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Beautiful view of Spitsbergen.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Edinburgh - Longyearbyen - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Sea Spirit
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Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise from Edinburgh to Longyearbyen aboard the Sea Spirit. Journey from Scotland’s historic capital to the remote Arctic on this unforgettable expedition. Explore Edinburgh’s medieval streets before setting sail from Leith. Discover Orkney’s Neolithic wonders, Fair Isle’s abundant birdlife, and the vibrant culture of the Faroe Islands. Cross the Arctic Circle to Jan Mayen’s volcanic landscapes, then venture into Svalbard’s icy wilderness, where polar bears roam and glaciers calve into the sea. With expert-led excursions and breathtaking scenery, this adventure captures the spirit of the far north.
Discover the rich history of EdinburghGrass-roofed houses of the Faroe IslandsBoats in the harbor of TorshavnLighthouse near TorshavnColorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northBeautiful view of Spitsbergen.
Highlights
  • Discover Edinburgh’s unique charm strolling medieval streets and castles
  • Explore Kirkwall’s Viking heritage visiting ancient sites and cathedrals
  • See Fair Isle’s rare seabirds soaring above its dramatic rugged cliffs
  • Visit Jan Mayen’s volcanic shores where glaciers meet black sand beaches
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Edinburgh, Scotland

Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital and the gateway to your expedition. The team has arranged pre-cruise hotel accommodations to ensure you have ample time to explore this historic and culturally rich city. Stroll through its charming streets, where medieval alleys blend seamlessly with elegant 18th-century architecture. Towering above it all, the iconic Edinburgh Castle stands as a timeless symbol of Scotland’s storied past.

Day 2: Leith | Embark

Spend a relaxed morning and early afternoon exploring Edinburgh at your own pace. Wander its historic streets, where every turn reveals breathtaking views—rolling green hills in one direction and glimpses of the distant sea in another. In the afternoon, transfer from your hotel to the nearby Port of Leith, where your adventure begins. Before dinner, take time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the Sea Spirit, your elegant home at sea for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Kirkwall is a small, quiet town with a gentle pace of life. The town is the capital of the remote and amazing Orkney archipelago. Kirkwall is first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in 1046. Such a long history has left a rich heritage that you explore today. The most famous are the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, considered the finest medieval building in north Scotland, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Earl’s Palace.

Included tour of “Ancient treasures of Orkney with St Magnus Cathedral.” Depart Kirkwall and head west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through the gently rolling landscape of Orkney and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness, stop at the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Then, continue to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, which is beautifully interpreted in the visitor center. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the dunes by storms only 150 years ago.

Hear some of the stories from your guide today en route back to Kirkwall. Once back in the island capital, tour St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500-year reign over the islands.

Day 4: Fair Isle, Shetland Islands

Fair Isle is a real paradise for birdwatchers. A huge number of birds inhabit the lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs. Over 345 species have been recorded here – more than elsewhere in Britain. While walking across the island, you hope to see northern fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas.

Day 5: Torshavn, Faroe Islands

National Geographic Traveler had designated the Faroe Islands as “authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so.” It seems that nature spares no colors when “painting” the islands. Deep-green hills, bright blue sea, colorful houses and boats, and orange-red puffins’ beaks make the sceneries unforgettable. Meanwhile, traditional wooden dwellings with turf roofs look like they belong in a fairy tale.

The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking heritage and love of the sea. Today, explore Tórshavn, the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands.

Tórshavn is a unique city where history meets modernity, where picturesque old turfed houses and modern buildings stand side by side.

Day 6: At Sea

Presentations and workshops by your expert staff and your range of onboard recreation facilities ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Day 7: Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen hosts landscapes of breathtaking beauty and the northernmost subaerial active volcano on the planet – the Beerenberg. The island is wild and uninhabited, not including members of the Norwegian weather station. The signboard at the entrance door says (translated from Norwegian): “Theory is when you understand everything, but nothing works. Practice is when everything works, but nobody understands why. On this station, you combine theory and practice in a way that nothing works and nobody understands why”. Northern fulmars, Kittiwakes, and Brünich’s guillemots breeding on cliffs and slopes represent the birdlife of Jan Mayen.

Day 8: At Sea

The invited speakers' lectures prepare you to meet Svalbard's unique Arctic wildlife and incredible landscapes.

Day 9-12: Exploring Svalbard

This is a real expedition in a true High Arctic wilderness. Your route and exploration opportunities here heavily depend on the weather and sea ice conditions you encounter. Your experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to you by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.
Polar bears and other quintessential Arctic wildlife can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. You exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, discover incredible scenery, and walk in the footsteps of the historic polar expeditions that came before you.

You anticipate exploring the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands in the western part of Svalbard. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Jagged, snowy mountain peaks flank deep fjords and narrow channels. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic foxes. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and various whales. The area is alive with migratory birds, including numerous rare species, taking advantage of summer’s fecundity in 24-hour daylight.

To complete the Arctic experience, you can also explore places rich in history. Your area of exploration contains the historical remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for historic attempts to discover the North Pole, and even an abandoned polar research station. The days are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by your experts, and enough stunning scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Day 13: Longyearbyen, Norway | Disembark

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, you bid your farewell in Longyearbyen. Transfers to the airport or the town center are provided if you plan to stay longer in Svalbard. By this time, you may already be making plans for your next amazing trip into the polar world!

Ship/Hotel

Sea Spirit

Travelers board a Zodiac to get a closer look at the terrain and wildlife
Sea Spirit
Outdoor Bistro at the Jacuzzi area of the Sea Spirit

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 27, 2025from $6,795
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Per person starting at
$6,795
Sea Spirit
Select a Date
Triple Classic
Averaging 226 sq ft. Two twin beds (convert to a King) and a sofa bed, picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
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Main Deck Suite
Averaging 248 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, minimum two portholes, and en suite facilities.
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Single Suite
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a king-size bed.
Sea Spirit
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Classic Suite
Averaging 226 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, picture window, two wardrobes, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
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Superior Suite
Averaging 215 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, picture window overlooking outside walkway, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
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Deluxe Suite
Averaging 258 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, private balcony, walk-in closet or wardrobe, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
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Premium Suite
Averaging 323 sq ft. Two twin beds or a King Size bed, private balcony, lounge area, and en suite facilities.
Sea Spirit
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Owner's Suite
Averaging 463 sq ft. King size bed and sofa bed, separate living room with game and meeting area, private deck, and en suite facilities with jetted bathtub.

Notes

Solo Travelers:
All rates posted are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement: 1.7 for Main Deck and Classic, Superior Suite; twice the posted price for Deluxe, Premium and Owner's Suite.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Pre-departure materials
  • 24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost
  • Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes
  • Expert leadership from the experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team
  • Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
  • Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
  • A stylish branded Poseidon Expeditions parka to take home as a cherished memento
  • Group transfer upon disembarkation
  • One pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise;
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
  • Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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