
Discover the history and natural wonders of five wild, beautiful islands in and around the Arctic across four countries.
Exploring Spitsbergen and Jan Mayen
Your expedition starts in Longyearbyen - the town on top of the world. During our two days exploring Spitsbergen you’ll be keeping your eyes peeled for the ‘lord of the Arctic,’ the regal polar bear. Afterwards, we’ll attempt to land at Jan Mayen, Norway’s most isolated island where Mt. Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth, dominates the skyline.
The land of ice and fire
Our first stop in Iceland is its vibrant ‘Northern Capital’ Akureyri. Heading east, you’ll explore Husavik, dubbed Iceland’s ‘Whale Capital.’ If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to see one or more of these giants of the sea before we head to Bakkagerdi. This is a tiny hamlet on the coast of Borgarfjörður Eystri that is said to be inhabited by elves. We can’t guarantee you’ll see many elves, but you’ll enjoy a pristine wilderness with top-class bird watching opportunities.
Island hopping expedition-style
Experience the peaceful and soothing atmosphere of Elduvik in the Faroe Islands. A short hop away is Torshavn, a place where the modern and the ancestral stand side by side. Sample the variety of fish dishes in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, from salmon and shellfish to lythe, ling and John Dory. Your journey ends in Bergen, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its famous fish market and colourful wooden wharfs.
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Day 1
Oslo / Longyearbyen
From 59º N to 78º N
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Day 2
Longyearbyen
Lively Frontier Town in the High Arctic
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Day 3-4
Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen
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Day 5
At sea
Relaxing at Sea
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Day 6
Jan Mayen Island
The Isolated Arctic Island with an Active Volcano
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Day 7
At sea
Towards Iceland
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Day 8
Akureyri
Capital of Northern Iceland
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Day 9
Húsavík
Top Spot for Whale-Watching
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Day 10
Bakkagerði
The Land of the Elves
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Day 11
At sea
Enjoy a day at sea
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Day 12
Elduvík
Charming Village of the Faroe Islands
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Day 13
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Northern Europe’s oldest capital
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Day 14
Lerwick
Centre of Scotland’s Shetland Islands
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Day 15
Bergen
End of the Expedition
Departures
2022
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
2023
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Current offers on this cruise:
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Free rebooking
Our booking policy ensures peace of mind when you book your next adventure.The benefits of the policy apply to any new bookings made between 16 February 2022 and 30 June 2022, for expedition cruises departing on or before 31 December 2022.See Special Offer
What's included
Included in your voyage
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
Hotel
- Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch
Transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Please note there is no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, except when we are in Longyearbyen or Barentsburg.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
MS Spitsbergen
Year built | 2009 |
Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
Shipyard | Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR) |
Passenger capacity | 180 |
Beds | 243 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 7,344 |
Length | 100.54m |
Beam | 18m |
Speed | 14.5 knots |
MS Spitsbergen will take you on a voyage beyond the ordinary. She cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Expedition sailings during the rest of the year.
Practical information
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