FOUR ARCTIC ISLANDS
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13 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Longyearbyen | Crisp polar air and dramatic mountain views, embark the ship and set sail |
| Day 2 | Kongsfjorden Region | Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers, plethora of international research stations |
| Day 3 | Northwest Spitsbergen | A pristine wilderness haven which holds a rich ecosystem of Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears amongst many other species |
| Day 4 | South Svalbard | Fertile valleys supporting reindeer, Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers, Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs |
| Days 5 - 6 | At Sea | Enjoy fascinating lectures, indulgent spa treatments, or simply relax and watch seabirds from the ship’s hot tubs |
| Day 7 | Jan Mayen | Northernmost active volcano on Earth, cinder cones, lava flows, creeping tundra plants, seabirds, Mt Beerenberg |
| Day 8 | At Sea | Look for ice-loving species from the observation decks such as polar bears and belugas |
| Day 9 | Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland | Among the most remote communities on Earth with a strong sense of community and culture, excellent museum, several small shops and a beautiful traditional church |
| Day 10 | Scoresbysund | Bjørne Islands, the sweeping basalt mountains of Cape Brewster, abandoned remains of European and Inuit settlements |
| Day 11 | Blosseville Coast | Rugged landscape shaped by volcanic activity around 50 million years ago |
| Day 12 | At Sea | Relax and reflect on your thrilling Arctic adventure |
| Day 13 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark in this city of Nordic cuisine, quirky museums, and lively shopping streets |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros made her maiden voyage in November 2023. With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros is a popular expedition cruise vessel. Offering two restaurants, a wellness area, the Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. The Ocean Albatros also offers a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.
Day 1 Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship Ocean Albatros awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!
Day 2 Kongsfjorden Area
During the Arctic “night,” sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.
Day 3 Northwest Spitsbergen
Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers, whose haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
Day 4 South Svalbard
On your final day on Svalbard, enter the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.
Days 5 – 6 At Sea
Departing Svalbard, Ocean Albatros heads southwest across the Greenland Sea towards Jan Mayen. Cold currents drifting down from the Arctic Ocean mix with the last gasp of the Gulf Stream, creating vast biological productivity. During sea days, guests can enjoy fascinating lectures, indulgent spa treatments, or simply relax and watch seabirds from the ship’s hot tubs.
Day 7 Jan Mayen
The active volcanic island of Jan Mayen is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the ‘spine’ of the Atlantic Ocean. This enigmatic and isolated island is the only active volcano in Norway, and the northernmost active volcano on Earth. Jan Mayen is inhabited by only around 18 people, a mixture of scientists and Norwegian troops. The volcanic origin is visible all over with cinder cones, lava flows, and the Fuji-esque peak of Beerenberg looming above, while creeping tundra plants and squabbling seabirds eke out a living in the rugged cliffs.
Day 8 At Sea
From Jan Mayen, Ocean Albatros will sail on towards the coast of the largest island on Earth. The sea ice in East Greenland is some of the most persistent in the Arctic; even in midsummer, the coast can be icebound, creating the perfect habitat for ice-loving species such as polar bears and belugas. If you are lucky, you will catch a glimpse of this vast icy wilderness during our passage towards Scoresbysund.
Day 9 Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
The only settlement in this region, Ittoqqortoormiit is among the most remote communities on Earth. While the establishment of the town by Danish authorities in 1925 was challenging, residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle, essential when supply ships arrive only once or twice per year. Ittoqqortoormiit is a town with a strong sense of community and traditional culture, hosting an excellent museum, a beautiful traditional church, and locals often welcome visitors wearing colorful traditional costumes. Remote, wild, yet brimming with beauty, Ittoqqortoormiit is the perfect introduction to the culture and lifestyle of Greenland.
Day 10 Scoresbysund
Venturing deep into the maze of fjords and islands that comprise Scoresbysund, it is easy to see why this region is spoken of with awe by even experienced explorers! The exact locations you’ll visit in Scoresbysund will be dictated by Mother Nature – this far north, all human activity is subject to wind, sea, and ice conditions. Options include the Bjørne Islands, a labyrinth of skerries which trap vast icebergs in their rocky net, the sweeping basalt mountains of Cape Brewster, and the abandoned remains of European and Inuit settlements. Wherever you visit in the depths of Scoresbysund, adventure is guaranteed!
Day 11 Blosseville Coast
The Ocean Albatros will sail south along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a rugged landscape shaped by volcanic activity around 50 million years ago. First surveyed by explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, this area has long been navigated by the Inuit. If conditions allow, you may land in this now-uninhabited region of breathtaking beauty.
Day 12 At Sea
During your time at sea approaching Reykjavik, relax and reflect on your thrilling Arctic adventure. Attend final lectures from the Expedition Team, relive your adventure at the voyage slideshow, and celebrate your voyage with new friends at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 13 Reykjavik, Iceland
Hallgrímskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik, a vibrant city known for Nordic cuisine, unique museums, and excellent shopping. Such a bustling capital may feel strange after the remote wilderness of the Arctic! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.