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Arctic Islands Discovery – Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland Expedition Cruise

Arctic Islands Discovery – Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland Expedition Cruise

From AUD $13,275

Description

A voyage into the Arctic wilderness  
After flying from Oslo, your Arctic adventure starts in Longyearbyen, the town on top of the world. From here, you’ll set sail for the rugged fjords, beautiful offshore islands and towering mountains of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park – the land of the polar bear.   
Spectacular fjords and a volcanic island 
Continuing to the isolated island of Jan Mayen, you’ll visit the world’s most northerly active volcano, before heading to Scoresby Sund in eastern Greenland, the largest fjord system on Earth. Witness mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains, and discover awe-inspiring glaciers and Arctic wildlife.

Trip Name
Arctic Islands Discovery - Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland Expedition Cruise
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen.  After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.  Expedition team on board MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey. Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here.  Ship facilities Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge – Explorer lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Cosmopolitan Oslo
 Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard  Your adventure begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time, why not explore the city and enjoy what it has to offer. With its rich history, diverse eateries and lively art scene, Oslo is a fascinating place. You'll find museums, galleries, and some very modern architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.  And the city is compact enough to explore in a leisurely manner. Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress, or relax in a floating sauna in the fjord. Explore modern Sørenga to sample urban beach life and perhaps try some New Nordic cuisine before you spend the night in your airport hotel.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Longyearbyen Adventures
 Explore the town at the top of the world  After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, 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.  Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a glimpse of this amazing polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world. And if you’d like to discover even more of Longyearbyen’s special surroundings, why not join our optional Pre-Programme.
Day 3 - DAY 3-6 Expedition days
 Experience pristine Arctic wilderness  Over the next four 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 in its natural environment. Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions.   Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Raudfjord, Hornsund or Magdalenefjord, to see magnificent glaciers or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station.
Day 4 - DAY 7 A relaxing day at sea
 Enjoy a restorative day in the Arctic  Take time to relax on the ship day as we cruise through Arctic waters towards Jan Mayen. 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.  You can also listen to a lecture or two on topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Or 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.
Day 5 - DAY 8 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 it 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.
Day 6 - DAY 9 Heading toward 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 lecture hall 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.
Day 7 - DAY 10-13 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 and take our time, packing in as many shore landings, nature walks, ship cruising, kayaking tours and wildlife sightings as possible.
Day 8 - DAY 14 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.  Equipped with large windows, you can work out knowing you’re not missing out on any of the stunning scenery outside.
Day 9 - DAY 15 Charming Grundarfjörður
 Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just 2 miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.  Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of landscapes. At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.
Day 10 - DAY 16 End of the expedition
 We say a fond farewell to MS Spitsbergen as we end our expedition in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. With its interesting museums, stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Iceland’s capital. And if you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-07-202511-08-2025AUD $13,275Polar Inside. From
27-07-202511-08-2025AUD $15,229Polar Outside. From
27-07-202511-08-2025AUD $16,722Arctic Superior. From
27-07-202511-08-2025AUD $21,319Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • See towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic waterfalls and gigantic glaciers as you explore Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland. 
    • Spend several days soaking up the natural beauty of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park and the Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system on Earth. 
    • Discover volcanic Jan Mayen, as well as the remote Icelandic village of Grundarfjörður and Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park.

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