Experience one of the finest Arctic Ocean cruises, beginning in the Dutch port of Vlissingen and taking you through pristine Arctic waters to spectacular destinations.
This Arctic expedition includes an Aberdeen cruise component, allowing you to explore Scotland’s historic “Granite City” with its rich culture. Our Arctic cruise then continues to Fair Isle, renowned for its traditional knitwear and vibrant birdlife, before heading to Jan Mayen’s volcanic landscapes. Watch as whales breach the surface, seals glide through icy waters, and thousands of seabirds soar overhead on this remarkable Arctic ocean cruise.
Experience close encounters with white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and diverse seabirds as your Arctic cruise crosses the North Sea to historic Aberdeen.
Step onto Fair Isle’s remote shores during your Arctic expedition, where traditional knitwear meets extraordinary birdlife in a perfect blend of culture and nature.
Your Arctic Ocean cruise takes you to Jan Mayen’s dramatic volcanic terrain, where unique geological features and abundant marine life create an unforgettable experience.
Keep watch for magnificent Arctic species throughout your Spitsbergen cruises – from minke, fin, and blue whales to grey seals and countless seabird species.
Your cruise to Spitsbergen includes sailing to the Arctic ice edge, where you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity of this Arctic jewel.
This Arctic Ocean cruise offers an extraordinary chance to experience the untouched Arctic wilderness and its surrounding waters, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Arctic Ocean cruises provide perfect opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Join us for an extraordinary voyage to discover the pristine wonders of the Arctic!
Set sail on an exciting Arctic Ocean cruise from Vlissingen, exploring the land, sea, and sky in search of whales and other incredible Arctic wildlife. Experience breathtaking landscapes and encounters with diverse species as you journey to our favorite island group in the far north.
We will have at least one dedicated expedition guide in our team who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph on deck and learn more about the birds that we see. In addition to outdoor sessions, our guide will focus on species and related information on the birds of the Arctic in re-caps and lectures onboard.
Crossing the North Sea and sailing by Doggersbank, we hope to be lucky enough to spot such species as white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, and orcas.
Passengers who boarded in Vlissingen will be offered an excursion by bus to Fowlsheugh, a seabird cliff south of Aberdeen. Over 100,000 pairs of seabird of different species can be seen here. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the Ythan Estuary, where the beaches are teeming with harbor seals, grey seals, and birds that keep to the shorelines. Both outings are included in the price of booking.
We plan to stay the day on Fair Isle, an island in the Shetlands whose seventy-odd inhabitants are known for their beautiful knitwear. This is a fantastic location with accessible seabird breeding grounds, and you may even spot grey seals.
You sail north to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, 300 nautical miles northeast of Iceland. Your two days at sea do not pass idly, however. Keep a close lookout for any spouts of water from the surrounding seas, heralding the arrival of a minke, fin, orca, or blue whale.
Jan Mayen is a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 2,300-meter-high (7,545 feet) volcano, broken glaciers grasp out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape.
Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of west Spitsbergen. Here you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and – near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords – surfacing minke whales.
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. But if you’re still craving additional chances to spot the Arctic’s most iconic apex predator, stay on board for our seven-night North Spitsbergen Explorer – Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife voyage.
Mandatory Insurance: Travelers are required to secure comprehensive insurance that encompasses medical expenses, accident coverage, and provisions for potential repatriation or emergency evacuation.
Recommended Insurance: We strongly advise obtaining cancellation insurance to provide an additional layer of financial protection and peace of mind during your travels.
Prohibited: Drone operation is categorically forbidden throughout the entire expedition without exception.
Welcome aboard our pioneering Polar Class 6 expedition vessel, setting new benchmarks in Arctic exploration. Built to exceed Lloyd’s Register’s most stringent standards for ice-strengthened ships and surpassing International Maritime Organization’s Polar Code requirements, this state-of-the-art vessel combines unparalleled safety with the flexibility to navigate the world’s most challenging polar waters.
Passenger Capacity and Comfort:
Engineering Excellence:
Environmentally Friendly Design:
Exploratory Capabilities:
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Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime Arctic Ocean cruise! Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Arctic, from its rugged islands to its diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply in search of an unforgettable voyage, this expedition promises to exceed your expectations. Secure your spot on this remarkable journey and embark on an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Take the first step toward your Arctic adventure
The optimal season for Arctic cruises runs from May through September, offering continuous daylight and prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Our Svalbard Arctic cruise explores numerous locations, including Raudfjord, Monaco Glacier, and the Seven Islands. Each destination offers unique wildlife encounters and spectacular landscapes.
To get the most up-to-date details on which routes are planned and the most spectacular landing locations, reach out to our knowledgeable team at Svalbard Experts.
Be sure to include a weatherproof jacket and trousers, multiple thermal base layers, UV-blocking glasses, well-insulated gloves, a cozy cap, and thermal socks. Prior to departure, you’ll receive a comprehensive inventory of suggested items to pack.
If you’re looking to extend your stay in Svalbard, book a local hotel and make the most of your time with these activities:
These activities will perfectly complement your Arctic cruise adventure.
Yes, early booking is strongly recommended for Arctic cruises due to limited capacity and high demand. This ensures optimal cabin selection and activity availability.
Keep an eye out for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, seals, various whale species (like minke, blue, and orcas), as well as seabirds such as puffins and guillemots.
Our cruises adhere to stringent environmental standards. Our vessels are equipped with sustainable technologies, such as LED lighting, efficient power systems, and biodegradable materials, to reduce environmental impact.
A moderate fitness level is advised. Optional activities such as Zodiac excursions and guided hikes are available, and the crew ensures accessibility for everyone.
Of course, we assist with travel arrangements! We can help with booking hotels, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise activities to ensure your trip is hassle-free.
