Arctic : Spitsbergen to East Greenland Cruise

Day 1 Embarkation: Longyearbyen
At approx. 2,075 inhabitants, Longyearbyen is the largest community in the Svalbard Islands. Embarkation is in the early afternoon.

Days 2–3 Exploring Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest of the Svalbard Islands, an Arctic archipelago that is part of Norway. Anticipate visits to the 14th of July Glacier, the settlement of Ny Alesund and Monaco Glacier. Sightings of Arctic Terns, Arctic Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls are possible, as well as walrus and polar bears. 

Days 4-5 Greenland Sea
While sailing the historic Greenland Sea you'll learn about the Arctic's wildlife and history. On deck you'll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, watch a movie - there are many things to do at sea.

Days 6-10 Eastern Greenland
During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bear. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives on the east coast of Greenland. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

Days 11-12: At Sea in the Denmark Strait
Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland's mysterious eastern shore. Your onboard Expedition Team keeps you informed and entertained with presentations about the area’s wildlife.

Day 13 Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of puffins on one of the outlying islands.

Day 14 Reykjavik & Disembarkation
The expedition disembarks in the bustling capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. 

The 14-day M/S Expedition voyage is a similar variation to the above, outline itinerary as follows:

Day 1 Embark Longyearbyen
Days 2-3 Exploring Spitsbergen
Days 4-5 Greenland Sea
Days 6-11 North-East Greenland & Scoresbysund Fjord
Days 12-13 Denmark Sea
Day 14 Disembark Reykjavik

The 15-day Akademik Sergey Vavilov voyage operates in reverse to the above, outline itinerary as follows:

Day 1  Reykjavik, Iceland - overnight accommodation included
Day 2  Embarkation Day
Day 3 Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Day 4-5 Denmark Strait
Days 6-10 Eastern Greenland
Days 11-12 Greenland Sea
Days 13-14 Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 15 Disembark Longyearbyen, Svalbard 

Please note that all voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only - embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!