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Group of Arctic Ocean Voyage travelers stand on deck of small ship & photograph ice edge over railing on a sunny day.
Small group of Arctic travelers dressed warmly in various colors hikes up beige, rocky tundra as a small ship sits offshore.
Small group of brown walrus with white tusks sits in shallow water with snowy peaks behind, seen on an Arctic Ocean Voyage.
Small group of Arctic Ocean Voyage travelers stand in the sun atop a rocky overlook to view fjord & white, jagged glacier below.
Puffin bird with white chest, black back & orange beak stands in grass & small wildflowers, seen on an Arctic Ocean Voyage.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Arctic Ocean Voyage: Jan Mayen, Ice Edge & Spitsbergen

Voyage from the volcanic shores of Iceland to the icy fjords and snow-capped peaks of Spitsbergen, crossing the Arctic Circle, visiting remote Jan Mayen with its rich seabird life, and following the edge of the ice as you go. Watch for whales, seals and polar bears on the journey north. Alternately, sail from Aberdeen, Scotland in search of whales and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea and air.

On both itineraries, enjoy the company of one or more dedicated birding expedition guides who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph on deck and learn more about the birds that are seen. In addition to outdoor sessions, your birding guide will focus on species and related information on the birds of the Arctic in recaps and lectures on board.

Passage is aboard the 170-guest Hondius or one of the 108-guest ships Ortelius or Plancius, each equipped for intimate exploration of the incredible sights visited along this epic route. Each ship features an inviting atmosphere that fosters community among her guests, and offers excellent value. On board, find engaging and experienced guides, efficient ship-to-shore operations to get all guests out exploring at the same time, and a lecture series to enrich every day.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding Itinerary

This 9-day itinerary travels from Akureyri, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard with visits along the way to the bird-rich Jan Mayen Island and along east Greenland’s pack ice.

Route map of Arctic Ocean Voyage from Akureyri, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard with visits to Jan Mayen & east Greenland's ice edge.
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Day 1
Embark Akureyri, Iceland

In the late afternoon, board the ship in the port city of Akureyri, a historical fishing port known as the Capital of North Iceland. Sail north through Eyafjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, where you may see your first whales as you reach the open sea.

Accommodations

Hondius

Meals

dinner

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Days 2 - 8
At the Arctic Circle

At the Arctic Circle
Land on the small island of Grimsey, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Grimsey has a friendly fishing village and is home to vibrant colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins, fulmars and arctic terns. In the evening, pass Kolbeinsey, a tiny uninhabited island, on your way north. From this point onwards, you will experience daylight around the clock.

Sailing Northward
Sailing toward the isolated Jan Mayen, look for humpbacks, fin, minke, blue whales and even orcas. During the crossing, the ship will alter course to provide better viewing opportunities when wildlife is spotted.

Volcanic Rock & Ocean Air
Find yourself before Jan Mayen, a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 7,545-foot-high (2,300m) volcano, broken glaciers tumble out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape. This historic place is tied deeply to the Dutch whaling industry of the past and is intensely atmospheric.

Beneath the Midnight Sun & Along the Ice Edge
Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of West Spitsbergen. Here, you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and–near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords–surfacing minke whales.

The Arctic Island of Spitsbergen
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. These cliffsides are crucial for nesting birds. Many species build their nests here, while arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks. On the surrounding slopes, reindeer graze sparse vegetation, creating superb photographic opportunities.

Accommodations

Hondius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

With Arctic memories that will last a lifetime and cameras full of fantastic images, you disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. While your journey is at an end, the pioneering spirit of arctic adventure will stay with you, whatever comes next!

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotel and ship only for those passengers on the group flight from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; transfers to/from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 9-day Arctic Ocean Voyage begins in Akureyri, Iceland (AEY) and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Akureyri by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Travelers should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation, and to the airport upon disembarkation unless on a specified group flight (in which case a transfer in Longyearbyen is provided). Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

There are no optional, added-cost activities on your 9-day Arctic Ocean Voyage. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isles, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding Itinerary

This 10-day itinerary travels from Aberdeen, Scotland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard with visits along the way to the bird-rich Jan Mayen Island and Fair Isle and along east Greenland’s pack ice.

Route map of Arctic Ocean Voyage from Aberdeen, Scotland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard with visits to Fair Isle, Jan Mayen & east Greenland's ice edge.
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Day 1
Embark Aberdeen, Scotland

Arrive in Aberdeen, the Granite City, frequent winner of the Britain in Bloom competition. This is the true start of your trip. Several cetaceans, including orcas (killer whales), are native to these seas. To the south you see the lighthouse on Girdle Ness that was designed by the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famed Scottish writer who gave us such classics as Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Birds, Seals & World-Famous Knits

Plan to stay the day on Fair Isle, an island in the Shetlands whose seventy-odd inhabitants are known for their beautiful knitwear. This is a fantastic location with accessible seabird breeding grounds, and you may even spot grey seals.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Jan Mayen Marine Life

Sail north to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, 300 nautical miles northeast of Iceland. Your 2 days at sea do not pass idly, however. Keep a close lookout for any spouts of water from the surrounding seas, heralding the arrival of a minke, fin, orca or blue whale.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Snowcapped Seaside Volcano

Jan Mayen is a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 7,545-foot-high (2,300m) volcano, broken glaciers tumble out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 6 - 8
Under the Midnight Sun & Along the Ice Edge

Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of west Spitsbergen. Here you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and–near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords–surfacing minke whales.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
The Arctic Island of Spitsbergen

Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.

Accommodations

Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotel and ship only for those passengers on the group flight from Longyearbyen; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; transfers to/from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 10-day Arctic Ocean Voyage begins in Aberdeen, Scotland (ABZ) and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Aberdeen by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure, with a 6:00pm departure. Travelers should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation, and to the airport upon disembarkation unless on a specified group flight (in which case a transfer in Longyearbyen is provided). Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 2:30am on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

There are no optional, added-cost activities on your 10-day Arctic Ocean Voyage. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

May 27 - Jun 05, 2026
Ortelius • 10 days
From $3050USD
Per Person
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Jun 05 - Jun 13, 2026
Hondius • 9 days
From $2750USD
Per Person
Read More
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Jun 12 - Jun 21, 2026
Plancius • 10 days
From $3050USD
Per Person
Read More
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Accommodations

Choose the Small Ship that Fits Your Travel Style

Expedition Ship
Hondius

The 170-guest M/V Hondius was built exclusively for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. She is one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels currently cruising in the polar regions.

Expedition Ship
Ortelius

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Expedition Ship
Plancius

The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Lauren Pilholski • March 18th, 2025
Expert Aboard: MV Hondius Review 

Join our expert as she crosses the Drake Passage for her tenth time aboard Hondius. Learn what she thinks sets this ship apart from others in the polar regions, plus find more traveler reviews all on this page.

Arielle Lightcap • January 7th, 2020
Expert Review: What to Expect on a Polar Bear Cruise

A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.

Our experts will save you hours.

A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In 2026, the 9-day Arctic Ocean Voyage itinerary can be combined with the Iceland Explorer itinerary for the 16-day Arctic Ocean – Northwest Iceland – Pack Ice – Grimsey – Jan Mayen – Ice Edge – Spitsbergen operating from Reykjavik, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details.

Add to Wishlist
8 Day Cruise
Iceland Explorer Cruise

Aboard 170-guest Hondius, cruise from Reykjavik to Akureyri, with visits along the Westfjords and pack ice. Take in glaciers, volcanoes, sea cliffs, fishing villages and plenty of opportunities for wildlife, including a possible polar bear.

From $4450USD
May Jun
Add to Wishlist
8 - 10 Day Cruise
North Spitsbergen

Explore North Spitsbergen and focus on spotting polar bears aboard the 170-guest Hondius, or 108-guest Ortelius or Plancius. Zodiac cruise and photograph rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps, glaciers, unspoiled wilderness and abundant wildlife.

From $4300USD
Jun Jul
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9 Day Cruise
Springtime in Svalbard

Embark one of the smallest Arctic expedition ships, 50-guest MS Quest, to experience Svalbard coming to life. Watch for fox, reindeer, walruses and polar bears, while sailing among glittering ice, snow-capped mountains and pastel-colored skies.

Special Offer
From $6090USD
Apr May Jun
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Arctic Ocean Voyage: Jan Mayen, Ice Edge & Spitsbergen

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