Arctic Highlights

Your exciting Arctic cruise expedition begins today in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. After arriving independently to this unique Arctic town you will be transferred to the port for late afternoon embarkation. After settling in to your comfortable cabin and familiarising yourself with your new surroundings the ship will sail through beautiful Isfjorden and your adventure will begin.

Over the next four days we will sail around the vicinity of the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, on the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, with our unique Polar vessel allowing us to visit remote and seldom-visited areas on a constant search for wildlife and historical and scenic experiences. Our exact route and itinerary will be dependent on ice, sea and weather conditions and will be determined on a day by day basis - this is true expedition sailing after all. Exploring as many remote areas as possible we will visit ice-covered fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers, land at historical and cultural sites and spend time sailing through the ice in search of polar bears hunting seals. Making land at unforgettable stops across the west and north coast of the island we will hope for sightings of Arctic fox and Svalbard's unique reindeer, learning all about the area's distinctive tundra and geological features as we go.

We will be on a constant lookout for wildlife, and with near 24 hour daylight, there are lots of opportunities, so be prepared to be called at any time for close up polar bear, walrus or whale sightings. We will also see lots of birds, including hopefully the rare and lovely ivory gull, plus little auks, guillemots, puffins and more. Each day will be spent exploring by Zodiac or on foot experiencing once-in-a-lifetime encounters and scenic opportunities.

Traversing the Greenland Sea towards the Northeast Greenland National Park, keep an eye out on deck for a variety of marine wildlife in the waters below including orca, humpback and minke whales, as well as dolphins. As we sail there will be informative and entertaining lectures and talks provided by your team of onboard experts on everything from the wildlife of the area to historic Arctic exploration. As we approach the eastern coast of Greenland we will attempt to follow the pack ice edge to explore the polar seascape and spot sea mammals and sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.

Heading south along the eastern coast of Greenland we will sail through some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world. You can explore rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets in the world's largest national park looking out for wildlife such as walruses, seals, musk oxen, foxes, Arctic hares, lemmings, and a variety of birds. Explore in Zodiacs to get a closer look at some of the birdlife and to walk along the unique and geologically fascinating tundra.

Our adventures will bring us to discover portions of Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, and some of the most majestic mountain scenery on the planet. We also plan to visit the small settlement of Ittorqqortoormiit to see local crafts and Inuit culture. Here you can learn all about life in this very isolated town where the population of 450 people rely on hunting, fishing and the town’s one grocery store.

Leaving the wonders of Greenland behind, we will now set sail for Reykjavik as we near the end of our voyage. Your informative and entertaining lecture programme will continue and some time on deck should reward in sightings of numerous seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and much more. This is also the perfect time to enjoy some relaxation onboard or to collate and edit the multiple photographs you will have no doubt taken on your expedition.

Arrival into Reykjavik signals the end of our Arctic adventure and after breakfast disembarkation will begin at the Midbakki Pier - Port of Reykjavik. The port is within walking distance of downtown and for those who are flying straight home a transfer will be provided to the airport. Numerous opportunities to extend your adventures here are available so please ask for details should you wish to spend more time here in this unique capital city.