Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Discover Iceland's modern capital.

Your Arctic expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, 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 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.

MS Fram awaits you at Reykjavík Harbor. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and get ready for adventure.

If you’d like to discover more of Iceland, book our Pre-Program to extend your stay.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður Bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains.

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

At the national park, visit Djúpalónssandur's black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

Beautiful Patreksfjörður

A stunning beach, waterfalls, and superb birdwatching

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village.

Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see the seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls. These are six combined falls that, together, comprise the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.

Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss 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 one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Walk around the city and stop at the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens. Learn more about the city and life in the Arctic at the Akureyri and Norðurslóð museums.

You can also visit the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn Nature Baths, or Iceland’s longest fjord at Eyjafjörður. Another option is to go horseback riding or exploring off road in a 4x4.

Grímsey’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. Don’t miss the Orbis et Globus sculpture. It’s a huge concrete sphere that is repositioned annually to rest along the Arctic Circle, which moves north each year.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a restorative day as we sail to Jan Mayen.

A day cruising through Arctic waters will allow you to relax and rejuvenate for the days ahead. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. You can’t go wrong by soaking in a hot tub on deck while looking for seabirds.

Don’t miss fascinating lectures from the members of the Expedition Team. They cover topics such as local history, geology, and Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, 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, which 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, including whales and seals.

Sailing towards Svalbard

Unwind and prepare for more adventure

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to learn more about the spectacular Arctic wildlife and scenery you’ve seen so far and find out about what you can expect to experience next in Svalbard.

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

Expedition day

Experience pristine Arctic wilderness

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.

As one of those rare parts of the world where natural beauty and fascinating history combine, you’ll also encounter cultural relics from Svalbard’s first explorers.

Be ready for adventure—we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore to hike or help in a beach clean-up.

Return to Longyearbyen

Ending your adventure 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 when you arrived, not to mention lifelong memories from this incredible experience.

If you have time before your flight to Oslo, discover more of Longyearbyen and shop for keepsakes. Many guests opt to bring home a beautiful, warm Svalbard sweater.