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Arctic puffins

Venturing Through North Atlantic

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Atlantic
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From the green islands of Scotland and the North Atlantic to Iceland, this 6-day early-summer adventure rewards us with almost 24 hours of daylight and matchless seascapes. Migrating birds, dolphins, and whales are only some of the sights you can expect to see on this expedition. Embark on the Ocean Atlantic in Aberdeen, on Scotland's east coast, and set sail for the Orkney islands. Stop in Kirkwall, and explore the sandstone cliffs and neolithic ruins the archipelago is known for. Next sail to the Faroe Islands, sighting sea birds and whales along the way. Explore Heimaey, the largest of the Westman islands, before continuing on to end your journey in Reykjavik, Iceland. 
Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.Whale Watching off the coast of Reykjavik in IcelandView of Reykjavik from the Church TowerHallgrimskirkja Church in ReykjavikStreet view of old town ReykjavikRing Of Brodgar, OrkneyArctic puffins
Highlights
  • Learn about the rich history of Orkney Island
  • Experience the ever-changing climate in Faroe Island
  • Visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral and the St. Olav church
  • Discover the recently excavated houses from the 1973 eruption in Heimaey
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Aberdeen, Scotland | Embark

The journey begins in Aberdeen in North East Scotland, where MV Ocean Atlantic is moored. Board the ship in the afternoon, settle in to your cabin, then sail out through the mouth of the Dee River towards the North Sea. 

Day 2: Orkney Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail out into the waters between Outer and the Inner Hebrides at night, and in the early morning, reach the town of Kirkwall on the windy Orkney off the mainland of Scotland. Orkney is old Norse for the "seal islands", and, like the other North Atlantic islands, Orkney has a rich Viking history. But history goes even further back to one of the oldest European civilizations.  

Skara Brae, Northern Europe's Pompeii, was hidden for almost 5,000 years before a massive storm revealed the ancient settlement. The 10-room homes are almost ready for moving into, fully furnished and with sanitation - all made in stone. After arriving at Kirkwall there is a bus ride to visit Skara Brae on a short excursion. Back in Kirkwall, visit Highland Park, considered by many to be the world's best distillers. On four occasions, the golden drops from Highland have been voted the world's best. It is also Scotland's northernmost whiskey. 

 

Day 3: Faroe Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 try to 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 to drive through the cloud base and experience some fog on the way. But if you wait a moment, it also not unlikely that it clears 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 your 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. 
 

Day 4: On the Sea towards West Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Listen to a lecture from the 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 5: Westman Islands | Surtsey | Heimaey

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Westman Islands were on the headlines of the world press in January 1973, when a volcano erupted in the Heimaey island. All 5,000 inhabitants evacuated, but most have now returned, and today the population is about 4,000. The Westman Islands are only 14 kilometers off the southwest coast of Iceland and consist of 15 green small islands and about 30 moorings. 

When you go sailing, you can see the islands' steep and grateful profiles in clear weather from a long distance. They are beautifully raised by the sea and looking at them, one understands why an Icelandic poet would compare them with the sapphires in a silver ring. 

The birdlife on these edges is unique and hosts, among other natural beauties, puffins and not least the "Queen of the Sea", the gannet. 

Start the day by passing close to one of the world's newest islands, Surtsey. The island rose from the sea in 1963 and arrived in 2008 on UNESCO's list of world natural heritage sites. The island is closed to the public and only researchers are allowed. 

In the morning, head to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago where you can see the recently excavated houses from the 1973 eruption.  

Day 6: Reykjavík, Iceland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of Reykjavik. It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the homeward journey or extend your journey with days in Iceland. 

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Atlantic

Theater
Coffee Lounge
Mudroom

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Category G
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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category F
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category E
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category D
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category C
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category B
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
Category A
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Premium Suite
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).

Notes

Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages. 
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more.
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
  • Parkas and Boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings
  • Special photo workshop
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'inclusions'
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance of at least $200,000 per passenger is required. Please bring a copy of your insurance onboard.
  • Excursion package, including bus tour to Skara Brae on Orkney and to Kirkjubøur in Faroe Islands.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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