towards the island of Jan Mayen, enjoy a day at sea.
There's plenty to do on board. Why not scan the seas for marine wildlife from the deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna or a soak in a hot tub. Visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead on your island-hopping expedition cruise.
Enjoy a fascinating lecture from the Expedition Team or help collect important data to contribute to Citizen Science projects. Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers on how to capture wildlife and landscapes from our onboard photographer. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar a great place to read, chat with other guests, or just watch the world glide by.
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Day 6
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.
To Iceland's north coast
Day 7
To Iceland's north coast
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland
As we sail from Jan Mayen to Akureyri, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in a hot tub while doing so!
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your expedition. Learn about Iceland’s stunning landscapes, cultures and beliefs – such as the Icelandic elves or ‘hidden people’. Or try something new in a knitting workshop!
Akureyri and Goðafoss
Day 8
Akureyri and Goðafoss
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.
A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
Whale-Watching in Húsavik
Day 9
Whale-Watching in Húsavik
Iceland's best whale watching spot
Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales.
Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.
There's even a space exploration museum here; NASA thought Húsavík's geology resembled lunar rocks and sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions here to train. You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.
Hike in Bakkagerði
Day 10
Hike in Bakkagerði
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.
A popular hiking area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Enjoy a day at sea
Day 11
Enjoy a day at sea
Learn about the Faroe Islands and relax on board
Today we sail from Iceland towards the Faroe Islands. Take this opportunity to enjoy all the comforts your expedition ship has to offer and get ready for the days ahead.
You may have unanswered questions about things you've seen in Iceland, or things to come in the Faroe Islands. As ever, your Expedition Team will be on hand hosting lectures and offering insights about these remarkable islands.
The Science Center will keep enquiring minds busy. Work out in the gym or relax in the panoramic sauna, where you can watch the views as you sail. Look out for birds and wildlife from the decks, or just take the time to sort through all those photos you’ve been taking.
Peaceful, tiny Elduvík
Day 12
Peaceful, tiny Elduvík
Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese nature
Your expedition cruise arrives in the Faroe Islands, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. We'll stop to explore the tiny village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. While small, it comes complete with a school, church, dock and pier. From the pier, enjoy the view across the sparkling waters to the nearby island of Kalsoy – it’s astonishingly peaceful here.
As you walk through the village's charming streets, listen for the songs of seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves coming to shore from the fjord. You'll notice that the roofs of many houses are built in the traditional Icelandic style: covered in grass instead of slate, offering much-needed insulation and protection against the weather.
10th century Tórshavn
Day 13
10th century Tórshavn
A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands
Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor’s Harbour – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.
Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.
About half a mile out of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for Eider Ducks and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings.
Shetland Isles
Day 14
Shetland Isles
Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isle
Welcome to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery.
Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall.
Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.
Disembark in Bergen
Day 15
Disembark in Bergen
Visit UNESCO-listed Bryggen and Mount Fløyen
Your expedition cruise ends in Bergen. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the old capital is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities.
Why not join our Post-Programme for a guided hiking tour. Take the funicular railway up to the summit of Mount Fløyen for a refreshing hike and amazing views over the city.
Or discover the city on your own with a stroll through UNESCO-listed Bryggen and discover its colourful wooden wharfs. Why not pick up some souvenirs or gifts in the artisanal boutiques before heading home.
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
Hotel
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch
Transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune
- 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
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 ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and 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 all 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
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages