Ultimate Arctic Voyage travelers in yellow jackets hike a grassy hillside by a waterfall overlooking a calm fjord under clouds.
3 polar bears walk across snowfield on a cloudy day, seen on the Ultimate Arctic Voyage from Svalbard to Iceland via Jan Mayen.
2 Ultimate Arctic Voyage travelers in yellow coats stand on cliff overlooking turquoise fjord with snowcapped mountains behind.
Woman in yellow coat & blue knitted headband leans over ship railing to photograph pancake ice on the Ultimate Arctic Voyage.
Woman in black down jacket & knitted gray hat stands on ship deck viewing snowy island via binoculars on a sunny Arctic day.
View Photos
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: Svalbard, Jan Mayen & Iceland

Perfect for first-time visitors to the Arctic who are seeking lots of adventure, the 13-day Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland cruise highlights three spectacular destinations near the top of the world. This journey provides adventurous travelers with a taste of the incredible diversity of the Arctic, featuring wildlife, giant icebergs, towering mountains, historical sites, wide expanses of tundra and more.

Your adventure begins in the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife such as polar bears and walrus. From there, sail south across the Greenland Sea to the mysterious, volcanic Jan Mayen, a nature reserve so remote that few have ever been fortunate enough to explore this Arctic treasure. Your epic adventure culminates with a journey under the midnight sun to Reykjavik, where you can soak up Icelandic culture in a city that never sleeps.

Highlights include searching for polar bears, walrus, reindeer and other iconic arctic wildlife; exploring Spitsbergen’s fjords, glaciers and icebergs; stopping at the remote volcanic island of Jan Mayen; and immersion in the Arctic with regular off-ship activities.

Aboard the technologically-advanced, 199-guest Ultramarine, take advantage of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel comes equipped with specialized, cutting-edge safety features to provide added security in remote Arctic environments.

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



Itinerary

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland Itinerary

The Ultimate Arctic Voyage embarks in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, explores Svalbard, cruises south to the island of Jan Mayen and continues south to disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Route map if Ultimate Arctic Voyage from Helsinki, Finland by plane to embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, cruise to Jan Mayen & disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included airport hotel.

Accommodations

Airport Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 6
Exploring Spitsbergen

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 7 - 8
At Sea

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, your expedition team will keep you informed with presentations about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Exploring Jan Mayen

North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.

Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as the ship approaches, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea.

With luck, you may get a close-up view of the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as you Zodiac cruise along the coast of the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 10 - 11
At Sea

As you sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland & Overnight

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your expedition, and be transferred to your included hotel for the night.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 13
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, make your way to Keflavik Airport to catch your onward flight, or spend more time exploring the fascinating city of Reykjavik.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $895 in 2025 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel with breakfast on Day 2, charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen, and one night’s post-expedition hotel night in Reykjavik); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals and snacks on board; soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person; transfers from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day; group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival transfer in Helsinki; airport transfer in Reykjavik; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

(For expeditions booked prior to October 15,2024: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

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 Ultimate Arctic Voyage begins in Helsinki, Finland (HEL) and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), with a group charter flight between Helsinki and Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR); the scheduled charter flight time will be communicated in your final documents. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Helsinki anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is not needed, as the Day 1 hotel is at the airport (your room may not be ready until 3:00pm). On Day 12 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the hotel. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik according to guidelines provided in your final documents. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen is required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit on the flight from Helsinki, which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. There is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 12 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the group hotel in Reykjavik.

Activities

Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included. Various optional activities may be available on your Ultimate Arctic Voyage, for guests aged 16 and older, at the following per person costs in 2025: sea kayaking for $795 and one-time paddling excursion for $295. Sea kayaking is arranged in small groups of 10 people, multiple times per voyage, and only conducted during calm weather conditions. You must have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Contact AdventureSmith for more details and to reserve your spot on these adventure activities.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite, Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also 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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jul 07 - Jul 19, 2025
Ultramarine • 13 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $8181USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

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.

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

Add to Wishlist
14 - 15 Day Cruise
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

This 14-day voyage around the Svalbard archipelago aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine or 138-guest Ocean Explorer seeks out polar bears and remarkably diverse landscapes, exploring everything from jagged mountain peaks to sweeping polar deserts.

From $12207USD
Jun Jul
Add to Wishlist
13 - 13 Day Cruise
Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings

The 13-day Wild Fjords of South Greenland cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine explores unspoiled glaciers, little-visited coastlines and charming communities by Zodiac, kayak and hiking.

Special Offer
From $7709USD
Jul
Add to Wishlist
11 Day Land Tour
Iceland Adventure: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

On this 11-day Iceland Adventure, experience traditional, remote locales that unveil Iceland's rich natural history in further detail, along with a few major highlights. Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path adventure by land, with time spent on the water too.

From $15695USD
Jul Aug Sep
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: Svalbard, Jan Mayen & Iceland

test message
View Wishlist