Crossing the Arctic Circle

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. We've arranged pre-cruise hotel accommodations for you to relax and explore this city rich in history and culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, marveling at the blend of medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. Don't miss the majestic Edinburgh Castle that stands proudly above the city.

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at your leisure, exploring the charming streets of Edinburgh. In the afternoon, we'll transfer you from the hotel to the ship at the nearby Port of Leith. Before dinner, take some time to explore the Sea Spirit, your floating home for the next few days.

Today, we explore Kirkwall, the capital of the remote and fascinating Orkney archipelago. Discover the town's rich heritage, including the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. Our tour 'Ancient treasures of Orkney with St Magnus Cathedral' will take you through the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, a World Heritage Site. Visit the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years, and the ancient village of Skara Brae.

Welcome to Fair Isle, a paradise for birdwatchers. This lush island is home to a vast number of birds that inhabit its grasslands and spectacular cliffs. As we walk across the island, keep an eye out for northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas.

Today, we explore Tórshavn, the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands. This unique city is a blend of history and modernity, where picturesque old turfed houses stand alongside modern buildings. The Faroe Islands, designated as 'authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so' by National Geographic Traveler, offer unforgettable sceneries with deep-green hills, bright blue sea, and colorful houses and boats.

Spend the day at sea, taking advantage of our onboard recreation facilities. Attend presentations and workshops by our expert staff, or enjoy seabird viewing and whale sightings from the panoramic open decks and exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Welcome to Jan Mayen, home to breathtaking landscapes and the northernmost subaerial active volcano on the planet, the Beerenberg. This wild and uninhabited island is home to a Norwegian weather station and a variety of birdlife, including northern fulmars, kittiwakes, and Brünich’s guillemots.

Spend the day at sea, preparing for our arrival in Svalbard. Attend lectures by our invited speakers to learn more about the unique Arctic wildlife and awesome landscapes of Svalbard.

Welcome to Svalbard, a true High Arctic wilderness. Our route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions. We'll take every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, discover incredible scenery, and walk in the footsteps of the historic polar expeditions. Expect to see polar bears, walrus, a variety of whales, and migratory birds. We'll also explore places rich with history, including the remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers' cabins, and an abandoned polar research station.

After breakfast, we say farewell in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard. We provide a transfer to the airport and a flight to Oslo. As the first emotions subside, you'll have time to reflect on your unforgettable Arctic experience and perhaps start planning your next polar adventure.