Arctic Ocean Cruise to 5 Islands

Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forests, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find unique architecture, a thriving cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping possibilities, and a large and visible immigrant community who add their own colourful touch to the city. For those that arrive earlier, can explore this vibrant city, before we leave late in the evening to head for the High Arctic - Svalbard via our chartered flights. The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of this mighty wilderness is the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, getting briskly cold for the winters as we arrive at the airport. We transfer you to your respective hotels for an overnight.

After a delicious lunch, you can join an exciting excursion in unique Longyearbyen and the surrounding area. Here, the Arctic environment dominates, but the town maintains a surprisingly cosmopolitan character. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to modern-day life and today serves as a prime destination for adventure travelers. Enjoy this remarkable place before boarding your ship MS Spitsbergen late in the afternoon.

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. There we plan to make some exciting landings and have scenic kayaking opportunities.

As we start sailing south, the Expedition team continue the lecture programme, covering topics related to the areas we sail, and the environmental challenges of the world’s oceans in a time of climate change. The expedition photographer will be available to show you the basics of photography. Of course, you will also have time to just enjoy being on board the ship and mingle with fellow travelers. Simply relax at the panoramic observation lounges, or stay out on the deck to spot the birds accompanying our journey.

The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated places in the world. Located where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the island is dominated by Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth. Dutch whalers operated from Jan Mayen in the 16th century, but today only a Norwegian weather station accommodates a few brave individuals throughout the year. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare, especially from tourists. As one of the few vessels operating in this area, MS Spitsbergen and her crew will attempt to make a landing on this most exotic Arctic island, which is an opportunity that only very the lucky ones get. If the elements of wind and ice work in our favour, we will try to get off shore. You will notice that the island is also a breeding site for large numbers of seabirds such as fulmars, auks, and guillemots. After a through inspection of the site, the expedition team will lay the path and lead you on a hike to explore the flora and fauna up-close. As we sail past by this remote island, we continue our chances to sight the northern lights once darkness falls for the night.

A day at sea means you can join the lectures by the expedition team, spend time on deck or in the Panorama lounge with fellow travelers as we sail towards Iceland. Enjoy a refreshing workout in the ship ́s well-equipped fitness room with a panoramic ocean view or let your muscles relax in one of the outdoor whirlpools.

Our journey takes us to the town of Akureyri which is a lively cultural city in Northern Iceland. This town serves as a major centre of trade, culture and service outside Reykjavík. It is known for its botanical gardens and pretty street lights. You can visit the many natural treasures of Akureyri which include Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall on your own or join any optional excursions, as we stay here for the whole day. The expedition team will remain at your disposal to guide you across the town, and highlights to see around.

Húsavík is recognised as one of the best whale watching locations in the world, due to the island ́s thriving bay ecosystem. Melting snow and rivers bring nutrients from mineral-rich mountainsides which, when combined with the boundless summer sun, leads to teeming masses of plankton, the main source of food for baleen whales. Húsavík is also the oldest settlement in Iceland. The town’s most famous landmark is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907. Over the years, Húsavík has become an increasingly popular tourist centre and is home to the Húsavík Whale Museum, where our expedition team takes you to learn more. For those considering exploring other areas around, can join our optional excursions to sail around Puffin Island or take a guided tour The Whispering cliffs and the Detifoss waterfalls. After leaving the town, we sail past the Langanes peninsula.

As we turn toward east of Iceland, our stop for today is Bakkagerdi, main settlement in the region of Borgarfjörður, known for its natural beauty. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views. It particularly is popular for birdwatching, because of the puffin colonies that abound the fjord. Expect tranquility as you explore this island with our expedition team whole day.

Today we have another day at sea, another day to relax and unwind from our past few days of exploration! Take part in lectures hosted by the expedition team that give you information on the history and biology about the locations you will visit. Mingle with your fellow travelers during activities or simply relax at the explorer lounge, watching for wildlife outside. The day is yours to pass by the way you like

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. Join our expedition team, as we explore this small village and its charm.

The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 isles that lie in the middle of the North Atlantic, halfway between the Shetland Islands and Iceland. Tórshavn is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with just 15,000 inhabitants. It was founded in the 10th century, and might very well be the oldest capital in northern Europe. Since the turn of the 20th century, Tórshavn has grown rapidly, and is today the economic, cultural and administrative centre of the Faroes. The town is a charming blend of old and new with small houses in nearly every colour.

Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands and by far the northernmost town of Scotland. Founded in the 17th century as a fishing port, today Lerwick is a bustling, cosmopolitan seaport. The old waterfront bustles with visiting yachts and working fishing boats. The area boasts some of Shetland's most attractive scenery and an extraordinary concentration of archaeological sites, including two remarkable Iron Age villages. Strong bonds were formed between the island and the Kingdom of Norway when refugees came over during the Second World War. The fishing boats that brought them would then return loaded with arms and ammunition to support the Norwegian resistance. The flow of vessels on this clandestine route became known as “The Shetland Bus”. Learn more such history and facts of this place, from our expedition team, and the locals that greet you during your brief visit here.

Our autumn expedition ends in Bergen where we will arrive in the morning. Take some time to explore the city on your own. Bergen, founded in 1070 AD, served as the capital of Norway for several years. The city has preserved a great deal of local character and history. Visit the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colourful wharves that date back to the 14th century. Take a stroll around this charming and compact city, spend some time in one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants, enjoy a trip on the Fløibanen Funicular or visit the Fish Market.