Arctic Cruises - Svalbard, East Greenland & Iceland

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the lively hub of the Svalbard archipelago and the world’s northernmost town. After settling into your hotel, take time to explore this remarkable Arctic community surrounded by rugged mountains and glacial valleys. Perhaps visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the region’s polar exploration heritage, wildlife, and mining past, or stop by the town’s boutique shops and cosy cafés. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s inviting restaurants and step outside to witness the surreal glow of the midnight sun, a reminder that you’ve arrived at the top of the world.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in Longyearbyen, taking in views of icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding this historic Arctic town. Browse boutique shops for souvenirs or essential cold-weather gear before receiving your expedition parka and borrowing waterproof boots for the journey ahead. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier and step aboard the M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your suite and explore the ship, from open decks to observation lounges. As we sail through Isfjorden, keep watch for marine life. The day concludes with welcome briefings, introductions to the expedition team, and your first dinner on board. (D)

Today you explore the northwestern part of Spitsbergen, a true High Arctic wilderness. Towering, snow-capped peaks rise above deep fjords and narrow channels, while tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Keep watch for Arctic wildlife, including reindeer grazing on tundra, playful Arctic foxes, and a variety of marine mammals in the inshore and offshore waters. A highlight of the day is Ny Ålesund, a former mining town turned international Arctic research station. Explore its museum, post office, and gift shop, and learn about its historic role as a launch site for early North Pole expeditions. (B,L,D)

Today you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost permanently inhabited settlements in the world. Once a coal-mining town, it is now an advanced High Arctic research station, hosting scientists from around the globe. Explore the small community and its museum, and learn about its historic role as a staging point for early North Pole expeditions, including the famous airship Norge flight. The surrounding fjords and mountains provide striking scenery, and the area is a hotspot for Arctic wildlife such as seabirds, reindeer, and, occasionally, polar bears, offering excellent photography and observation opportunities. (B,L,D)

Sail southwest across the Greenland Sea towards the remote fjords of East Greenland. The day at sea allows you to soak in the vast Arctic seascapes, where icebergs drift silently and seabirds wheel overhead. Take advantage of the ship’s expert-led lectures and presentations, offering insight into Arctic wildlife, geology, and local Inuit culture. Relax in the cosy observation lounge, sip a hot drink while scanning the waters for whales, or stretch your legs in the onboard gym. With uninterrupted views of the open sea, this is the perfect time to reflect on the journey so far and anticipate the adventures ahead. (B,L,D)

Continue your voyage southwards towards the fjords of East Greenland, scanning the icy waters for marine wildlife such as whales, seals, and seabirds. The ship glides past drifting icebergs and rugged Arctic landscapes, offering endless photo opportunities from the deck or observation lounge. With each passing hour, the scenery changes subtly, revealing the raw beauty of the High Arctic. As evening falls, the longer nights may reveal the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky, providing a magical backdrop to your journey. (B,L,D)

Spend the next five days exploring East Greenland. Sail through Kaiser Franz Joseph and Kong Oscar fjord systems, which are part of Northeast Greenland National Park. Enjoy the most impressive scenery, see deep fjords and narrow channels flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 metres high, and fields of multicoloured tundra on shore. Visit the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region. (B,L,D)

Explore the dramatic Franz Josef Fjord system, where towering ice-clad peaks rise sharply from the water. Witness colossal tidewater glaciers calving into the fjords, sending icebergs drifting past the ship. On shore, take a short hike to appreciate the vast, pristine tundra and spot Arctic wildlife such as musk oxen and Arctic hare. (B,L,D)

Venture into Kong Oscar Fjord, dotted with narrow channels and floating icebergs. Discover ancient Thule archaeological sites and historical trappers’ huts, offering a glimpse into Greenland’s past. Keep watch from the deck for seabirds, seals, and whales navigating the fjord waters. (B,L,D)

Sail through Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system, flanked by towering 2,000-metre peaks. Enjoy onshore walks through multicolored tundra and experience the grandeur of this untouched mountainous heart of Greenland. Photography opportunities abound as glaciers, fjords, and wildlife create a stunning Arctic tableau. (B,L,D)

Visit the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent community in the region. Meet local residents, explore the museum and gift shop, and observe Greenlandic sled dogs. Learn about traditional hunting practices and modern life in one of the planet’s most isolated communities. (B,L,D)

Spend the day focused on wildlife and remote landscapes. Zodiac trips and onshore walks reveal Arctic foxes, seabirds, and possibly musk oxen. Take in panoramic views of ice-clad fjords, glaciers, and multicolored tundra, while expert briefings provide context and fascinating insights into the region’s history and ecology. (B,L,D)

Leaving East Greenland behind, we sail across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle en route. Make the most of the ship’s open decks and panoramic windows for spotting seabirds and marine mammals along the way. Onboard, the expedition team offers engaging presentations and workshops, providing insights into Arctic history, wildlife, and geography. Relax in the lounge, enjoy the ship’s facilities, or simply take in the dramatic seascapes and ever-changing light as the Greenland Sea stretches toward Iceland. (B,L,D)