Iceland to Svalbard: Ocean Albatros

North Atlantic

Embark at Reykjavik for a spectacular voyage towards the high Arctic. Along our way, land at an incredible three Arctic islands: Iceland (Grimsey), Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen. Our first days will take us by the ragged cliffs of the Icelandic western and northern coasts. From here, we hope to make a call on the enigmatic volcano of Jan Mayen before we make landfall at the glaciated islands of Svalbard. The air is filled with migrating birds – and the sun never sets. We will scout for sea mammals and even seal-hunting polar bears on the pack ice

  • Iceland’s West Coast With Snaefellness
  • Northern Iceland's Rugged Coast
  • Siglufjordur And The Arctic Circle At Grimsey
  • Jan Mayen, At The Foot Of The 2200 Metre Beerenberg Volcano
  • Ny Ålesund And Ny London
  • Former Whaling Station At Smeerensburg And Ytre Norskøya
The spring and early summer allows us to enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this high Arctic adventure voyage among whales, walruses and millions of sea birds. There are few wilder, more magnificent and untouched places than the Arctic Islands of the North Atlantic! And few ships better suited than Ocean Albatros for such a voyage.

30% early booking offer*

*Sale excludes Categories F and D. Offer ends on 30 November 2023.

Stewart's Take

Magnificent scenery on some of the northernmost islands of the planet

Overview

Embark at Reykjavik for a spectacular voyage towards the high Arctic. Along our way, land at an incredible three Arctic islands: Iceland (Grimsey), Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen. Our first days will take us by the ragged cliffs of the Icelandic western and northern coasts. From here, we hope to make a call on the enigmatic volcano of Jan Mayen before we make landfall at the glaciated islands of Svalbard. The air is filled with migrating birds – and the sun never sets. We will scout for sea mammals and even seal-hunting polar bears on the pack ice.
DAY 1 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND. WE EMBARK THE OCEAN ALBATROS. Our journey begins in Iceland where MV Ocean Albatros is moored in Reykjavik. Boarding is in the afternoon, where the cabins are designated. After the mandatory security review and drill, we set our course north towards Iceland's west coast. DAY 2 ICELAND, THE WEST COAST. POSSIBLE LANDINGS AROUND SNAEFELLNESS WITH ZODIAC BOATS In the morning, we sail along the 100-kilometre long peninsula Snaefellsnes, which with its dramatic cliff coast, hardened lava floods, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, is a picture of Iceland in mini-format. We round the nest on the peninsula and can enjoy the view of the nearly 1,500-metre-high snow-covered volcano, Snæfellsjökull, which was the centre of Jules Verne's novel, "The Journey To The Center Of The Earth". The volcano with the almost perfect cone shape and the surrounding area became in 2001 the Snæfellsjökull National Park. We will attempt a landing at Snaefellsnes. In the afternoon we will pass Iceland’s westernmost point and the huge bird cliffs of Latraberg. DAY 3 ICELAND, THE WEST FJORDS. NORTHWEST ICELAND'S RUGGED COAST WITH ISAFJORDUR. In the morning, we sail around Iceland's rugged West Fjords, possibly into Isafjardardjúp to enjoy the view of the steep mountains and see the terrific aerobatics of the Arctic terns. During the day as we leave Isafjardardjúp and sail towards the West Fjords, which always offer one unforgettable experience after another. We finish the day sailing along the coast of Hornstrandir, the northernmost part of the West Fjords. From here, there are only 300 kilometres to the eastern coast of Greenland. In 1975, the area was converted into nature reserves, and currently has some of the strictest rules to protect the peculiar and fragile nature. Along the coast, there are good opportunities to see whales and seals, and the mountainside is alive with the rich bird life. We continue as we pass Hornvik Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, where we can see two of the largest bird cliffs in Europe where millions of seabirds breed. We continue along the northern coast towards Siglufjordur and Grimsey. DAY 4 ICELAND, GRIMSEY. SIGLUFJORDUR AND CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE AT GRIMSEY In the afternoon, we will have arrived at the island of Grimsey, which is located about 40 kilometres from the mainland and is the only part of Iceland with an Arctic designation. The Polar circle crosses the island at 66 ° 33 'N, and gives the island one full day of 24-hour sunlight every year in June. Over 100 inhabitants reside in the little rocky island, all living close to the harbour in the only city on the island. The fishing banks in the surrounding seas make the economy flourish, the port is expanded, and there is a small airport with daily flights to the mainland and a school for the children. The island has been inhabited right back from the settlement of Iceland and is mentioned in the sagas as an important land, rich in fish and birds. The seabirds far exceed the number of inhabitants on Grímsey, and bird cries can be heard 24 hours a day over the bright Arctic summer. Up to 36 different species breed on the island and have their nests on the rocks. One of Iceland's largest tern colonies is here, and it is said that the runway must be cleared for terns before the aircraft can land. We’ll attempt landing by Zodiacs to experience the local life and explore the island's bird life. DAY 5  AT SEA. ENJOY LECTURES ONBOARD EN ROUTE TO JAN MAYEN ISLAND During our voyage, our lecturers onboard will make inspiring and enriching presentations about Arctic history and nature, wildlife and climatology. DAY 6 ATTEMPTED SHORE LANDING BY ZODIACS ON JAN MAYEN, AT THE FOOT OF THE 2200 METRE BEERENBERG VOLCANO Approximately in the middle of the North Atlantic lies the enigmatic volcanic island of Jan Mayen. And if not exactly in the middle, at least it is located precisely on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the reason for its volcanic existence. And enigmatic it is, not only because of its isolation but also due to the almost perpetual clouds and fog that hovers above it. Jan Mayen belongs to Norway, and the mountain, Beerenberg is one of the higher of Norway’s 300 summits above 2,000 metres. The island is inhabited by only 18 persons, running the meteorological station and the Norwegian Defense. We will try to go ashore at the narrowest part of the island, from either south or north, depending on the prevailing wind and surf. The volcanic origin is visible all over with cinder cones, lava flows and the Mount Fuji-like appearance of Beerenberg looming above. DAY 7 AT THE SEA TOWARDS SVALBARD LOOKING FOR SEABIRDS, DOLPHINS AND WHALES Listen to a lecture from our experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature, or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales. DAY 8 SVALBARD IN SIGHT, IN SEARCH FOR WHALES. We are getting closer towards the islands of Svalbard, but we will first spend some time southwest of the islands - around the continental shelf. This area is rich in krill and gives us the best chance of spotting whales feasting. During the night the ship will sail north along the coast of Spitsbergen. DAY 9 NY ÅLESUND AND NY LONDON We enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord, renowned for its former mining settlement and captivating beauty. Our first destination is Ny Ålesund - a scientific research centre situated even further north than Longyearbyen, though it can be argued whether this constitutes an actual town. Our captain will do their best to bring the boat close to the shore, allowing us to explore the area on foot. Our next destination is the abandoned marble mining settlement of Ny London. It experienced a brief but eventful existence, beginning in a flurry of mining activity reminiscent of the Klondike Gold Rush before being crippled by wars and financial losses just nine years later. We can still see the remains of workshops, locomotives, and cranes that tell the story of the ambitious yet failed enterprise. DAY 10 FORMER WHALING STATION AT SMEERENSBURG AND YTRE NORSKØYA We have now entered North West Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a cruise in Danskergattet, looking for seals in Virgohamna, before crossing from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya to make a landing at Smeerenburg, the legendary whaling town of the 17th century. 200-plus men were living – and quite often dying – here in the heyday of blubber production. There are several interesting places to visit in this northwestern corner of Spitsbergen. If conditions allow, we’ll make a landing on Ytre Norskøya, where whalers would have their lookout posts. DAY 11 ISFJORDEN AND LONGYEARBYEN Located on the west side of Spitsbergen, Isfjorden is the second-longest fjord of the Norwegian archipelago, Svalbard. At the fjord entrance stand Alkhornet and Daudmannsøyra, a coastal plain. Parts of Isfjorden is included in the Nordre Isfjorden Land National Park of Norway. It is surrounded by several large settlements in Svalbard, including Barentsburg, Longyearbyen (on the Adventfjorden) and Pyramiden. We aim to have a final landing along the coast, before we navigate towards Longyearbyen. We might land at Longyearbyen by evening. Remnants of former mining stations can be seen along the way. DAY 12 LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN. DISEMBARKATION Early in the morning, the ship is at anchor outside Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembarkation will take place.

M/V OCEAN ALBATROS

Ocean Victory

The brand-new luxury infinity vessel Ocean Albatros is one of the most modern small ship vessels in the world. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited to small-ship expeditions, with a total of 93 comfortable cabins for guests, all with a view of the ocean, 90% with a balcony, even a suite with a French balcony! Ocean Albatros is deployed and dedicated to varied Arctic polar voyages. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-BOW® – Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification, which facilitates a safe return to port. 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. Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • 12-day/11-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double stateroom with a private bathroom in the category chosen
  • Flight: Longyearbyen-Oslo
  • Local transport in Longyearbyen on day 12
  • English-speaking expedition staff
  • Near-port walks with the expedition team
  • Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
  • Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Full board on the ship
  • Dinner drink package
  • Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Excluded
  • International flight to Aberdeen
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transfer to the ship in Reykjavik
  • Travel, cancellation, and senior insurance
  • Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received from time of booking to 91 days prior to departure 20 % of the total cruise tariff. From 90 days until departure: 100% of the total cruise tariff. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Albatros Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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