A zodiac cruises through the waters off Spitsbergen northeast Greenland surrounded by ice which forms an arch formation
lone musk ox in spitsbergen standing on dry arctic tundra with sunny skies above
polar bear jumping from one piece of sea ice to another, with dark arctic water below
On land while on the Spitsbergen Northeast Greenland trip a sea bird moves over the explorers with a mountain behind them
Total solar eclipse with black sky & black moon ringed with small amount of golden light.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland

A voyage of icebergs, glaciers and Arctic wildlife, this 14-day Spitsbergen-Northeast Greenland expedition offers something for everyone. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and Greenland’s surface area is more than 80 percent covered by ice, reaching a thickness of over 10,000 feet in the interior. Experience dramatic coastlines and cruise through icy waters, searching for iconic Arctic wildlife like polar bears, musk oxen, hares and perhaps even experience the famed aurora borealis, or northern lights, as they light up the Arctic sky.

Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord is magnificent with towering mountains on both sides. Devil’s Castle, or Teufelschloss, is layered with geology and proceeds sailing through the Antarctic Sound. Segelsällskapets Fjord offers ancient sedimentary geology and the chance to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans while hiking on Arctic land. Scoresby Sund is famous for glaciers, basalt columns and abandoned Inuit settlements with the remains of tent rings, meat caches and graves. Røde Island is one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions, where azure-white icebergs contrast beautifully with brooding red sediment slopes. Ittoqqortoormiut is the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 current inhabitants.

In 2026, two special departures aim to position themselves in the center of totality for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. These Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer voyages follow the main itinerary but add the bonus of viewing the solar eclipse from an optimal location.

These Northeast Greenland Arctic cruises are aboard the 170-guest Hondius, or 108-guest sister ships Plancius or Ortelius, all of which are equipped for intimate exploration of incredible Arctic waters. Regardless of itinerary choice, the wildlife, history and frigid magnificence of the Arctic makes sailing from Spitsbergen to Greenland a trip to remember. Contact the polar experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to discuss which itinerary and ship best suits your interests, ability and budget.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Spitsbergen cruises, specialty northern lights cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Aurora Borealis Itinerary

The Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland, Aurora Borealis voyage begins in Longyearbyen, Norway, and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland. This Arctic expedition sails to Greenland and explores waters filled with breath-taking scenery and areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales and polar bears.

Route map of Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland Arctic cruise, from Akureyri, Iceland, to Longyearbyen- Norway, with visits to the Scoresby Sund, Kong Oscar & Kejser Franz Joseph Fjords.
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Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Norway

Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling through this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden and possibly spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Raudfjorden

Sail into Raudfjorden on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers, sometimes visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
At Sea to East Greenland

You may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Foster Bay, Myggebugten & Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord

As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century) there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. Sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.

For those who choose to attend, you have your first long walk (6-7 hours) of the voyage today. Start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Teufelschloss, Blomster Bugt & Antarctic Sound

Arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomster Bugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon sail into the Antarctic Sound, including the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Segelsällskapets Fjord & Alpefjord

In the morning, enter Segelsällskapets Fjord with the beautiful streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. By Zodiac, land on the south side of the fjord in an astounding place where the ancient sedimentary geology is literally at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, venture into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. Embark on a Zodiac cruise around the Gully Glacier that once blocked the access to the interior of the fjord. Venturing deep into the fjord, experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Antarctic Havn

Spend the first half of the day in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you may see groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Scoresby Sund

Today reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Take a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

2024: The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Ø, to find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular tent rings of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites. In the evening, continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.

2025: In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If possible to land at Charcot Havn, you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. You will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord, where you might also make a landing.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Røde Island

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions. The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Iceberg Exploration & Sydkap

In the morning encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet high and more than 3,280 feet in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 1,312 feet deep here. Land near Sydkap to view the Hall Bredning fjord and possible arctic hares.

Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. Plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join at this location for their second excursion of the day.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Liverpool Land, Ittoqqortoormiut & Scoresby Sund

Today, make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is at Ittoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just wander around to see the sled dogs and the drying skins of seal and musk oxen. In the afternoon sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
At Sea

A day at sea grants fabulous opportunities to spot whales and seabirds and, at night, the magical northern lights.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Akureyri to Reykjavik, Iceland

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must come to an end. Disembark in the morning at Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by charter bus (six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall(2024) or the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center at Austurbakki, Reykjavik(2025). Take home memories that will accompany you wherever you travel next.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material.

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; transfers to/from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges, telecommunication charges, personal gear; transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and Radhus Reykjavikur / city hall in Vonarstraeti (6 hours); the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland, Aurora Borealis voyage begins in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. The ship disembarks in Akureyri, Iceland (AEY), with a transfer back to Reykjavik on Day 14. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. The bus transfer is not included and must be pre-booked; 2024 USD cost is $120 one-way, $220 round-trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Select departures offer special long hikes. These guided all-morning, point-to-point treks are up to nine miles over tundra, rivers, rocky shoreline, low hills and rugged backcountry, with boots provided and rest stops and lunch along the way. After a full day (up to 6 hours) of hiking, meet the ship at its second activity stop for the day. Ask your Adventure Specialist to reserve your spot for this included activity at time of booking.

Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during the voyages. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage Itinerary

The Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer voyage follows the main itinerary from Longyearbyen, Norway to Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship aims to be in the center of totality along Scoresby Sund on August 12, 2026 for the 2-hour eclipse.

Map showing the path of totality & where the ship aims to be positioned within it, in Scoresby Sund, on the Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage.
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Day 1
Embark Longyearbyen, Norway

Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling through this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden and possibly spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Raudfjorden

In 1823 the Irish scientist, soldier, and explorer Edward Sabine had an observatory on Indre Norskøya, in northwestern Svalbard. Using a pendulum to study gravity, he suggested a project to measure the meridians (lines of longitude through the poles) on Spitsbergen, the goal of which was to define the curvature of the Earth. Try to get to Sabinehaugen, where he did his observations.

Sailing next into Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you’ll see in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers–and maybe even visited by ringed seals, bearded seals and polar bears. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
At Sea to East Greenland

You may eventually see the jagged edge of East Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Foster Bay, Myggebugten & Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord

As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century) there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. Sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs.

For those who choose to attend, you have your first long walk (6-7 hours) of the voyage today. Start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Teufelschloss, Blomster Bugt & Antarctic Sound

Arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomster Bugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon sail into the Antarctic Sound, including the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Segelsällskapets Fjord & Alpefjord

In the morning, enter Segelsällskapets Fjord with the beautiful streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. By Zodiac, land on the south side of the fjord in an astounding place where the ancient sedimentary geology is literally at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, venture into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. Embark on a Zodiac cruise around the Gully Glacier that once blocked the access to the interior of the fjord. Venturing deep into the fjord, experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Antarctic Havn

Spend the first half of the day in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you may see groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Scoresby Sund

Today reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Take a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If possible to land at Charcot Havn, you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. You will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord, where you might also make a landing.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Sydkap

In the morning, encounter colossal icebergs, some over 330 feet high and more than a 0.6 miles long. Then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and arctic hares. Today’s long hike goes from Sydkap to Satakajik, showing the remains of Thule winter houses built with whale vertebrae. In the evening, sail into Øfjord.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 11
Total Solar Eclipse

You will have a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø in the morning, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. At midday the ship will position in the center of the moon  shadow in Øfjord. In the afternoon, watch the solar eclipse either from the ship or one of the nearby shores.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Liverpool Land, Ittoqqortoormiut & Scoresby Sund

Today, make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is at Ittoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just wander around to see the sled dogs and the drying skins of seal and musk oxen. In the afternoon sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
At Sea

A day at sea grants fabulous opportunities to spot whales and seabirds and, at night, the magical northern lights.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Disembark Akureyri to Reykjavik, Iceland

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must come to an end. Disembark in the morning at Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by charter bus (six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center at Austurbakki, Reykjavik. Take home memories that will accompany you wherever you travel next.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material.

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; transfers to/from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges, telecommunication charges, personal gear; transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and Radhus Reykjavikur / city hall in Vonarstraeti (6 hours); the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer voyage begins in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (LYR). Longyearbyen is only accessed via flights from Oslo, Norway (OSL). Some flights arrive very early in the morning, before standard hotel check-in; in these cases, we recommend booking an extra hotel night or arranging a day room option. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. The ship disembarks in Akureyri, Iceland (AEY), with a transfer back to Reykjavik on Day 14. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. The bus transfer is not included and must be pre-booked; 2024 USD cost is $120 one-way, $220 round-trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Select departures offer special long hikes. These guided all-morning, point-to-point treks are up to nine miles over tundra, rivers, rocky shoreline, low hills and rugged backcountry, with boots provided and rest stops and lunch along the way. After a full day (up to 6 hours) of hiking, meet the ship at its second activity stop for the day. Ask your Adventure Specialist to reserve your spot for this included activity at time of booking.

Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during the voyages. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Aug 18 - Aug 31, 2024
Plancius • 14 days
From $7000USD
Per Person
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Aug 25 - Sep 07, 2024
Hondius • 14 days
From $7000USD
Per Person
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Aug 29 - Sep 11, 2024
Ortelius • 14 days
From $7000USD
Per Person
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Aug 17 - Aug 30, 2025
Ortelius • 14 days
From $7450USD
Per Person
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Aug 23 - Sep 05, 2025
Hondius • 14 days
From $7450USD
Per Person
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Aug 02 - Aug 15, 2026
Hondius • 14 days
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From $8550USD
Per Person
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Aug 03 - Aug 16, 2026
Plancius • 14 days
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying
From $8550USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Choose the Small Ship that Fits Your Travel Style

Expedition Ship
Ortelius

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Expedition Ship
Plancius

The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.

Expedition Ship
Hondius

The 170-guest M/V Hondius was built exclusively for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. She is one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels currently cruising in the polar regions.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Arielle Lightcap • January 7th, 2020
Expert Review: What to Expect on a Polar Bear Cruise

A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Fabulous Wild Place in the World"

Fabulous wild place in the world. East Greenland was spectacular. Wish I could have spent more time in Spitsbergen. Highly generous, honest, professional and intelligent crew.

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Meals
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100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In 2025, the main Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland, Aurora Borealis itinerary can be combined with the main Around Spitsbergen – In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice itinerary for the 23-day Extensive Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland – Aurora Borealis operating from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Reykjavik, Iceland with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details.

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10 - 15 Day Cruise
Around Spitsbergen

Circumnavigate Spitsbergen to Zodiac cruise, hike and photograph deep fjords, towering glaciers, sharp mountains, lush tundra and Arctic wildlife like polar bears from the 170-guest Hondius, 108-guest Ortelius or Plancius, or 33-guest schooner Rembrandt van Rijn.

From $5400USD
Jun Jul Aug
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10 - 10 Day Cruise
A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Iceland's world-class geology and unique cultural heritage come alive in this Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard 126-guest Nat Geo Endurance or 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer. Cruise round-trip from Reykjavik; see glaciers, geysers and immense cliffs with world-class guides leading the way!

From $11172USD
Jul
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8 - 8 Day Cruise
Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Set sail  for 8-9 days aboard a French luxury ship on this Norwegian fjords cruise. Discover dizzying cliff faces, Viking history and the Norwegian capital of Oslo, a city with unique energy.

From $7550USD
Jul Aug
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Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland

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