Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen – Island Hopping In & Around the Arctic (Spitsbergen)

Description

Discover a variety of stunning emerald islands in and around the Arctic region on this late spring voyage, right on time for the region’s flora to be in full bloom. We begin in Bergen, Norway and sail over to Lerwick, Scotland, continuing on to the Faroe Islands, then the northern coasts of Iceland, and finally to northwest Svalbard via remote Jan Mayen.

Included in your voyage:

Transfers
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen after the expedition cruise

Flights
Flights in economy class from Longyearbyen to Oslo after the expedition cruise

Trip Name

Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen – Island Hopping In & Around the Arctic (Spitsbergen)

Days

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 Your Expedition Begins

Explore Bergen´s historic harbour area with its fish market and UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf of colourful wooden warehouses that date back to the 1300s. You can also board a funicular up nearby Mount Fløyen. There, you’ll enjoy views over Bergen, and maybe even spot your ship, MS Spitsbergen, docked below.

Day 2 - Day 2 Centre of Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Built on the herring trade in the 17th century, Lerwick has grown in Scotland’s northernmost town and is home to a third of the Shetland Islands' population. Visit local boutique shops along Commercial Street, wander along the waterfront with its sandstone buildings, or visit the museum to learn more about the town’s Norse heritage.

Day 3 - Day 3 Charming Village of the Faroe Islands

Located in the Funningsfjordur inlet in the Faroe Islands, the village of Elduvík lies by the shore at the end of a long, lush valley surrounded by stunning green mountains and with the river Stórá running through the middle. Just 23 people inhabit the village, complete with a school, church, dock, pier, and colourful houses.

Day 4 - Day 4 Relaxing at Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures from the Expedition Team while we set course towards Iceland.

Day 5 - Day 5 The Land of the Elves

Bakkagerði is one of Iceland’s smallest hamlets, a quiet haven well off the tourist track. The place is so well-known for its fairy-tale-like natural beauty, the locals have come to call the region `The Land of the Elves´. Many puffin colonies also line the nearby fjord, making it a popular place for birdwatching.

Day 6 - Day 6 Top Spot for Whale-Watching

Húsavík is Iceland’s oldest Norse settlement and considered one of the best whale-watching spots in Europe. Up to 23 species of whale, including the blue whale, are known to visit nearby Skjálfandi Bay. The town also has many interesting museums and an outdoor thermal bath on the picturesque peninsula.

Day 7 - Day 7 Capital of Northern Iceland

Welcome to Iceland’s largest community outside of Reykjavík. Expect comfy cafés, restaurants, and chic art galleries. There are also various museums of interest, distinct churches, and the botanical gardens which will be in full bloom at the time of your visit. Akureyri is also close to natural treasures, such as lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.

Day 8 - Day 8 Towards Jan Mayen

Days at sea are an opportunity to wind down and watch the waves, or enjoy a lecture or two from the Expedition Team.

Day 9 - Day 9 The Isolated Arctic Island with an Active Volcano

The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen has two main areas. The north is dominated by ice-capped Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth. The south is flatter and unglaciated, and where 30 people live at a weather station. The island is a breeding site for large numbers of seabirds such as fulmars, auks, and guillemots. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare, and Hurtigruten are one of the few to attempt landings on this Arctic island.

Day 10 - Day 10 Enjoy a day at sea

The day is at your leisure aboard the ship. Relax while gazing out at the view, learn more from the knowledgeable Expedition Team in our lecture series, or swap experiences of the expedition so far with your fellow explorers.

Day 11 - Day 11-12 On the Look-out for Polar Bears in Svalbard

Summertime in the Svalbard Archipelago is when polar bears trek along the coast’s drifting ice on the hunt for seals. With a bit of luck, we hope to spot one or more of these top predators in the national park.Depending on the movement and thickness of the sea ice, we might visit Kongsfjord´s mighty glaciers and catch sight of icebergs calving into the sea. We also plan to call on Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town now transformed into an international science centre. Here, you’ll find 16 permanent research stations from 10 countries dedicated to the study of glaciology, wildlife, and climate change.

Day 12 - Day 13 End of the Expedition

Your journey ends in lively Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard situated next to a fjord and surrounded by rugged mountains as far as the eye can see. It is a surprisingly modern and cosmopolitan settlement with a small and welcoming international community. Transfer from the ship to the airport for your flight to Oslo.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Visit five wild and beautiful islands in and around the Arctic across four countries
Destinations include Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard
Sail in late spring to see lush green landscapes dotted with flowers in full bloom
Explore habitats with a range of wildlife and famous for bird and whale-watching