Iceland, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen – Arctic Islands Discovery (Eastbound)

Discover Iceland's modern capital

Your Arctic expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a city full of art, culture and history. It's well worth spending time here before you set sail. You can visit Iceland's most famous geothermal spa – the Blue Lagoon – and experience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its warm waters. 

In the city centre, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, then head towards the striking Hallgrimskirkja church. Or why not explore the city's galleries and museums.  

MS Fram awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin and get ready for adventure. 

If you'd like to discover more of Iceland, book our Pre-Programme to extend your stay.   

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes 

It's as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  

Nearby, you'll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes. 

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour. 

A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatching 

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you'll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village. 

Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see the seals. You can also join a tour to the Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.  

Birdwatchers shouldn't miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe's largest bird cliff. 

Hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic moonscapes 

Our expedition cruise continues to Iceland's 'Northern capital', Akureyri, surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. It's also one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. 

Walk around the city and stop at the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens. You can learn more about the city and life in the Arctic at the Akureyri and Norðurslóð museums.  

You can also visit the impressive Goðafoss waterfall; Mývatn Nature Baths; or Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Or why not go horse riding or explore off-road in a 4x4. 

Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins 

Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island's first settler, Grímur. This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for two things: its Atlantic Puffin colonies, and the fact that the Arctic Circle cuts right across it. 

We'll reach Grímsey in our small expedition boats. There, you'll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. Why not hike to the Orbis et Globus sculpture? It's a huge concrete sphere that's repositioned each year to fit the northward-moving Arctic Circle. 

Enjoy a restorative day as we sail to Jan Mayen  

A day cruising through Arctic waters will allow you to relax and rejuvenate for the days ahead. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. Or why not take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while looking for seabirds. 

Don't miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team, which cover topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research. 

Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife  

Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you'll be setting foot in one of Earth's most remote places. 

Jan Mayen's surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and last erupted in 1985. 

You won't see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünich's Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.  

Unwind and prepare for more adventure  

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to learn more about the spectacular Arctic wildlife and scenery you've seen so far and find out about what you can expect to experience next in Svalbard. 

A day at sea is also an ideal opportunity to sort through the images on your camera and pick up some tips from our onboard photographer as we cruise towards Spitsbergen. 

North West Spitsbergen National Park embodies Arctic beauty in all its rugged, untouched glory. This is a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful offshore islands. It's also one of those rare parts of the world where natural beauty and fascinating history combine. Here, you'll find the largest concentration of graves, blubber ovens and other cultural relics from Svalbard's first explorers.

Weather and sea conditions will determine which areas we'll attempt to visit. Kongsfjorden is one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Spitsbergen, with panoramic coastal views and a lush alpine tundra. Framed by dramatic mountain formations, you might catch sight of glaciers calving icebergs into the sea. 

We may also call on Ny-Ålesund, a culturally rich former mining town now transformed into an international science hub. With a picturesque mix of old and new buildings, it hosts a variety of research stations from different countries dedicated to the study of glaciology, wildlife, and climate change.

The north-west corner of Spitsbergen is a magnet for birdwatchers in the summer months. You'll also scan for wildlife, including whales, bearded seals, walruses, Svalbard reindeer and the ‘Lord of the Arctic' himself, the mighty polar bear. With a bit of luck, you'll be able to spot one or more of these apex predators as they trek along the coast's drifting ice on the hunt for seals.

The stunning terrain of this region makes it ripe for outdoor adventure. We'll attempt to take full advantage of any opportunities that come our way. Activities might include using our expedition boats to come ashore for hiking, participating in a beach clean-up or launching our kayaks.

Your Arctic adventure around Svalbard is over for this time. As you wind down from your expedition, you'll have some time to look back on all your new memories, still holding onto that elated feeling of having just been quite literally near the “top of the world.”

After saying goodbye to the ship and its crew, you'll take a transfer to the airport for your flight. If you want to spend more time in Longyearbyen, you can extend your stay with one of our Post-Programmes to really get to know the area.

In Longyearbyen, you'll find many places hold the record for being the most north anything. The world's northernmost cinema, church, library, high school, supermarket – they're all here. You can chalk off each landmark with a customary selfie.

If you have the time, grab some souvenirs from the local shops before heading home. A toasty Svalbard sweater or a box of local handmade chocolates would make a wonderful gift for family and friends. Svalbard is a duty-free zone and Longyearbyen has a selection of sports and outdoor clothing shops, so you could stock up on supplies for your next adventure!

Whatever's next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you again!