Four Arctic Islands: The Southbound Journey (Ocean Albatros)

Hei! Welcome to Oslo. Your adventure begins with an included flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Svalbard – the northernmost city on Earth. When you arrive at Svalbard Airport, you’ll be transferred to your ship, the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, settle into your cabin, then meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you on your journey and have a safety and orientation briefing. Mingle with your fellow travellers as you set sail on your Arctic adventure!

Sail past Prins Karls Forland, taking in the view of this island’s distinctly steep mountains, on your way to Kongsfjord. This fjord region is framed by glaciers and three mountain peaks to the east, known as the ‘Three Crowns’. Here, you’ll visit Ny-Alesund – the world’s northernmost settlement. Previously a base for polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it’s now a hub for scientific research into climate change in the Arctic.

Today, explore the Northwest Spitzbergen National Park. Established in 1973, this park showcases northwest Svalbard’s rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. See the ruins of blubber ovens and the graves of sailors on a visit to the 17th-century Dutch whaling station at Smeerenburg (AKA ‘Blubber Town’). This protected nature reserve is home to walruses, polar bears and rare seabirds as well as Arctic flowers like the Svalbard poppy, purple saxifrage and polar willow.

Spend your final day in Svalbard exploring the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund. These fertile valleys are abundant with reindeer and Arctic foxes. Watch seabirds nesting and icebergs drifting from glaciers. Have your binoculars ready for birdwatching at the towering Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs, where tens of thousands of birds nest on every ledge and crevice on the cliff faces. See (and hear) guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic skuas. You’ll also visit the historic mining settlement of Calypsobyen and the ruins of a hunter's cabin at Bamsebu.

Head southwest across the Greenland Sea, towards Jan Mayen. During these two days at sea, attend educational talks from the Expedition Team to learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology, watch seabirds from the ship’s hot tubs or even treat yourself with a spa treatment.

Arrive on Jan Mayen, an active volcanic island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (AKA the ‘spine of the Atlantic Ocean’). Beerenberg is the only active volcano in Norway – and the northernmost on Earth. Jan Mayen only has around 18 residents, a mixture of scientists and Norwegian troops. See cinder cones (small volcanic formations), lava flows, tundra plants and the peak of Beerenberg looming above as you traverse this island.

Spend today at sea, on the way to the largest island on Earth – Greenland. The ice in these waters is some of the most persistent in the Arctic, visible even during the middle of summer. This makes for the perfect habitat for polar bears and beluga whales – have your camera and binocular ready in the hopes of some sightings today.

Today, you’ll visit one of the most remote communities in the world – Ittoqqortoormiit. Experience this town's strong sense of community and traditional culture on your visit to the local museum and church. As you wander the streets, you’ll get a feel for what daily life is like in such a remote town. Traditional hunting still takes place here – supply ships only arrive in Ittoqqortoormiit once or twice a year.

Venture into the maze of fjords and islands that make up Scoresbysund. Your itinerary today will depend on the ever-changing wind, sea and ice conditions. Your Expedition Team will use their expert knowledge to maximise today’s opportunities for adventure – embrace the thrilling unpredictability of Arctic exploration! You might explore the labyrinth of icebergs and skerries that make up the Bjorne Islands, the basalt mountains of Cape Brewster or the ruins of European and Inuit settlements.

Cruise along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. This area has long been navigated by the Inuit. Weather permitting, you’ll have the rare opportunity to make a landing in this now-uninhabited region. Have your binoculars and camera ready to see towering, basalt peaks and spectacular glaciers.

Reflect on your Arctic adventure as you sail towards Reykjavik. Celebrate your journey by joining your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team for a slideshow of memories from the trip.

This evening, enjoy a farewell cocktail party with the captain and your new travel friends.

After breakfast, disembark from your ship. You’ll then be transferred by shuttle to Reykjavik Airport or downtown Reykjavik, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.