After breakfast you will be taken to the airport to board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. On arrival you’ll board the ship and set sail in search of Arctic wonders.

During these days you’ll visit Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. You’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords, while hopefully spotting wildlife such as walrus, polar bears, and Svalbard reindeer! The wildlife on Svalbard has had to adapt to the harsh living conditions in the Arctic. Here the animals are exposed to extreme cold, periods with little food and a long winter without daylight.

As you continue to explore Spittsbergen, Birders will be thrilled to see hundreds of birds such as Arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. Enjoy sightseeing zodiac rides around the area during your multi-day cruise (conditions permitting of course!)

Weather permitting, during your time in Spittsbergen you may sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole! Please keep in mind that all Arctica cruises are subject to weather conditions and local regulations. Having flexibility is key as your Expedition Team helps ensure you visit as many of the highlights the season has to offer.

Without doubt, the imposing cliffs, impressive glaciers and untouched tundra in these environments will offer sights and sounds never experienced. This is untamed Arctic Wilderness at its best!

No time is wasted while at sea as your Expedition Team teaches you about the history and wildlife of the lands you are about to encounter. Staff will be available to help identify seabirds, while the on-board library is open to provide reading materials on subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology.

As you prepare to reach Greenland, feel free to take advantage of the on-board amenities such as the gym, boutique or library. The bar is also available for you to sip on an icy cocktail with fellow explorers.

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Conditions permitting, you might get a chance to hike on this austere terrain. These hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here.

During your multi-day cruise, staff will choose the best conditions to offer one polar plunge activity. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or gangway. Take a leap of faith as you get cheered on by fellow passengers and the Expedition Team!

Ending your Greenland adventure, you’ll sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

As you cruise south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

Your final day will be spent on-board as you approach Iceland. This is the perfect opportunity to ask the team any last-minute questions as well as share photos/contacts with fellow Arctic travelers.

Say goodbye to the cruise team as you disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. We are glad to provide any additional services post-cruise.