Arctic Island Odyssey—Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland

After flying from Oslo, begin your Arctic journey with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world.

This colorful frontier outpost, where snowmobiles outnumber people, offers a rare glimpse into life on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If time permits, take a stroll through town before unwinding for the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, set out to explore Longyearbyen. This compact town is ideal for walking—stroll along the main street and you may spot Svalbard reindeer wandering by. Though wild, they’re known to be calm and inquisitive.

Before boarding your ship in the afternoon to continue your Arctic journey, take part in an included excursion for a closer look at this polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world. For those seeking a deeper experience, an optional pre program is also available.

Today, discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and one of the northernmost settlements in the world, strategically located at the entry into beautiful Kongsfjord.  

The coal deposits were claimed in 1909 and exploitation started shortly after, supported by investors from the Norwegian town of Ålesund, hence the name of Ny-Ålesund. After operations ceased in 1962, the town was abandoned until polar scientists realized it would be a fantastic base for all kinds of Arctic research.  

Now an international hub for global science and climate research, including China’s Yellow River station, you can still see remnants of the town’s history, closely connected to Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. 

Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means you must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  

As you sail into the Greenland Sea on your way to the world’s largest island, it’s time to relax, find your sea legs and get acquainted with the onboard facilities.

The Expedition Team will give talks about your upcoming adventure and explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and Indigenous Arctic communities. In the lecture hall, you can find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the stunning fjords of Scoresby Sund.

If you’re feeling active, head to the gym and work out with a view. On the other hand, you could try out the sauna, relax in a hot tub, indulge yourself at the onboard eateries or just find a quiet corner to read a book with a hot drink. Love science? Then join one of the onboard Citizen Science projects, a fun and engaging way to contribute to global research.

Spend the next eight days exploring Greenland’s remote and pristine east coast. Extending for over 1,740 miles from north to south, this long stretch of coast is cold, isolated, and remote even by Greenlandic standards. The south-flowing East Greenland Current brings lots of sea ice directly from the Arctic Ocean, challenging human settlement but creating a heaven for ice-dependent wildlife, including the polar bear.  

Local weather and ice conditions will dictate your exact route, but the plan is to sail first to Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. You can feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged region with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains. If conditions permit, visit Ittoqqortoormiit – the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere.

Should the sea ice be favorable, continue your journey north to the beautiful Northeast Greenland National Park – the world’s largest national park. Visiting this fragile Arctic wilderness is a rare privilege as only a few visitors are permitted here each year.

Apart from old trapper huts, some science research stations, and a military outpost, there are very few traces of human life in this 375,000 square mile park. Be assured that this is one of the quietest places on Earth, and enjoy a feeling of great peace as you explore this beautiful wilderness.

As this is an expedition cruise, the Captain and Expedition Team will guide you to the most favorable spots on a day-by-day basis. The goal will be to pack in as many shore landings, small boat cruises, nature walks, kayaking adventures and wildlife sightings as possible.

After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, set your course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with your new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow your ship and keep an eye out for whales.

East Greenland’s beauty is sure to have left its mark on you, so reflect on what you’ve seen – from the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice.

You say a fond farewell to MS Fram as you end your expedition cruise in the lovely city of Reykjavík. With its interesting museums, stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Iceland’s capital.