Hurtigruten Expeditions East Greenland and Svalbard - A True Arctic Expedition

17-day itinerary

Day 1: Cosmopolitan Reykjavik

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik will be the first destination on your captivating expedition cruise.  A city which boasts a rich variety of cultural, historical, and artistic context, Reykjavik is a place worth immersing yourself in.

Take a scenic walk along Laugavegur wits its charming boutiques and outdoor shops, or drop in at the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum – before you board the MS Maud ahead of your adventure.

Depending on how much time you have, there are pre-programme packages available to travellers who wish to experience the highlights of Reykjavik in greater depth.

Day 2: : Breathtaking Patreksfjörður

Experience the wondrous natural beauty of Europe’s most westerly village, Patreksfjörður. Being a village built on deep fishing traditions, learn about the history and background of this incredibly distinct part of Iceland, whilst also taking in the incredible views surrounding the area.

Explore the local region by participating in a planned hike through the visit, or alternatively visit Rauðasandur beach to witness the wide variety of wildlife in the area. The six combined falls of the Dynjandi waterfalls make up the largest and most remarkable waterfalls in the westfjords, and guided tours are available for travellers to fully immerse themselves in the magnificent scenery.

Bird enthusiasts’ are also in luck. Látrabjarg is home to a varied ecosystem of birdlife, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills live on Europe’s largest bird cliff.

Day 3: Relaxing day at sea

Take this opportunity to relax and reflect as the cruise journey’s on through the Arctic waters and towards Jan Mayen.

While on deck, keep a lookout for the elusive marine life on offer, whilst taking advantage of the onboard hot-tubs. Alternatively, listen to one of the interesting lectures from the onboard Expedition Team surrounding local history, geology, and Arctic wildlife, while Citizen Science projects are available for travellers to participate in.

Day 4: Volcanic Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a place of mystery and intrigue. A safe haven for a plethora of birdlife, your visit to Jan Mayen will be one of the few attempted landings to one of Earth’s most secluded places.

Being the world’s northernmost volcano and having its last eruption in 1985, Jan Mayen’s surreal moss-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone, displaying a constant reminder of its hazardous past.

The island is crucially significant in supporting birdlife, with large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks patrolling the skies above. There is also an abundance of marine life in the area, as whales and seals can be spotted in the nearby waters.

Day 5: Another day at sea

Take time to disconnect from the modern world as the cruise sails deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of being at sea. Enjoy a workout in the onboard gym facilities, or kick back in the explorer lounge and bar with a refreshing drink.

As ever, gather more insights about the Arctic Islands by speaking to the Expedition Team, leaning on their wealth of knowledge to prepare yourself for the visit to Svalbard.

Day 6-9: Stunning Svalbard

Sailing south towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, you will enter one of Svalbard’s most stunning fjords, Hornsund. The sheer contrast between the vibrant vegetation and the looming mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop as you make your way along the idyllic waterway, with the decking onboard the MS Maud being an ideal vantage point to spot seals and whales, along with Mount Hornsundtind.

Little Auk colonies fertilise the small patches of green land in this remote region, attracting flocks of Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes as a result. You will then be journeying north in the evening, past the beautiful Bellsund towards Isfjorden.

Isfjords abundant fjord system will be the next stop on MS Maud’s Svalbard visit.  Here, travellers will witness immense, glacier carved valleys teeming with thriving wildlife, vegetation and human history. The last planned destination in the Svalbard region is Ny Alesund, known as being the world’s northernmost settlement in the world, with withis area also being the starting point for many famous Arctic expeditions.

Day 10-11: Crossing the Greenland sea

As the cruise journey’s on following the amazing experiences in Svalbard, the onboard Expedition Team will take you through the AECO regulations to ensure that operations and landings are carried out safely and respectfully in the fragile Greenland environment. Make sure you set aside time to attend these meetings if you wish to join the planned landings ahead.

Just as importantly, take advantage of the excellent facilities, including sumptuous restaurants, an onboard gym, and sauna and pool areas.

Day 12-14: Scoresby Sund Fjord System

Over the next days you will be exploring the vast wilderness of the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sund. Sailing calmly against the backdrop of looming mountains, crystal blue waters and glistening icebergs, you’ll be seeking out the elusive wildlife in the area, including whales and Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. With the Expedition team continually being guided by the ever-changing conditions, they’ll try to pack in as many landings, nature walks, kayaking trips, and wildlife sightings as possible.

You will also be visiting the most remotely inhabited community in the Western hemisphere, Ittoqqortoormiit. Depending on the conditions, you’ll be sailing towards the sea ice-edge to scan for wildlife.

As ever, there are many Citizen Science projects for travellers to participate in, should they want to do their bit for the environment.

Day 15: Community Visit

Following the expedition to the world’s largest fjord system, you will also be visiting the most remotely inhabited community in the Western hemisphere, Ittoqqortoormiit. Being the only permanent settlement in the region, Ittoqqortoormiit is located on an Arctic Peninsula which is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year.

The town was founded in 1925 and was primarily used during these times as a hub for fishing and hunting, with the locals still maintaining these cultural legacies to this day. Fewer than 500 people live in this isolated town, and they’ll be delighted to give you a warm welcome during your visit.

Day 16: Sailing back to Iceland

As you leave behind the serene and ethereal beauty of Greenland and Svalbard, you are bound to feel invigorated and more in tune with nature. While onboard, continue to scan for seabirds and whales who often enjoy following ships as they journey onwards, whilst also continuing to immerse yourself in the wondrous scenery.

Spend time recapping your favourite memories of the trip with your fellow travellers, gain more insights from the Expedition Team, and visit the Science Centre to learn more about the delicate of Greenland’s Fjord System, and what needs to be done to help preserve it.

Day 17: Reykjavik and beyond

Bid farewell to the MS Maud as you complete your Greenland and Svalbard expedition cruise in the fascinating city of Reykjavik. Miss any sights when you first arrived? This is the best opportunity to experience more of what the city has to offer.

Immerse yourself in more of the Icelandic culture by visiting a geothermal pool or a ‘heittur pottur’, translating to a ‘hot-pot’. Still feel as though you haven’t quenched your desire to fully experience Iceland’s natural beauty? If so, be sure to visit the ‘Blue Lagoon’, often regarded as one of the true natural wonders of the world with the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.

Guests will also have the option to join one of the post-programme packages to explore more of the joys of Iceland.

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte Restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities
• Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported.
• *House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Centre, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science programme where you can assist with live scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, indoor and outdoor gym
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

What’s not included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

MS Maud