Glasgow

Start in Scotland’s stylish city of cultureA former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries, and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins.... Start in Scotland’s stylish city of cultureA former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries, and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins.With so much to see, why not arrive early to join our optional Pre-Programme, where you will explore some of Scotland´s unique nature. You’ll embark MS Spitsbergen in Fairlie, a small community outside of Glasgow. Lying on the shores of the Firth of Clyde nestled against a backdrop of the North Ayrshire Hills, this area is known for its coastal towns with Viking heritage and scenic walks. Get to know the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your guides for the adventure ahead – and enjoy your first dinner aboard as we set sail. Read More

At Sea

At Sea

Heimaey Island

Discover the town that defied a volcano.Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.Visit Eldheimar, a museum that f... Discover the town that defied a volcano.Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below. Read More

Grundarfjørdur

Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the... Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube? Read More

Isafjørdur

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest house... Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. If you prefer something more energetic, take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top. Read More

At Sea

Jan Mayen Island

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, mo... 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, which 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, Brünnich’s guillemots and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters, including whales and seals. Read More

At Sea

Ny-Ålesund

Witness a land of spectacular beautySpitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory – a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next three days, you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to... Witness a land of spectacular beautySpitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory – a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next three days, you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea.Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment. Read More

Cruising Sorgattet Strait, Spitsbergen

Klovningen Island, Spitsbergen

Pyramiden

Skansbukta Bay

Longyearbyen

Enjoy a final day on top of the worldYour island-hopping adventure into the Arctic comes to an end in Longyearbyen, a town on top of the world.A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. You’ll return with a wealth of knowledge about Arctic animals, geology, history,... Enjoy a final day on top of the worldYour island-hopping adventure into the Arctic comes to an end in Longyearbyen, a town on top of the world.A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. You’ll return with a wealth of knowledge about Arctic animals, geology, history, polar ice and climate change – and memories of an incredible experience that will last a lifetime.If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Programme.  Read More