East Greenland and Svalbard A True Arctic Expedition

Explore Iceland's contemporary capital

The beginning of your expedition cruise to East Greenland and Svalbard commences in Reykjavík, a lively city steeped in culture and historical significance. Embark on a leisurely walk along Laugavegur, leading you to the remarkable Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, or immerse yourself in the numerous art galleries and museums the city has to offer.

Your vessel, MS Maud, eagerly awaits you at Reykjavík Harbor. Upon arrival, locate your cabin, meet your dedicated Expedition Team, familiarize yourself with the ship's amenities, and savor a delightful welcome dinner as we embark on our adventurous journey

Pre-Program

To fully appreciate the abundance of sights, consider arriving early and participating in one of the Pre-Programs, either to explore the Golden Circle or venture into the Icelandic Highlands. These experiences allow you to witness Iceland's captivating waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, and mesmerizing geysers up close.

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Discover the enchanting harborside town of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords

Nestled amidst towering mountains from every direction, Ísafjörður boasts a natural harbor of near-perfection. Your arrival is scheduled just after lunch, granting you ample time to immerse yourself in the charm of this picturesque harborside town. Wander through its streets to admire the architecture, shop for locally crafted treasures, and glimpse some of Iceland's oldest dwellings.

Among these historic 18th-century structures, you'll find the Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can delve into the maritime history of this captivating port. For those seeking a more active experience, embark on the steep ascent to Naustahvilft, known as the Troll's Throne. Your determination will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic vista from its summit.

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Craving for Adventure

While we make our way towards Jan Mayen, take some time to unwind and make the most of the excellent amenities aboard our expedition ship.

Your Expedition Team will provide guidance on how to respectfully explore wildlife habitats and engage with indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, you can gain insights into what lies ahead in the majestic fjords of Greenland and the breathtaking Svalbard archipelago, Norway's Arctic paradise. If you're inclined, participate in one of our Citizen Science projects and contribute to global research efforts.

Afterward, you can hit the gym, relax in the hot tub, bask in the sauna's warmth, or savor a delectable meal at one of our three onboard restaurants. The possibilities are boundless!

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Jan Mayen, a place with no permanent inhabitants and infrequent visitors, offers a truly unique opportunity. We are among the few to dare to attempt landings on this remote island. If weather and conditions permit, you may have the chance to set foot on one of the Earth's most isolated destinations.

Jan Mayen's otherworldly terrain, adorned with moss and lichen, is dominated by the towering volcanic peak of Mount Beerenberg. This volcano holds the distinction of being the world's northernmost active volcano, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1985.

Although you won't encounter land mammals on the island, Jan Mayen is recognized as an Important Bird Area, providing a habitat for substantial populations of northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots, and little auks. Keep an eye out for the abundant marine life in the surrounding waters, including whales and seals.

Sailing the Arctic waters en route to Svalbard offers an excellent opportunity to unwind while on board the ship. You can relish expansive vistas and engage in conversations with fellow passengers in the Explorer Lounge, or rejuvenate yourself in the open-air hot tubs on the deck, taking in lungfuls of fresh air.

Utilize this time in a way that suits you best. It's your chance to escape the demands of your busy life and contemplate the untamed beauty that surrounds you. Be sure not to miss the captivating lectures delivered by members of the Expedition Team, sometimes even held outdoors on the deck. These lectures cover a range of topics, including Arctic history, geology, and wildlife, enriching your journey with knowledge and insight.

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Exploring Svalbard's Remote Wilderness

Our daily adventures in this isolated Arctic peninsula will be shaped by the ever-shifting weather patterns and the knowledge of our Expedition Team. Our initial destination is Hornsund, widely regarded as one of Svalbard's most exquisite fjords. Along this scenic watercourse, vibrant vegetation gradually gives way to towering mountains, creating a captivating landscape.

Continuing our journey north, we'll pass by the snow-covered cliffs of Bellsund en route to Isfjord. This region boasts lush fjord systems and vast valleys sculpted by glaciers, teeming with wildlife, flora, and a rich tapestry of human history.

Our final scheduled stop in Svalbard is Ny-Ålesund, renowned as the northernmost settlement on Earth and the historic launching point for numerous celebrated Arctic expeditions.

Following your recent exploration of Svalbard, you'll likely have accumulated plenty of photographs and a strong desire to deepen your understanding of the destinations we're visiting. While we traverse the Greenland Sea, the Expedition Team will be conducting lectures and addressing any inquiries you may have regarding our upcoming destinations.

This period offers you the opportunity to indulge in the ship's amenities and take some well-deserved leisure time. You can venture out onto the deck equipped with binoculars to spot wildlife, such as whales and the seabirds that trail the ship. Alternatively, you might discover a cozy nook indoors where you can enjoy a good book accompanied by a steaming hot beverage.

Prepare to be captivated. While local conditions will influence our precise route, our objective for the next three days is to immerse ourselves in the Scoresby Sund, a fjord system in East Greenland that holds the distinction of being the world's largest.

In this untamed and rugged terrain, you'll be enveloped by a profound sense of tranquility as you encounter white and blue icebergs drifting upon the mirror-like waters, all set against the backdrop of towering mountains.

We will seize the present conditions and make the most of our time by offering numerous opportunities for shore landings, nature walks, kayaking excursions, and wildlife observations. This locale ranks among the most stunning on Earth, and whether you wish to partake in active adventures or simply absorb the serene surroundings is entirely your choice.

Following our expedition in Scoresby Sund, we make our way back to (a rather sparse) civilization. Ittoqqortoormiit stands as the sole permanent settlement in this region, perched on an Arctic peninsula that remains ensconced in sea ice for approximately nine months of the year. This unique circumstance renders Ittoqqortoormiit the most remote inhabited community in the entire western hemisphere!

Established in 1925 as a hub for hunting and fishing, the town's rich cultural heritage is still readily apparent today. With a population of fewer than 500 resilient souls, this remote outpost offers a warm and proud welcome to visitors, eager to showcase their community and its way of life.

By this point in our journey, the otherworldly splendor of Greenland and Svalbard will have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on your imagination. As we sail back towards Iceland, you'll likely be filled with a sense of rejuvenation and a profound connection to the natural world. Out on the deck, keep a lookout for seabirds gracefully trailing the ship or the majestic sight of whales breaching the ocean's surface in the encompassing waters.

During our time at sea, you'll have the opportunity to share your experiences with newfound friends, revisit memorable highlights with the Expedition Team, or delve deeper into the intricate ecology of Greenland's fjord system at the Science Center.

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Bid Adieu to MS Maud and Return to Reykjavík

We conclude our expedition by bidding a heartfelt farewell to MS Maud, returning to the marvelous city of Reykjavík, where our journey began. This is the perfect opportunity to explore any places you might have missed during your arrival. Reykjavík offers a wealth of delights, from chic art galleries and fine dining establishments to invigorating geothermal pools, ensuring that your time in the city remains enjoyable and memorable.

Post-Program:

For those eager to uncover more of Iceland's wonders, consider joining our optional Post-Program, which will take you on a tour of the country's southern region before you embark on your journey home. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay and savor additional time in Reykjavík, exploring the city's captivating offerings and the surrounding geothermal attractions. Reykjavík serves as an excellent destination to conclude your epic adventure!