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Arctic Odyssey from Svalbard to Iceland

Arctic Odyssey from Svalbard to Iceland

From AUD $18,175

Description

Embark on the Arctic Odyssey from Svalbard to Iceland luxury cruise, a captivating journey from Svalbard to Iceland, taking in the East Greenland coast. The experience begins at Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, making its way through the pristine landscapes of Svalbard, across the Norwegian Sea, stopping at the remote Jan Mayen Island, exploring the dramatic Kong Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund in East Greenland, and winding down at Reykjavik. The journey offers a diverse range of destinations, each with its own unique allure. In Svalbard, explore abundant wildlife and spectacular glaciers, while East Greenland’s Scoresby Sund—the largest fjord system on Earth—and Kong Oscar Fjord present labyrinths of towering cliffs and drifting icebergs. Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated settlements in Greenland, where a handful of residents maintain a traditional Arctic way of life. Jan Mayen Island’s stark beauty, with its active volcano, and the charming villages of Ísafjörður and Vigur Island in Iceland, round out this remarkable itinerary. The activities ensure every moment is filled with adventure. Experience thrilling zodiac tours at the mouth of tidewater glaciers, or opt for serene kayaking excursions led by the Swan Hellenic Expedition Team. Engage in insightful onboard lectures or enhance your photography skills.

Trip Name
Arctic Odyssey from Svalbard to Iceland
Days
15
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 - Day 0-1 Pre-Cruise and 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 out.
Day 2 - Days 2-4 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 3 - Day 5 Day at sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Day 4 - 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 5 - Days 7-9 Kong Oscar Fjord
Kong Oscar Fjord marks the northern edge of Scoresbysund and leads to Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Its vast valleys open to the sea, framed by towering mountains, deep waters and shimmering ice. This dramatic, hostile yet beautiful landscape features Berzelius Bjerg, a striking mountain with colourful strata, formed millions of years ago when these peaks lay beneath the ocean.
Day 6 - Day 10 Ittoqqortoormiit
Bodø highlights its Sami heritage and connects the arts to its Arctic setting. Rebuilt after the 1940 bombing in modernist "reconstruction" style, Bodø's architectural commitment endures with the 2014-built Stormen concert hall and Molobyen, a new waterfront cultural hub. Surrounded by natural landscapes, Bodø lies near the world-famous maelstrom of Saltstraumen, a powerful whirlpool on the Saltsfjorden strongest when the tides change daily.
Day 7 - Days 10-12 Scoresbysund
The world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund spans over 350 km into Greenland’s heart. This vast network of fjords, glaciers and icebergs is framed by towering basalt mountains, which shield Greenland’s wildlife from Arctic winds. Muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares roam the land, while little auks, puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls soar overhead. Seals and whales are common sightings in the waters.
Day 8 - Day 13 Vigur Island
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 9 - Day 9 Hrisey Island
A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.
Day 10 - Day 14 Reykjavik
Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 12 - Day 10 Vigur Island
A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.
Day 13 - Day 11 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. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.
Day 14 - Day 12 Reykjavik
Make sure there is sufficient timeto 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 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $18,175Oceanview D4
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $19,100Oceanview M4
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $21,825Balcony D5
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $22,725Balcony M5
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $31,825Suite
26-07-202607-08-2026AUD $36,375Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Sail under the midnight sun as the Arctic gleams in a way that will stay with you forever
    • Discover the pristine beauty of Scoresbysund, the world's largest fjord system
    • Explore the remote, unspoilt island of Jan Mayen, a volcanic wilderness with striking landscapes and wildlife
    • Discover the remote rugged beauty of Iceland's Westfjords region with cascading waterfalls and cliffs teeming with birdlife

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