Arctic Island Odyssey Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
Highlights
- Attempt a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago, venturing into remote eastern realms few travelers ever reach
- Sail north of 80°N to the dynamic ice edge, where walruses, seals, seabirds—and possibly polar bears—thrive amid drifting pack ice
- Discover Ny-Ålesund, Hornsund and Bråsvellbreen by kayak, Zodiac and guided hikes through epic Arctic landscapes.
From the colorful frontier town of Longyearbyen, this 14-day High Arctic expedition sets its sights on the wild and seldom-seen corners of the Svalbard archipelago. Designed in true expedition spirit, the voyage seeks not only to explore western Spitsbergen’s dramatic fjords, but—conditions permitting—to fully circumnavigate Svalbard and push north toward the shifting ice edge beyond the 80th parallel. It’s an ambitious route that blends raw wilderness, rich wildlife habitats, and powerful polar history into one unforgettable Arctic odyssey.
Early in the journey, you’ll visit the peaceful research settlement of Ny-Ålesund, once the launch point for Roald Amundsen’s airship expeditions toward the North Pole. In the surrounding fjords of Krossfjord and Kongsfjord, glaciers calve into icy waters as seabirds wheel overhead. As you continue into Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the scenery grows ever more dramatic—jagged peaks, tundra slopes, and offshore islands alive with walruses, seals, whales, and reindeer.
If the ice allows, you’ll sail north to the ephemeral boundary of the polar ice cap itself—a realm of drifting floes and luminous pack ice. Here, amid a frozen mosaic that shifts with wind and current, you may spot walruses hauled out on ice, seals bobbing between floes, and perhaps even a polar bear patrolling its domain. Later, the expedition may press east toward the immense face of the Bråsvellbreen glacier, or remote islands like Kvitøya, landscapes shaped by ice and isolation. Every landing is guided by conditions, making each day a genuine voyage of discovery.
In the south, the majestic fjord of Hornsund offers soaring mountains, bird cliffs alive with guillemots and fulmars, and glaciers spilling into the sea, while historic shores in Bellsund reveal traces of early whalers and trappers. Throughout the voyage, you’ll explore by RIB, kayak, and on foot, join beach cleanups and citizen science initiatives, ...
Standard Activities
About the Arctic Island Odyssey Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
From the colorful frontier town of Longyearbyen, this 14-day High Arctic expedition sets its sights on the wild and seldom-seen corners of the Svalbard archipelago. Designed in true expedition spirit, the voyage seeks not only to explore western Spitsbergen’s dramatic fjords, but—conditions permitting—to fully circumnavigate Svalbard and push north toward the shifting ice edge beyond the 80th parallel. It’s an ambitious route that blends raw wilderness, rich wildlife habitats, and powerful polar history into one unforgettable Arctic odyssey.
Early in the journey, you’ll visit the peaceful research settlement of Ny-Ålesund, once the launch point for Roald Amundsen’s airship expeditions toward the North Pole. In the surrounding fjords of Krossfjord and Kongsfjord, glaciers calve into icy waters as seabirds wheel overhead. As you continue into Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the scenery grows ever more dramatic—jagged peaks, tundra slopes, and offshore islands alive with walruses, seals, whales, and reindeer.
If the ice allows, you’ll sail north to the ephemeral boundary of the polar ice cap itself—a realm of drifting floes and luminous pack ice. Here, amid a frozen mosaic that shifts with wind and current, you may spot walruses hauled out on ice, seals bobbing between floes, and perhaps even a polar bear patrolling its domain. Later, the expedition may press east toward the immense face of the Bråsvellbreen glacier, or remote islands like Kvitøya, landscapes shaped by ice and isolation. Every landing is guided by conditions, making each day a genuine voyage of discovery.
In the south, the majestic fjord of Hornsund offers soaring mountains, bird cliffs alive with guillemots and fulmars, and glaciers spilling into the sea, while historic shores in Bellsund reveal traces of early whalers and trappers. Throughout the voyage, you’ll explore by RIB, kayak, and on foot, join beach cleanups and citizen science initiatives, and gain deeper insight into Arctic ecology and climate research through expert-led talks on board.
Sailing between May and August means experiencing Svalbard in its most vibrant season. As summer advances, the ice retreats—opening potential pathways into the east—while July and August bring blooming tundra wildflowers that briefly transform the polar landscape with color. Long daylight hours bathe mountains and ice in a golden glow, extending your opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography.
This voyage is for true explorers—those drawn to dynamic routes, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of venturing where few have gone. Crossing 80° north and attempting a full Svalbard circumnavigation are feats that carry genuine expedition prestige. You’ll return home not only with extraordinary images and stories, but with a profound sense of connection to the fragile, formidable Arctic—and the quiet pride of having journeyed to the very edge of the polar world.
Itinerary
Arrive in Longyearbyen
From Oslo to the town at the top of the world
After a flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen.
A colorful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If you have time, head out to take a look at this special town, before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Longyearbyen adventures
Peaceful Ny-Alesund
Relaxing at sea
Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund expedition days
Denmark Strait
Reykjavík
There’s truly no better way to feel the scale, silence, and raw beauty of this landscape than from the seat of a kayak. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll glide across the water with your fellow adventurers, experiencing your surroundings in a uniquely intimate and peacefully immersive way.
Note: Only bookable onboard
Unlike our guided sea kayaking adventure, this experience lets you paddle at your own pace (within a defined perimeter). There’s no fixed route – just time to soak up the stunning scenery, glide along glacier-carved coastlines, listen to the subtle sounds of cracking ice, and watch for wildlife along the way.
Note: Only bookable onboard
What's Included
-
Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise.
-
All transfers in Longyearbyen, including an excursion and lunch before the expedition cruise.
-
Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast .
-
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
-
Wine, beer, and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks).
-
All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
-
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.
-
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
-
A wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
-
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported.
-
Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges, and more.
-
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated.
-
Range of included activities
-
Escorted landing with small expedition boats
-
Necessary equipment for activities, such as trekking poles, will be provided on board on loan. In Antarctica and Svalbard muck boots are mandatory for all land activities and will be distributed onboard free of charge.
-
Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
What's Excluded
-
Mandatory travel insurance.
-
International flights.
-
Additional overnight stay(s) if required due to international flight schedules.
-
Baggage handling.
-
Optional shore excursions with our local partners.
-
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team.
Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Dean Tatooles
Svalbard - Last Stop Before North Pole
Northern Lights Explorer
Svalbard Explorer Best of High Arctic Norway
Svalbard: In Search Of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear
Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland & Canada
Svalbard and Greenland Summer Micro Cruise
Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights