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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Arctic Explorer: Iceland to Svalbard Cruise

The Arctic Explorer: Iceland to Svalbard Cruise

From AUD $14,550

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Description

Begin your Arctic adventure in cosmopolitan Reykjavík before exploring the “land of ice and fire” shaped by waterfalls, volcanic shores, remote islands, and the whale-rich waters around Húsavík. Sail toward rarely visited Jan Mayen, a volcanic island where seabirds gather in great numbers. As you cross the Norwegian Sea toward Svalbard, watch for wildlife from the deck and take in a world of glaciers, drifting ice, and polar light before concluding your voyage in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town.

Trip Name
The Arctic Explorer: Iceland to Svalbard Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 115 metres Passenger Capacity: 158 Built: 2020/2021/2022 The SH Vega is a boutique, ice-strengthened expedition ship designed for exploring the world’s most remote destinations in refined comfort. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines sleek Scandinavian design with advanced cruising technology, including a Polar Class PC5 hull and extra-large stabilisers for smooth sailing in challenging waters. With space for just 158 guests and 122 crew, she offers an intimate and personalised experience, where every detail is considered – from elegant observation lounges and stargazing decks to fine dining venues and a spa with panoramic views. Her facilities include a heated outdoor pool, open deck jacuzzi, gym, and library, ensuring the journey is as rewarding on board as it is ashore. Accommodation ranges from stylish oceanview staterooms to expansive premium suites, all appointed with contemporary comforts such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and even complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Private balconies in many cabins provide a front-row seat to breathtaking landscapes, while world-class dining, attentive service, and thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of Champagne enhance the sense of occasion. Whether navigating polar ice or sailing into sunlit harbours, the SH Vega offers a blend of adventure, elegance, and home-like warmth.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 Pre Cruise & Reykjavik
Charter flights to the port of embarkationOne night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)Make sure there is sufficient time to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament
Day 2 - Day 2. Dynjandi Waterfall
Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades
Day 3 - Day 3. Hrisey Island
Known as the “Pearl of Eyjafjörður,” Hrísey is one of Iceland’s most enchanting islands. Located in the heart of the fjord, this peaceful haven is a true paradise for bird lovers. Home to vast colonies of Arctic terns, puffins, and eider ducks, the island offers an unforgettable close encounter with Iceland’s rich avian life.
Day 4 - Day 4. Husavik
Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish
Day 5 - Day 5. Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers
Day 6 - Day 6. Jan Mayen Island
The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area
Day 7 - Day 7. Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers
Day 8 - Days 8-11. Svalbard
Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox
Day 9 - Day 12. Longyearbyen
The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling outGroup return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $14,550Oceanview D4
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $15,275Oceanview M4
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $16,000Balcony D5
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $16,750Balcony M5
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $25,475Suite
17-05-202829-05-2028AUD $29,100Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Ice Fjords
    • Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.
    • Citizen Science Workshops
    • During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.
    • Two Days in the Polar Capital
    • Time to explore Longyearbyen — the Svalbard Museum, the North Pole Expeditions Museum, dog sledding history, and the world's northernmost town on its own terms.
    • Expert-led Talks
    • Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.
    • Polar Wildlife Watching
    • Spy on polar bears, walruses, whales and arctic foxes in their natural habitat.

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