A giant blue iceberg sits on the water in the foreground with a peek of rocky land and a zodiac in the water behind it.
Seven brightly colored red, green and yellow houses seen on a rocky hill in Ittoqqortoormiit Greenland.
Five kayakers seen in the water in front of giant white icebergs.
Full solar eclipse with moon blocking sun over arctic landscape of mountains & sea in orange, red, purple & gold.
A white arctic fox sniffs the air in a grassy field with one leg poised up.
View Photos
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Jewels of the Arctic

On this Polar Expedition, discover the jewels of the Arctic aboard cutting-edge, small expedition ships. Among Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland, there is something for every traveler to discover. Add-ons like kayaking make the journey even more rewarding for the adventurous. Polar Expeditions prioritize the experience over the itinerary, adapting daily to offer the optimal experience per weather, wildlife, tides and ice conditions.

Aboard 132-guest Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle, discover Svalbard’s northwest coast and the east coast of Greenland before concluding your voyage in Iceland. Zodiac-cruise among spectacular icebergs, spotting seabirds and keeping watch for walrus and polar bears on the ice. Visit the world’s largest national park in northeast Greenland, and the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund.

Stop into Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most remote settlements on Earth, and perhaps go kayaking (additional cost). This expedition ticks many boxes: hikes through the arctic tundra; a chance to spot wildlife including musk ox, seals, whales and the elusive arctic fox; and the opportunity to visit fascinating Palaeolithic sites.

In 2026, departures add a visit to the bird-rich island of Jan Mayen, and a special eclipse departure will put travelers in the path of totality. In 2025, an alternative 20-day Ultimate Adventure—Wild Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland—offers a combination of the 2025 southbound Jewels of the Arctic + Iceland’s Westfjords & North Coast. Also, shorter 13-day departures follows a similar route to the main itinerary but they spends 1 fewer day each exploring Svalbard and east Greenland(2025) or east Greenland and the Greenland Sea(2026).

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Svalbard cruises, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises, Northern Europe cruises and other Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

2025 Northbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 15-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before sailing to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, by way of east Greenland. Visit Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit, Kong Oscar Fjord and Kaiser Franz Joseph.

A route map showing the northbound Jewels of the Arctic itinerary sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland to Svalbard by way of Greenland's east Coast & Scoresbysund, ending with a flight to Oslo, Norway.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

Fosshotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

Enjoy breakfast and then check out. Join your guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy.

Your journey takes you to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route – Gullfoss waterfall, geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before you’ll experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station.

You’ll also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programmes, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making.

In the late afternoon, return to Reykjavik for embarkation. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Denmark Strait

In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail the ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theater, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the onboard experts, on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 10
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 11 - 12
Greenland Sea

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

As you sail away from the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching Svalbard, be prepared to encounter less of the pack ice that supports seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

 

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 13 - 14
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Fly to Oslo, Norway & Depart

During the early morning, cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team upon disembarkation before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Reykjavik on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); group tour to visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2; charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo on Day 15; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 2025 northbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Oslo no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Oslo, Norway is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the ship to the airport for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2025 prices starting at: kayaking $980 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

2025 Southbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 15-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Oslo, Norway, followed by a charter flight to embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and sail to Reykjavik, Iceland, by way of Greenland. Visit Kaiser Franz Joseph, Kong Oscar Fjord, Ittoqqortoormiit and Scoresbysund.

A route map showing the southbound Jewels of the Arctic itinerary from Oslo, Norway by plane to embark Svalbard to Iceland by way of Greenland's east Coast & Scoresbysund.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 5
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 6 - 7
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 8 - 13
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark approximately at 8:00am. After bidding farewell to newfound friends, you’ll be transferred to your downtown hotel or to the Keflavik airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on Day 15; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 2025 southbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2025 prices starting at: kayaking $980 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

2026 Northbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 15-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before sailing to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, by way of Greenland and Jan Mayen. Visit Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit, Kong Oscar Fjord and Kaiser Franz Joseph.

Route map of northbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise from Reykjavik to Svalbard via east Greenland & Jan Mayen, ending with a flight to Oslo.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

Today, follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractionsthe Golden Circle. Stops along your route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Your next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 111 feet (34m) into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next explore the geothermal fields and geyser’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerizing as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the ship.

Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and begins your Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the welcome dinner.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Denmark Strait

In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail the ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theater, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the onboard experts, on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 9
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Hope to explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 10 - 11
Greenland Sea

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

As you sail away from the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching Svalbard, be prepared to encounter less of the pack ice that supports seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

 

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 12 - 14
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Fly to Oslo, Norway & Depart

During the early morning, cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team upon disembarkation before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Reykjavik on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); group tour to visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2; charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo on Day 15; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 2026 northbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Oslo no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Oslo, Norway is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the ship to the airport for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2026 prices starting at: kayaking $895 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

2026 Southbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 15-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Oslo, Norway, followed by a charter flight to embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and sail to Reykjavik, Iceland, by way of Jan Mayen and Greenland. Visit Kaiser Franz Joseph, Kong Oscar Fjord, Ittoqqortoormiit and Scoresbysund.

Route map of southbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise from Svalbard to Reykjavik via Jan Mayen & east Greenland, starting with a flight from Oslo.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

Included Oslo Hotel (TBA)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 5
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 7,470 -foot (2,277m) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favorable, hope to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 8 - 13
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Hope to explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark approximately at 8:00am. After bidding farewell to newfound friends, you’ll be transferred to your downtown hotel or to the Keflavik airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on Day 15; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 2026 southbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2026 prices starting at: kayaking $895 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Jewels of the Arctic — Solar Eclipse (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 15-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Oslo, Norway, followed by a charter flight to embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and sail to Reykjavik, Iceland, by way of Jan Mayen and Greenland. The ship will position in the path of totality for prime viewing of the solar eclipse, enabling travelers to experience just over 2 minutes of total darkness.

Route map of Jewels of the Arctic - Greenland Solar Eclipse cruise from Svalbard to Reykjavik via Jan Mayen & east Greenland, starting with a flight from Oslo.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 5
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 7,470 -foot (2,277m) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favorable, hope to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the island.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 8 - 10
Ittoqqortoormiit & Scoresby Sund

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows everyone to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. You will generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks up to 6,562 feet (2,000m) high. Gigantic icebergs calved from glaciers drift throughout the fjord system, creating breathtaking scenery. The landscape is filled with multi-colored tundra home to musk oxen and arctic hare. Throughout the area are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins.

A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 500 inhabitants. Here you can explore the village or the fascinating museum, or sit in the beautiful Lutheran Church. The locals are friendly, and from underneath their arctic fox-fur jackets, the shy young children are keen to say hello and practice their English. The community boasts an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and the opportunity to meet Inuit people.

Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil mountains that protects areas from the strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from muskox and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds including common eider, glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, and arctic terns gracefully gliding or plunging into icy bays for zooplankton.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 11
Solar Eclipse

The day builds with excitement as you set sail towards your prime viewing position within the totality path. Enjoy lunch on board while your crew expertly navigates the ship towards the perfect spot to witness the eclipse. As anticipation mounts, gather on deck with fellow eclipse chasers in preparation for the celestial event. The drama unfolds as the moon starts to take a bite out of the sun, slowly plunging the landscape into an ethereal twilight. Then, the grand finale arrives. Totality transforms the day into night for a breathtaking 2 minutes and 18 seconds. As totality recedes, the sun peeks through, creating a stunning diamond ring effect. Relax and relive this unforgettable experience with your fellow travelers over a celebratory dinner. Note: Subject to weather, cloud cover, sea state, ice and other conditions beyond the ship crew’s control.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 12 - 13
East Greenland

Continue to explore the fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

There are great hiking options in the area, where flowering tundra plants, scattered bones of whales and muskox from centuries of hunting by the Inuit, and fumaroles can be found. These are areas where heated groundwater boil to the surface creating bubbling pools and mineral formations as the water reacts with the atmosphere.

The area also boasts some of the most striking sedimentary sandstone, shale and siltstone formations imaginable. The layers of sediment here are estimated to have taken about 4,000 years to be laid down, and the alternating colors and patterns in the layers of rocks are stunningly beautiful.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Accommodations

Greg Mortimer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark approximately at 8:00am. After bidding farewell to newfound friends, you’ll be transferred to your downtown hotel or to the Keflavik airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on Day 15; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 Jewels of the Arctic — Solar Eclipse cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2026 prices starting at: kayaking $890 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

13-Day Northbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 13-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before sailing to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, by way of east Greenland. This shorter itinerary spends 1 fewer day exploring East Greenland and 1 fewer day sailing the Greenland Sea.

Route map of northbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise from Reykjavik to Svalbard via east Greenland & Jan Mayen, ending with a flight to Oslo.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

Today, follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractionsthe Golden Circle. Stops along your route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Your next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 111 feet (34m) into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next explore the geothermal fields and geyser’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerizing as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the ship.

Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and begins your Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the welcome dinner.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Denmark Strait

In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail the ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theater, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the onboard experts, on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 8
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Hope to explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 10 - 12
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Fly to Oslo, Norway & Depart

During the early morning, cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team upon disembarkation before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo. Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated slot of the charter flight to and from Longyearbyen, which the ship’s operator expects to receive in February 2026. 

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on final day; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 13-day northbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Oslo no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Oslo, Norway is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2026 prices starting at: kayaking $795 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

13-Day Southbound Jewels of the Arctic (Polar Expedition) Itinerary

This 13-day Polar Expedition begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Oslo, Norway, followed by a charter flight to embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and sail to Reykjavik, Iceland, by way of east Greenland. This shorter itinerary spends 1 fewer day exploring Svalbard and East Greenland.

A route map showing the Jewels of the Arctic itinerary from Oslo, Norway by air to Svalbard for embarkation & sailing to Iceland by way of Greenland's East Coast & Scoresbysund.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 5 - 6
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 7 - 11
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark approximately at 8:00am. After bidding farewell to newfound friends, you’ll be transferred to your downtown hotel or to the Keflavik airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on final day; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 13-day southbound Jewels of the Arctic cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2025 prices starting at: kayaking $870 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Wild Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland (Ultimate Adventure) Itinerary

This comprehensive, 20-day Ultimate Adventure (a combination of the 13-day Southbound Jewels of the Arctic Polar Expedition itinerary + Iceland’s Westfjords & North Coast Discovery Expedition itinerary) begins with a pre-cruise overnight in Oslo, Norway, followed by a charter flight to embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and sail to Reykjavik, Iceland, by way of east Greenland. This itinerary adds time sailing along Iceland’s west coast.

A route map showing the Wild Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland cruise from Oslo, Norway by plane to embark Svalbard to Iceland by way of Greenland's east Coast, Scoresbysund & Iceland's west coast.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Oslo, Norway

Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

Radisson Blu Plaza Oslo (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided excursion tour.

On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz, enjoy a presentation in the large lavvo – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of your charter flight to Longyearbyen.

After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin
before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew throws the lines and sets sail.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of the experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land,  stretch the legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you are to find polar bears, and they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 5 - 6
Greenland Sea

As you sail toward the coast of East Greenland, look for whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. The ship’s experts will inform and entertain with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 7 - 11
East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows the captain to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. The guides generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 6,562 feet, and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare and reindeer. Throughout the area, there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

Another highlight is an attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. Look for musk ox, arctic hare and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Turnaround in Reykjavik, Iceland

On arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, your crew and expedition team prepare to welcome expeditioners joining on the Icelandic Landscapes: Westfjords & North Coast voyage, while you enjoy a day trip to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. In the late afternoon, reboard the vessel and meet your fellow expeditioners to begin the next part of your arctic adventure around Iceland.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Arnarstapi & Grundafjordur

At Arnarstapi, take a Zodiac tender ashore. Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this area features diverse landscapes characterized by lava fields, glistening fjords and home to Breidafjordur Bay which is rich in birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Highlights of Snaefellsness excursion, visit the iconic Mount Kirkjufell (of “Game of Thrones” fame), followed by a hike or drive through Snæfellsjökull National Park, then the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur and Búðir, a picturesque hamlet. On the Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes tour, visit the iconic Mount Kirkjufell (of “Game of Thrones” fame), followed by the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave and an easy coastal trail hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar for basalt columns and various birds. And on the Snaefellsnes Adventure, visit the Eldborg crater, the basalt columns at Gerðuberg Cliffs, the Pufubjarg bird cliff, a lava field and a lighthouse.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Patreksfjordur & Dynjandi (Arnarfjordur) - Westfjords

At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the afternoon as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we’ll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandi waterfall.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 16
Thingeyri - Westfjords

Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village’s culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the “Alps of the Westfjords,” especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the That Viking Thing Experience, walk through a recreated Viking area including ruins and an interactive Viking Museum including opportunities to dress up and take photos, drink Icelandic Viking beer and bake Viking bread. And on the Sandafell Mountain Hike, take on a moderate-difficult hike for gorgeous views, followed by a cruise along breathtaking landscapes with possible whale sightings and a Zodiac trip to the Dynjandi waterfall.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 17
Akureyri

Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snowcapped mountain backdrop.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Baths excursion, visit Godafoss Falls and soak at Myvatn Nature baths, an outdoor hot spring bathing complex surrounded by mountain views. On the Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Dimmuborgir tour, explore the Godafoss waterfall, Lake Myvatn and Dimmuborgir with its enormous lava rocks and cliffs. And on the Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & Dettifoss outing, visit Dimmuborgir and then take on a strenuous hike up the Hverfjall Volcanic Crater.

Enjoy a free evening in Akureyri. Discover the charm of this northern gem as you explore its vibrant streets. Unwind in cozy pubs, savor the taste of Iceland’s finest craft beers at local breweries, or immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 18
Siglufjordur

Siglufjordur is the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland and is a historic fishing town whose fortune has been closely linked to the success of the fishing industry. It’s an area of spectacular natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the fjord. In the morning, your expedition team will lead you on a guided hike suited to your level of fitness. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore this quaint town at your leisure, visiting the numerous galleries, museums, artisanal workshops and local church. With luck, you might get to taste some local beer.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 19
Vigur Island

On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 20
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8:00am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer to Keflavik airport or to your centrally located hotel.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Oslo on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2; sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen (time permitting), prior to embarkation on Day 2; group transfer from pier to airport or hotel in Reykjavik on final day; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage (in Greenland); comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 Wild Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group transfer from the pier to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard is required on this trip’s itinerary and is included in the listed per-person cabin rates. The transfer from the airport to the ship for this charter flight is included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flight is 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Activities

The Your Choice shore excursions listed in the itinerary are included, but your preferences must be selected at least 60 days prior to embarkation and cannot be amended after this time. If your selections are not received by this time, you will be allocated excursions by an automated system.

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person 2025 prices starting at: kayaking $870 depending on departure date. For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Jul 12 - Jul 26, 2025
Greg Mortimer • 15 days
green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $19695USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 17 - Jul 29, 2025
Sylvia Earle • 13 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $17095USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 17 - Aug 05, 2025
Sylvia Earle • 20 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $25495USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 25 - Aug 08, 2025
Greg Mortimer • 15 days
green northern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $19695USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jun 27 - Jul 11, 2026
Greg Mortimer • 15 days
green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $22295USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 09 - Jul 23, 2026
Sylvia Earle • 15 days
green southern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $22295USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 10 - Jul 24, 2026
Greg Mortimer • 15 days
green northern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $22295USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 22 - Aug 03, 2026
Sylvia Earle • 13 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background green northern galapagos islands directional icon brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $19195USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Aug 02 - Aug 16, 2026
Greg Mortimer • 15 days
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $24295USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background Alternative Itinerary
Eclipse
green northern galapagos islands directional icon Northbound
green southern galapagos islands directional icon Southbound
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
Accommodations

Learn All About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle offers a robust menu of adventure activities from kayaking and polar diving to mountaineering and camping. Cruise responsibly knowing this brand new icebreaker polar expedition ship was built with cutting edge nautical technology including one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world.

Expedition Ship
Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer is a new, icebreaker polar expedition ship. Carrying an average of 132 guests, this small ship features a unique bow designed for efficiency. It features active programming with adventure gear for backcountry skiing, polar diving, snowshoeing, climbing and kayaking.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires December 31st, 2024
No Single Supplement On Select 2025 Arctic Expeditions

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement on select 2025 Arctic expeditions aboard Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up to 25% On Select 2026 Arctic & Northern Europe Expeditions

Save up to 25% per person when you book your 2026 Arctic or Northern Europe expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up to 20% On Select 2025 Arctic Cruises

Early birds! Save up to 20% off when you book your 2025 Arctic expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • January 19th, 2021
Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle & Greg Mortimer Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review about the identical polar sister ships Greg Mortimer & Sylvia Earle and what they offer travelers. Our expert has been aboard and writes this from his firsthand experience.

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.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Thoroughly Enjoyed"

We thoroughly enjoyed our Jewels of the Artic trip with Aurora. They do an excellent job of introducing  passengers to all aspects of the places visited: wildlife, history and culture, geography, etc. They also worked very hard to successfully find polar bears and walrus which they knew their passengers were anxious to see.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Read More Rectangle Copy 10 Created with Sketch.
Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Several hotel-based trip extensions are available in conjunction with this expedition. Book the 3-day Taste of Reykjavik pre- or post-cruise extension tour to make the most of your time in Reykjavik, with included hotels, tours and private transfers. A local guide will join you to explore the classic Golden Circle, including the sacred site of Þingvellir National Park and the thrilling force of nature at the Geysir geothermal area and thundering Gullfoss Falls. Then treat yourself to a relaxing soak at the famous Blue Lagoon. Or, opt for longer journeys like: The 10-day Iceland Complete to discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to the birthplace of icebergs: Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park. On the 10-day Iceland Self Drive itinerary, your route, car rental and hotels are covered, but you can set the pace, taking in breathtaking fjords, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and icebergs while staying in typical Icelandic villages. Or, enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys and then explore picturesque Bergen on the 6-day Norway in a Nutshell extension tour from Oslo to Bergen. This tour includes rail, bus and ferry passes; a full day sightseeing tour; 5 nights accommodation; and more. Inquire for further details to extend your trip.

Add to Wishlist
11 - 26 Day Cruise
Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise

Circumnavigate Iceland aboard the 132-guest Greg Mortimer on a flexible route that includes plenty of time ashore, plus add-on activities like kayaking.

Special Offer
From $13195USD
May Jun
Add to Wishlist
12 Day Cruise
Svalbard Odyssey

A flexible itinerary allows the 132-guest Greg Mortimer to follow the best weather and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The option to add on kayaking is particularly unique for expeditions in this region.

Special Offer
From $16795USD
Jun Jul Aug
Add to Wishlist
8 - 8 Day Cruise
Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Set sail  for 8 days aboard a French luxury ship on this Norwegian fjords cruise. Discover dizzying cliff faces, Viking history and the Norwegian capital of Oslo, a city with unique energy.

From $8420USD
Jul Aug
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

Jewels of the Arctic

test message
View Wishlist