North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland

Embark in ReykjavíkYour expedition begins in Reykjavik, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city's galleries and museums. If you can, we highly recommend booking our pre-voyage programme to explore the Blue Lagoon, Þingvellir National Park, and the Langjökull glacier. From here, it’s time to board MS Fridtjof Nansen and get ready for departure.

Discover the town that defied a volcanoOur first stop is Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland's south coast. In 1973 an eruption nearly buried the town, and the island still carries the evidence. Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing Mount Eldfell – at the volcano’s summit you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

Visit Iceland in miniatureSnæfellsnes is a peninsula of dramatic coastlines, volcanic peaks, lava fields, black sand beaches, and traditional fishing villages, all set beneath the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. It inspired Jules Verne's book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and it's often called Iceland in miniature because almost every landscape the country is known for can be found here in one compact stretch of coast. From our port in Grundarfjörður, overlooked by the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, you can join excursions around the peninsula or explore the surroundings on foot.

Explore one of Iceland’s wildest islandsA serene sail through the Westfjords brings us to Vigur, a tiny island isolated beneath vast skies and surrounded by seabirds. Life here follows a slower rhythm, shaped by the sea, the seasons, and generations of tradition. Wander between historic buildings, watch puffins and eider ducks at close range, and learn how the island's small community still practises the centuries-old craft of eiderdown collection. Keep watch on the water too: whales are often spotted in the surrounding fjords.

Cross the Arctic Circle, watch for whales, and explore GoddafossToday you'll discover Húsavík, a charming fishing town and one of the best places in the world to see whales. It looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the elusive blue whale are regularly spotted. On shore, the Whale Museum brings you closer to these giants, while the Exploration Museum tells a more unexpected story: in the 1960s, NASA sent 32 Apollo astronauts to train in the lunar-like lava fields nearby, preparing them to collect rock samples on the Moon. For something more relaxing, soak in the geothermal waters at GeoSea overlooking the bay, or end the day with a beer at the local microbrewery.

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe IslandsFounded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn, Thor's Harbour, is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals, set on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Wander through cobbled alleyways lined with colourful turf-roofed houses, or visit the local museums to learn about the city's origins and the islands' flora, fauna, and geology. A short walk out of town brings you to Svartafoss, where a waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. Along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritageToday we visit Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkney Islands, easily explored on foot. Start with the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, built from the region's distinctive red sandstone, and admire the stone ruins of the adjacent Earl's Palace, a once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also just a short bus ride away. 

Atmospheric EdinburghAs we sail south along Scotland's east coast, the morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swap stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge, relax in a hot tub on deck while scanning for seabirds and marine life, or join the Expedition Team for insights into the places we've visited so far. We'll arrive and spend the night in Edinburgh, Scotland's storied capital. Dominated by its iconic castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh is a city of contrasts: elegant Georgian crescents alongside the narrow closes of the medieval Old Town. From the bustling Royal Mile to the sweeping views from Arthur's Seat, there's no shortage of ways to explore centuries of Scottish history and tradition.

Exploring Ediburgh and relaxing at seaYou'll have time in the morning to explore Edinburgh at your leisure before we set sail south once again. As we continue along Britain's east coast, why not head to the wellness space, watch the scenery unfold from the infinity pool, or cosy up in a quiet nook with a book.

Cherish your last dayOur final day at sea takes us south along Britain's east coast and round into the English Channel to reach Portsmouth. It's an opportunity to savour the last hours of expedition life: watch the coastline drift by from the observation deck, revisit favourite spots on board, or gather with fellow travellers to share highlights from the voyage. The Expedition Team will be on hand with a final recap of the wildlife, landscapes, and communities we've encountered along the way.

Disembark in the historic naval portYour voyage comes to an end in Portsmouth. For centuries, this historic harbour has been one of Britain's most important naval ports, making it a fitting place to conclude our journey from the windswept landscapes of Iceland across the open North Atlantic. Before heading home, take some time to explore Portsmouth's historic waterfront and maritime heritage. The port also offers excellent onward connections: direct trains to London, easy access to major airports within 90 minutes, and Southampton Airport just 30 minutes away. We hope the memories from this expedition stay with you, and to welcome you aboard again soon.