From Lerwick, Shetland and Faroe Islands via Jan Mayen to Svalbard. Early summer's cruise from the green islands of Scotland and North Atlantic to the Arctic islands of Jan Mayen and Svalbard. Sail together with the migrating birds, and hopefully, spot polar bears hunting from the sea ice. The cruise starts in Aberdeen on the Scottish East Coast. Embark the comfortable Ocean Albatros. Our first stop is the cozy capital village Lerwick on “main” Shetland, then we venture further north to Tórshavn on the Faroe Islands. After a day at sea spotting for seabirds and whales, reach the enigmatic and isolated island of Jan Mayen. We travel north with the spring until we reach the snow-covered mountains of Svalbard. Spot the iconic polar bear on the ice and make Zodiac cruises in the vicinity of Edgeøya. Venture into the dramatic fjords of Kongsfjorden and Ny Ålesund, to Smeerenburg and hopefully as far as Yttre Norskøya before we reach Longyearbyen.
Highlights
View unique Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walrus, and reindeer
Visit the spectacular glacier fronts and steepwalled fjords of Spitsbergen
Visit Smeerenburg, the legendary whaling town of 17th century
The journey begins in Aberdeen in North East Scotland, where MV Ocean Albatros is located by a dock in the Dee River. Board the ship in the afternoon, where the cabins are designated. After the mandatory security review and drill, the ship sails out through the mouth of the Dee River towards the North Sea.
Ocean Albatros approaches Lerwich near the "Main Land" of Shetlands in the morning, and after breakfast, say your farewell to the ship and its crew.
The island of Shetland consists of more than 100 islands and shores, of which only 15 are inhabited year-round. The islands form the northernmost part of the British kingdom, located approximately 300 km north of the mainland of Scotland. This "central" location in the North Atlantic has through the ages led many seas to the islands, and the Scandinavian heritage still shines through dialects, folklore and place names.
In the morning, it is possible to take a short bus ride out on the main island (not included in the travel price). You must include a visit to Clickimin Broch, a unique example of the architecture of the Bronze and Iron Age. We’ll also look at Fort Charlotte more closely, built in 1665 - enjoy the great view of the old city from its fortress.
Afterward, return to Lerwich and the ship in the middle of the day. The rest of the day is for enjoying leisure before departing in the afternoon.
After breakfast, arrive at Tórshavn, possibly the smallest capital in the world, ruling the scattered 18 islands that make up the Faroes. Centered around the charming grass-roofed Parliament on Tinganes, Tórshavn is now an almost bustling modern city with shops, cafés, and even three traffic lights!
By midmorning, you can participate in an optional bus excursion where you can look a bit back in history. Drive out of the capital and over the mountains to the south. As the climate on Faroe Island is ‘stable unstable’ it is not unlikely that you can drive through the cloud base and experience some fog on the way. But if you wait a moment, it also not unlikely that it is clear up. Arrive in Kirkjubøur, the most important historical site on the islands. Kirkjubøur was in medieval times the Episcopal center of the Faroe Islands, and also its undisputed cultural center. Visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral that perhaps never was completed, and the St. Olav church – the only remaining medieval church on the Faroe Islands. Upon the return to ‘Havn’ – as Tórshavn is often just called – you can go for a leisurely stroll through the old citadel near the harbor. A visit to the Art Museum and the Nordic House is also very recommendable.
(The excursion is part of the excursion package and is not included in the price of the trip).
The sailing northwards towards Jan Mayen is probably go through Vestmanna Sound, along the west-facing shore of Streymoy and the south side of Mykines. But the route depends on winds, sea, and comfort. Spend day number 6 at sea and enjoy the ship’s many facilities.
Listen to a lecture from an experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature – or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
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 meters. The island is inhabited by only 18 persons, running the meteorological station and the Norwegian Defence.
You can 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.
After a pleasant stroll on the narrow isthmus, board the Zodiacs and Ocean Atlantic to continue the voyage north.
Our first landing will be at Ny Ålesund. This settlement is in fact further north than Longyearbyen, making it the northernmost town. But is a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours a real town? You will have to judge for yourself. The setting is nice, the scientific projects are very interesting, and so is the town history. The Captain will try to get berthed alongside the pier, so we can enjoy an easy walk through the area.
Continuing our exploration of Kongsfjorden, Ocean Atlantic will anchor behind Blomstrand Peninsula. As we will immediately see, the name is a bit misleading. Blomstrand is now an island - the Blomstrand Glacier has receded, revealing a shallow water strait. We will cruise through this on our Zodiacs and make a landing on the island.
North West Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a Zodiac 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 17th century.
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.
During the night we have entered Forlandssundet, that separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Our destination is Poole-pynten (Poolepoint), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk.
After the visit, we are southbound towards the entrance to the Icefjord.
Day 10: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Early in the morning, the ship has returned to the starting point in Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembarkation takes place. A transfer is arranged to the airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,290
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Category G
Single Stateroom (Porthole) 14 m2. Standard single Stateroom on board, located on deck 3.
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Category H
Single Balcony Stateroom 24 m2. Located on Decks 4 & 6. They have a private balcony, a double bed, a bathroom, and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
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Category F
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) 22 m2. There are four Triple Staterooms featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3.
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Category E
French Balcony Suite 16 m2. A standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathroom. Located on Deck 7.
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Category D
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) 22 m2. All have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
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Category C
Balcony Stateroom 24 m2. Located on decks 4 & 6. They have a private balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
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Category B2
Balcony Suite 28 m2. Located on decks 4 & 6. 4 suites that feature double or twin beds a seating area, bathroom, and a private balcony. Include VIP services
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Category B1
Balcony Suite 35 m2. 2 suites onboard located on deck 4. The suites feature double or twin beds a seating area, a bathroom, and a large private balcony. Include VIP services
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Category A
Junior suite 42 m2. 4 suites with a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. Featuring a double bed or twin beds, a sofa bed, a spacious bathroom, and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people. Include VIP services
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Premium Suite
Premium suite 45 m2. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, a private balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4. Include VIP services
Notes
NCLUSIONS
10-day/9-night cruise in a shared outside double stateroom with private bathroom/toilet
Chartered domestic flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
English-speaking guides
Zodiac landings
Near-port town walks with expedition team
Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
Full board on the ship
Free coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship
Airport transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen
Taxes, tariffs and AECO fees
Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
Special photo workshop
Welcome and farewell cocktails
Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
EXCLUSIONS
International flights to Aberdeen/from Oslo
Hotel accommodation before/after the voyage.
Travel insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Single room supplement.
Meals not on board the ship.
Beverages (other than coffee and tea).
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day).
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
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