Highlights

Begin by sailing north from Reykjavik, leaving familiar coastlines behind and entering some of the least visited waters on Earth. Explore the immense fjord systems of East Greenland, where icebergs, glaciers and untouched tundra define the landscape, then move gradually deeper into the Arctic, transitioning from vast wilderness to the dynamic pack ice zone, where wildlife encounters are shaped entirely by nature and conditions. The journey concludes in Svalbard, combining classic Arctic fjords, scientific heritage and polar wildlife. Throughout the expedition, you experience a rare balance of scale, solitude and discovery, not as isolated moments, but as a coherent progression through the High Arctic world.

A full Arctic crossing from Iceland through East Greenland, Jan Mayen and Arctic Ocean pack ice, ending in Svalbard, linking several of the most iconic polar regions in one continuous expedition.
Navigation in sea ice and ice edge environments, offering close observation of drifting ice formations and the ecosystems shaped by ice movement.
Exploration of Arctic fjords in both Svalbard and East Greenland, where glaciers descend directly into the sea and dramatic landscapes unfold at multiple scales.
Extended time in Northeast Greenland National Park, one of the largest and least disturbed wilderness areas on Earth.
A rare community visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, offering insight into daily life in one of the most remote inhabited places in the Arctic.
Multi day immersion in the Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord network, with vast icebergs, changing light and powerful geological forms.
Natural conditions suitable for observing polar bears, seals and occasionally whales, particularly around drifting ice and productive Arctic waters.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. After arrival, make your own way to the hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to explore the city at your own pace, enjoying the long Arctic daylight and preparing for the expedition ahead. All meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2Reykjavik, Iceland (Embarkation)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A scheduled group transfer will take you from the hotel to the port, where you will embark your expedition vessel and begin the voyage. As the ship departs Reykjavik, Iceland’s volcanic coastline slowly fades into the distance. From this point forward, the course is set toward East Greenland and the High Arctic.

Day 3Crossing the Denmark Strait (At Sea)

Today is a full day at sea as we sail northward across the Denmark Strait toward Greenland. This is an ideal day to settle into life on board. Our expedition team will introduce you to the natural history, wildlife, and exploration heritage of the regions ahead. From the decks, keep watch for seabirds and marine life as the ocean environment gradually begins to change.

Day 4-8Explore East Greenland

Over the coming days, we venture deep into East Greenland, one of the Arctic’s most remote and least disturbed regions. This vast area encompasses Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sound, one of the largest fjord systems on Earth. Human presence here is minimal, and natural processes continue largely uninterrupted. Exploration throughout East Greenland is entirely guided by conditions. Ice movement, wind, tides, visibility, and wildlife activity together shape each day’s decisions. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, our experienced expedition team adapts plans in response to the environment, allowing you to experience a landscape still governed by nature itself.

Possible landing and cruising sites may include:

Scoresby Sound: Our exploration begins within Scoresby Sound, widely regarded as the largest fjord system in the world. This immense network of waterways extends deep into Greenland’s interior, where glaciers, towering mountains, and drifting icebergs create one of the Arctic’s most powerful natural settings. Scoresby Sound is also a dynamic marine and sea ice environment. The movement of icebergs and pack ice creates conditions that can attract a range of Arctic wildlife. While encounters are never predictable, this region is known for the possibility of observing polar bears, particularly near ice edges and drifting ice, as well as seals and occasional whale species moving through the fjord system.”
Ittoqqortoormiit: Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most remote permanent settlements in East Greenland, set on the edge of the Scoresby Sound region. Our visit takes the form of an open town experience, offering insight into daily life in a High Arctic community shaped by ice, seasons, and isolation. You may explore at a relaxed pace, visiting the museum, church, and community center to learn about local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and cultural practices. When appropriate, some residents may invite small groups to join a traditional “Kaffemik”, a social gathering centered on conversation and shared stories.
Northeast Greenland National Park: The final phase of our East Greenland expedition is devoted to Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world and one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet. There are no permanent settlements here. Fjords, glaciers, exposed rock, tundra, and wildlife form a landscape shaped solely by natural forces. We navigate through the fjord systems of Kejser Franz Josephs Fjord and the broader Kong Oscar Fjord region, where steep mountain walls rise directly from the sea and glaciers descend from the interior. As we progress deeper into the fjords, landscapes of different scales overlap: narrow channels open into wide basins, ice cliffs give way to drifting icebergs, and sheltered bays alternate with exposed waterways. Activities are planned flexibly and may include Zodiac cruising and landings for short guided walks when conditions allow. On land, tundra terrain offers opportunities to observe Arctic flora and search for wildlife such as musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and birdlife adapted to this high latitude environment.

Day 9Crossing the Greenland Sea (At Sea)

After departing Greenland, you turn northward and begin your transit toward the High Arctic. Today is spent at sea, with ongoing lectures and presentations from the expedition team.

Day 10Explore Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen lies at the meeting point of the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, and ranks among the most remote and tightly controlled islands in the Arctic. Dominated by the Beerenberg volcano, the island is defined by a glacier capped volcanic cone rising above dark basalt shores. With no permanent civilian population, Jan Mayen remains largely untouched, used primarily for scientific and monitoring purposes, and holds exceptional value as a rare high latitude landing possibility.

Please note: Jan Mayen is administered by Norway and hosts military and meteorological facilities. Permission to approach or land is subject to final approval. If access is not granted, the day will be reallocated to extended exploration in East Greenland or the Spitsbergen region.

Day 11Crossing the Greenland Sea (At Sea)

After departing Jan Mayen, the course turns northward into broad, sparsely referenced waters. The outline of the volcanic island slowly dissolves into the distance, replaced by cooler tones across the sea surface. As latitude increases, changes in air and water become perceptible, and drift ice begins to appear more frequently.

Day 12-13Explore Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen combines dramatic fjords, tidewater glaciers, drifting sea ice, and a strong presence of Arctic wildlife, offering a powerful opening chapter to the expedition. Activities and routing in Svalbard are guided by weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions. Our experienced expedition team adapts plans in real time, allowing exploration to unfold naturally and ensuring the best possible experience under prevailing conditions. The focus is on immersion rather than schedule, as we begin to attune to the rhythms of the Arctic environment.

Possible landing and cruising sites may include:

Ny-Ålesund: One of the northernmost permanent research settlements in the world, hosting international scientific institutions focused on climate, glaciology, and polar ecology. Ny-Ålesund is also closely linked to the legacy of polar exploration, having served as a base for Roald Amundsen and other pioneers during the early era of Arctic aviation. A visit here offers insight into both the historic and modern dimensions of human presence in the High Arctic.
Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden: Deep fjords extending inland, framed by steep mountains and tidewater glaciers. Zodiac cruising offers close views of glacier fronts, drifting ice, and wildlife along the shoreline.
Pack Ice Exploration: The pack ice represents the highest latitude and most unpredictable environment of the voyage. The boundary where drifting sea ice meets open water. The vessel navigates slowly along the ice edge, with opportunities to observe seals and, potentially, polar bears from the ship. Activities here are primarily ship based, with no fixed landing plans.

Day 14Longyearbyen fly to Copenhagen, Denmark (Disembarkation)

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the gateway to the Svalbard archipelago, early in the morning. Located deep within the High Arctic, Longyearbyen is one of the northernmost towns in the world, surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and vast tundra landscapes. Depending on flight timings, you may have time to explore the town center independently before transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Copenhagen, marking the end of the expedition.

From the vast fjords of East Greenland to the High Arctic of Svalbard, this journey completes a true traverse of Arctic landscapes, defined by ice, scale, and an ever-present sense of remoteness.

Inclusions

Included in this voyage:

One night pre-cruise hotel in Reykjavik on day 1 with breakfast.
Group transfer from the hotel to port on embarkation day.
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Copenhagen on disembarkation day.
Local ground transfer between Longyearbyen port and airport.
One waterproof polar expedition parka to keep.
One reusable water bottle to keep.
A pair of loaner boots for use during Zodiac landing or cruising.
10GB Starlink Wi-Fi package for personal devices (More data can be purchased).
Onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All meals and snacks on board.
Complimentary selected beer, house wines and soft drinks during dinner on board.
Complimentary coffee and tea on board 24 hours a day.
Complimentary in-suite mini-bar replenishment daily with soft drinks.
All included shore excursions in the port.
All shore landings and Zodiac cruising during expedition points.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition and the digital photos during the voyage.
All luggage handling during embarkation and disembarkation.
Port charges, permits and landing fees.

Exclusions

Excluded in this voyage:

Onboard service charge: US$15 per ship night per person is automatically added to your onboard account.
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising or landing.
International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and activities.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), laundry, spa, phone charges and other personal charges.