Arctic Odyssey

Welcome to Reykjavik, the vibrant northernmost capital of the world! To ensure a comfortable start to your Arctic adventure, the team has arranged a cozy hotel stay where you can relax after your flight. If you’re eager to explore, Reykjavik offers a wealth of sights and experiences.  

Take in sweeping city views from the Perlan observation deck, admire the striking architecture of Hallgrimskirkja towering above the skyline, and wander through charming streets lined with colorful tin-roofed houses. Discover echoes of the Viking era in historical landmarks, or soak in the stunning landscapes that frame the city.  

Stroll along Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s lively main shopping street, or visit fascinating attractions like the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the National Museum. As the day winds down, savor an authentic Icelandic meal at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants—you’re sure to fall in love with Reykjavik from the very first moment!

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before enjoying a free morning to explore Reykjavík at your own pace. Whether you stroll through the charming streets, visit a local museum, or relax at a cozy cafe, take the last moments of city life before your expedition begins.  

In the afternoon, transfer to the pier, where your expedition team will warmly welcome you aboard the M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious cabin and explore the ship—your comfortable home for the incredible journey ahead.  

As you set sail, the adventure officially begins with informative briefings and introductions from the expedition staff. After a delicious welcome dinner, step onto the open decks to admire the breathtaking scenery of Faxafloi Bay. Keep your eyes on the horizon—this area is known for its frequent whale sightings!

Today, explore the beautiful Vestfirdir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls, and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to whales, while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.

From Iceland, head toward East Greenland, crossing the Arctic Circle. 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.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Your itinerary and exploration opportunities in East Greenland depend on weather and sea ice conditions. Again, you can be sure that your experienced captain and expedition leader will take advantage of every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, discover incredible scenery, and go ashore wherever possible.

The Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You anticipate exploring these fjord systems to the extent made possible by ever-changing ice conditions.  

Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high, reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. On shore, fields of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. The vast, open, and seemingly untouched landscape since the beginning of time is a hikers’ paradise. You can also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins throughout this area. 

The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to meet Inuit people.

And there’s a chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights in late August! As summer fades, the skies come alive with vibrant colors, offering a magical experience you won’t want to miss.

After your amazing time in East Greenland, head toward Svalbard. All along the way, you remain vigilant when you see marine mammals such as whales and seals.

In Svalbard, the High Arctic wilderness comes alive, offering an authentic expedition experience. Your route and exploration opportunities depend on the ever-changing weather and sea ice conditions. With your skilled captain and expedition leader, you adapt the itinerary to seize the best opportunities Nature presents in this remote and untamed corner of the Arctic.

You anticipate exploring in the northwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. 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 various marine mammals. Polar Bears can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. 

Also in this area is Ny Alesund, a former mining town now home to an international community of Arctic researchers, complete with a museum, gift shop, and post office. This was also a staging area for historic attempts to discover the North Pole.

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, you bid your farewell in Longyearbyen, and transfer is provided to the airport or central location. By this time, you may already be making plans for your next amazing trip into the polar world!