On this journey along Southeast Greenland, explore historic sites that reveal ancient Thule, Norse and Moravian culture, while also walking in the footsteps of famed polar explorers like Fridtjof Nansen. Glaciers, icebergs and fjords make for a dazzling environment where you may see polar bears, and the crossing to Iceland provides a great opportunity to observe migrating whales and seabirds.
Fly from Copenhagen, Denmark to embark the ship in Narsarsuaq, Greenland. Then cruise south Spitsbergen aboard 108-guest Plancius, an ice-strengthened vessel designed for polar expedition with modern renovations. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Arctic small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the High Arctic. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
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East Greenland is among the most remote and least populated areas of the Arctic, a wild place of dramatic fjords, small Inuit settlements, and ancient remains from Viking and Thule cultures. Sail and explore the coastlines of this ruggedly beautiful region, enjoying its impressive rock formations and colossal icebergs while keeping an eye open for Arctic wildlife.
For an all-encompassing route in 2025, combine this itinerary with the Around Spitsbergen – Kvitoya, In the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice itinerary for the 30-day Extensive Spitsbergen – East & South Greenland, Aurora Borealis voyage.
Cruise south Spitsbergen aboard 108-guest Plancius, an ice-strengthened vessel designed for polar expedition with modern renovations. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Arctic small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the High Arctic. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Greenland small ship cruises, northern lights cruises and Arctic trips.
On this 10-day South Spitsbergen Explorer cruise, experience arctic seabird colonies, ancient Pomor ruins and some of the least-visited locations of the high Arctic. Explore multiple key wildlife sites around the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, including such rarely seen spots as Bear Island and Hopen. While viewing all the amazing landscapes and ice formations, you will also get the chance to see polar bears, walrus haul-outs and flourishing seabird nesting areas.
For an all-encompassing route in 2025, combine this itinerary with the North Spitsbergen Basecamp itinerary for the 16-day Extensive North & South Spitsbergen – Bear Island voyage.
Cruise south Spitsbergen aboard 108-guest Ortelius, an ice-strengthened vessel designed for polar expedition with modern renovations. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Arctic small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the High Arctic. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard & Spitsbergen Cruises and Arctic trips.
A voyage of icebergs, glaciers and Arctic wildlife, this 14-day Spitsbergen-Northeast Greenland expedition offers something for everyone. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and Greenland’s surface area is more than 80 percent covered by ice, reaching a thickness of over 10,000 feet in the interior. Experience dramatic coastlines and cruise through icy waters, searching for iconic Arctic wildlife like polar bears, musk oxen, hares and perhaps even experience the famed aurora borealis, or northern lights, as they light up the Arctic sky.
Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord is magnificent with towering mountains on both sides. Devil’s Castle, or Teufelschloss, is layered with geology and proceeds sailing through the Antarctic Sound. Segelsällskapets Fjord offers ancient sedimentary geology and the chance to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans while hiking on Arctic land. Scoresby Sund is famous for glaciers, basalt columns and abandoned Inuit settlements with the remains of tent rings, meat caches and graves. Røde Island is one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions, where azure-white icebergs contrast beautifully with brooding red sediment slopes. Ittoqqortoormiut is the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 current inhabitants.
In 2026, two special departures aim to position themselves in the center of totality for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. These Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer voyages follow the main itinerary but add the bonus of viewing the solar eclipse from an optimal location.
These Northeast Greenland Arctic cruises are aboard the 170-guest Hondius, or 108-guest sister ships Plancius or Ortelius, all of which are equipped for intimate exploration of incredible Arctic waters. Regardless of itinerary choice, the wildlife, history and frigid magnificence of the Arctic makes sailing from Spitsbergen to Greenland a trip to remember. Contact the polar experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to discuss which itinerary and ship best suits your interests, ability and budget.
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The 8-day North Spitsbergen small ship cruise explores rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers and has a special focus on spotting polar bears. Sail within 600 miles of the North Pole and immerse in the virtually unspoiled wilderness of the true High Arctic.
Begin and end in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. Immediately sail north to Raudfjorden, taking in the expansive fjord spilling with glaciers. Weather allowing, sail to the massive 3-mile-long Monaco Glacier, where kittiwakes and polar bears roam. In the Hinlopen Strait, search for bearded and ringed seals, polar bears, pink-footed geese, walrus, reindeer and blue whales. Zodiac cruise between ice floes in Lomfjordshalvoya and view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet where thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots nest.
When the ship reaches 80 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole, she parks for several hours in pack ice, waiting and searching for polar bears. The return route offers even more arctic wildlife viewing like the elusive bowhead whale, fin whales and minke whales. At Forlandsundet, walruses are known to haul out and at Alkhornet, arctic foxes pick their way between grazing reindeer to rummage below the sea cliffs in search of fallen seabird eggs.
In addition to the classic 8-day North Spitsbergen voyage, the 9-day North Spitsbergen – Kvitoya – Farthest North route travels slightly farther north, aiming to reach 82 degrees. The 9-day East Spitsbergen & Bear Island, in the Realm of Polar Bear & Ice route cruises Spitsbergen’s southern end and then up along the east coast to the island of Edgeøya and its nearby pack ice, with a special visit to Bjornoya/Bear Island, and is not listed; contact us for the day-by-day detail. And two 8-day itineraries generally follow the main itinerary but do not attempt to reach Nordaustlandet and/or Seven Islands: North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More, and North Spitsbergen Explorer – Into the Pack Ice.
A few ships sail the North Spitsbergen cruise: the 170-guest Hondius, and 108-guest Ortelius and Plancius. All three ships are ice-strengthened vessels designed for polar expedition. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Arctic small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the High Arctic. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
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At the end of a long winter, Arctic spring begins to awaken on North Spitsbergen. The climate, however, still clings to the cold, with snow-covered mountains, snow-swept shores and temperatures around 25°F (–4° C). It’s a good time to experience the last of winter scenery and with luck, see Arctic animals like polar bear, walrus and seals.
The 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen small ship cruise begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Norway. Highlights include visiting the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen, a former mining town and now administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Spot minke whales while sailing Isfjorden and tour historic whaling and hunting stations at Trygghamna. Witness large seabirds decide upon their breeding site along the cliffs of Alkhornet and gawk at the foraging animals like arctic foxes and reindeer grazing below.
Snowshoe around historic Ny London to see the remains of early 20th-century marble mining and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world. Hike the tundra of Ymerbukta and glaciated Ekmanfjorden, depending on when spring arrives, otherwise view the fascinating geological coastal formations by Zodiac and ship. Delight as walrus haul out to sea at Poolepynten and ringed and bearded seals hunt in the icy water near Gaffelbreen.
This unique Arctic sailing is aboard the 3-masted, 33-guest Rembrandt van Rijn. This schooner is well suited for Arctic adventures while sailing the Svalbard archipelago. Hoisting traditional sails while exploring remote areas in search of Arctic wildlife, geology and history makes this ship an ideal accommodation. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her adventurous nature and intimate size.
In addition to the main 8-day Sailing Spitsbergen Arctic sailing voyage, there is an 11-day North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer itinerary that sails to the north coast of Spitsbergen when the icepack allows. And Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail departures generally follow the main itinerary with regular ski mountaineering opportunities. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations to learn your best options for sailing Spitsbergen.
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The 10-day Around Spitsbergen Arctic cruise sails entirely around the island of West Spitsbergen, round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway. While in the realm of the polar bear, focus on seeing these magnificent hunters, along with other Arctic wildlife. Cruise through icy waters to impressive glaciers and attempt to reach 80 degrees north. Spitsbergen’s abundant wildlife was once a huge draw for whalers and trappers and now discerning visitors are discovering the attractions of huge Arctic seabird colonies and the chance to enjoy and photograph Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer, arctic fox, beluga whales and, of course, polar bears.
In addition to the main 10-day Around Spitsbergen itinerary, there is a 10-day alternative route that aims to reach the rarely visited Kvitøya Island as well as a 15-day Around Spitsbergen, Arctic Spring sailing itinerary that offers a relaxed pace aboard a three-masted schooner, with a flexible day-by-day to visit many fascinating stops along Spitsbergen’s east coast.
The Norwegian name for the Svaldbard archipelago, including Bear Island and Jan Mayen, is Spitsbergen and it contains the largest of Norway’s Arctic islands. Covering an area almost as big as the Republic of Ireland, Spitsbergen has a population of 3,500 in five settlements and is a virtually unspoiled wilderness. Highlights of this Arctic cruise include a Zodiac ride near the towering blue-white face of the 11th of July Glacier; exploring the once mining village and now research center of Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly settlement; photographing thousands of kittiwakes near a popular polar bear hunting ground at Monaco Glacier; attempting to reach 80 degrees north and the Seven Islands at Phippsøya; sailing the Hinlopen Strait to search for blue whales, polar bears and ringed seals; watching walruses haul out on Kapp Lee; gazing at the spire-like mountain peaks of Horsundtind; and walking amongst beluga whale skeletons and witnessing the consequences of 19th century whale hunters.
Passage is aboard the 170-guest Hondius, one of the 108-guest ships Ortelius or Plancius, or the 33-guest schooner Rembrandt van Rijn. The Rembrandt van Rijn is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her adventurous nature and intimate size, however all of these small ships are equipped for intimate exploration of the incredible sights visited on all Around Spitsbergen itineraries.
While the intention is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, it is important to note that the chances of each ship completing a full Spitsbergen circumnavigation (based on the expeditions’ experiences from 1992 to present) are about 30% in the first half of July, 70% in the second half of July, 90% in the first half of August and 95% in the second half of August. In case your expedition cannot complete a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, your captain and expedition team will devise a program in Northeast or Southeast Spitsbergen.
Regardless of itinerary choice, the wildlife, history and frigid magnificence of the Arctic makes sailing Around Spitsbergen a trip to remember. Contact the polar experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to discuss which itinerary and ship best suits your interests, ability and budget.
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The Weddell Sea—Emperor Penguin Voyage is one of the most spectacular Antarctic adventures around. This 11-day expedition cruises aboard the 108-passenger ship M/V Ortelius and offers the unique experience of close emperor penguin encounters at their more secluded rookeries via exciting helicopter rides. Finish the voyage passing through the South Shetland Islands.
An emperor penguin rookery is situated south of Snow Hill Island, below Hope Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula and James Ross Island. The captain will do the utmost to position the vessel close enough to Snow Hill Island in order to enable ship-to-shore helicopter transfers to approximately 45-minute walks to the emperor penguin rookeries.
Hope to see the western side of the Antarctic Sound, an area only rarely seen from the air with stunning landscapes of layered sandstones, lava flows, glaciers tumbling into the sea and icebergs and pack-ice as far as the eye can see. Observe individual emperor penguins and adélie penguins on the ice floes; cape, snow, and giant petrels flying overhead; and kelp gulls, skuas and Wilson’s storm petrels scavenging below. Walk over frost-shattered rocks covered in fascinating lichen and visit Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition from 1901-04 overwintered under miraculous circumstances.
The Weddell Sea Emperor Penguin Voyage reserves 4 days to visit the emperor penguin rookeries by helicopter. Note that this expedition may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. This is a true Antarctic expedition, so flexibility is paramount.
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This 23-day Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula cruise aboard 170-guest ship Hondius is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth–a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife. Enjoy included photography and videography workshops along the way, to ensure a return with documentation of the lifelong memories forged on this small ship expedition.
Experience a large slice of Antarctic wildlife and history on this comprehensive Antarctica voyage, cruising first to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with unique stops at the South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island along the way. Shackleton history comes alive at Elephant Island, where his men were marooned for months awaiting rescue, as well as South Georgia Island, where Shackleton finally found help and is commemorated. Before returning via the Drake Passage, finish the itinerary by cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula and make an attempt to cross the Polar Circle, venturing farther south than most Antarctic travelers.
Passage is aboard Hondius, a 170-guest, purpose-built polar expedition ship that combines performance, safety and stability with superior comfort and class. The ships feature forward-thinking core technology that pairs guests with an efficient, sustainability-focused polar small ship, ensuring this 23-day voyage helps protect the wildlife and landscapes it features.
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This 12- to 16-day Polar Circle Cruise travels from Ushuaia to the Shetland Islands and then far south down the Antarctic Peninsula to Detaille Island, crossing the Polar Circle. This border, located at Latitude 66° 33′ South, marks the Antarctic Territory. Sea mammals such as killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, leopard and crabeater seals are frequently seen during Antarctic Circle voyages.
The 14-day Deep South itinerary adds 2 more days exploring the Peninsula and a possible circumnavigation of Adelaide Island. A special 15-day Elephant Island & Weddell Sea itinerary skips the South Shetland Islands in lieu of unique visits to Elephant Island and various sites in the Weddell Sea. And a unique 16-day Wilkins Ice Shelf itinerary heads straight for the Antarctic Circle, focusing all explorations south of there.
The Antarctic Circle experiences a period of 24 hours of continuous daylight at least once in the year. The reason for this phenomenon is that the axis of the earth is tilted by 23.5 degrees. South of the Polar Circle, at Detaille Island in Crystal Sound, is the farthest south that this excursion will probably reach at Latitude 66°52′ South. The farther south in Antarctica, the colder it gets. Temperatures slightly below 0ºC (32ºF) can be expected on these journeys.
See the sub-ducted crater that is Deception Island, including hot springs and an abandoned whaling station. Look for black-bellied storm petrels nesting in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. Take in a large colony of gentoo penguins on Cuverville Island. Enjoy Zodiac cruises through the ice-filled waters of Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay, and possibly Pléneau Island, watching for humpback and minke whales. Hope to sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, before moving on to Detaille Island, which is likely to be the most southern landing.
Choose between the 108-passenger sister ships M/V Plancius and M/V Ortelius, both repurposed research vessels, or purpose-built expedition ship 170-guest Hondius; all four small ships offer guests the comfort and safety of expedition ships designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the expedition leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises like this Polar Circle Cruise.
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