Set sail on the Arctic Ocean – Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding, an 8-night voyage that carries you from Akureyri in Iceland to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen, tracing the wild margins of sea ice and visiting remote volcanic islands where seabirds fill the skies.
You begin among Iceland’s fjords and cliffs, crossing the Arctic Circle as you head north. Soon you reach Jan Mayen—its flagship volcano Mt. Beerenberg looms. Here, seabirds such as fulmars and puffins cling to lava slopes, glaciers tumble to the sea, and the air tastes of wind and ancient rock.
From Jan Mayen you follow the edge of the drifting ice, keeping eyes peeled for whales, seals, and polar bears. Then the ship pushes toward Spitsbergen: jagged fjords, nesting cliffs alive with birds, reindeer crossing tundra, and ice-floes shimmering under endless daylight.
Each day is rich in birdlife (you’ll have expert guides to help you identify and photograph them), wildlife encounters, and the kind of Arctic landscapes that linger in memory. The ship uses Zodiacs to explore up close, making landings where permitted.
Not sure if this is your perfect northern route? Explore our Destination Arctic overview for guidance on timing, routes, expedition styles, pricing, and how North South Voyages can help you pick your ideal polar journey.
Want more adventure? Extend your voyage with unbelievable pre- or post-cruise escapes through Mexico, Panama, or the legendary Cuba. Check out North South Journeys to turn this trip into something truly epic.
